Dotted Bruin

Our camping trip to Dotted Bruin was quite an adventure. We picked the rainiest weekend of the summer, maybe the year. I've already described the hike on the muddy horse trail. The Wood Artist had us out looking for a natural phenomenon. The trail was almost non-existent. Just as we were looking for it a second time, a large group of men and boys came charging down the trail. They struck off through the woods right at the marker. We asked if we could follow them. They cordially agreed. It turned out that they were a group from a local church who were off having a guys' outing, middle school and up. I suddenly felt rather awkward to be the only female crashing the party. They teased me a little and I offered to withdraw if they wanted to skinny dip! They hooted and welcomed me on the adventure.

After careening down a steep mountainside through bushes and over logs, we came to a beautiful river. We had to wade, sometimes over our knees, for about 1/2 mile. The rocks were treacherously slippery and I worried about everyone. Mr. Blueberry Eyes grabbed the hand of one of the guys leading the pack (a complete stranger) and went on like a madman. (So much for unsocialized homeschoolers!)

When the leader crossed the river right above a 50 ft. water fall on slimy, slippery rocks with rushing water all around him, I protested that it was certain death! He didn't listen. I finally looked at his friend and said, "Oh, yah. This is why you don't bring women along!" He grinned knowingly. Then we had to clamber up a steep bank along a cliff, then slide down a long mud/rock slide (above). At last, this is the view that awaited us. It was stunning! Wow! Nature can really throw you some treats if you choose to go in search of them!

We headed back before our new friends. It started to rain on our way back. We were wet up to our thighs and the cold rain poured down on us. We tried to keep Mr. Blueberry Eyes spirits up by telling stories and singing. He really was quite a trooper. When we got back to our tent and changed into dry clothes, we dove into our sleeping bags to build up some body heat before venturing out to cook our dinner - chili'n'cheese over corn chips. - Nanette