Return to Cascades

We knew we wanted to make another trip to Cascades park, and that we wanted to do it before classes began. With the high only in the low 80s and almost no expectation for rain, we could not afford to wait for more perfect weather.

Miles was on his feet for more of the trip to the falls than he was last year.

He did pretty much shut down for the return trip, though. I would kind of like a second ergo carrier...

This year, like last year, I carried Adele. :-)

Another comparison shot: Here he is in the same spot last year.

Has he grown up or what?

Adele enjoyed the view on the way down. I couldn't see her too well, but I could hear her appreciative vocalizations and I could feel her enthusiastic leg pumping.

There was quite a lot of mesmerizing stuff to gaze upon,

...Miles not the least among them.

Just when you think you can't walk any further and are wondering why in God's name you did this with your Saturday, there it is. The mere sound and sight of it is nearly as refreshing as a nap.

The unfortunate thing about Cascades is, it's two miles there and back from the nearest bathroom. And it's a waterfall. So you really can't stick around too long if you have to go. I amused myself while sitting on the rock wondering how many of these people really had to pee, and how long they would all stay if there was a bathroom here.

I know I'd stay till dusk, absent other considerations.

Look at my fair little colleen.

I did bring her swimsuit, but didn't bring a towel, so there really wasn't a point in lugging another wet thing back with us. She got to be free and easy in a swim diaper.

Adele loved the sensations this afternoon offered her. Look how her skin just fluoresces, though!

Here is Adele last year:

And this year:

I think it's an improvement.

Miles and Papa got to do more exploring than I did. I was more than happy just to gaze at the two wonders, my crawling daughter and the roaring falls. White noise made by water is a haunting and restorative sound. It is like very loud silence. I've been getting to know Annie Dillard. Indulge me while I quote her?

"At a certain point you say, to the woods, to the mountains, the world, Now I am ready... You empty yourself and wait, listening. After a time you hear it: there is nothing there... This is it: this hum is the silence. Nature does utter a peep--just this one...There is a vibrancy to the silence...We are here to witness... That is why I take walks: to keep an eye on things."