Monday, September 22, 2008

Zapata Falls


   Following through with our invitation,  the house, including Mary Jo's visiting parents headed up to the Sand Dunes.  This time we stopped before the dunes at the Reserve.  This used to be a golf course, but has in the past years been the hub for the Sand Dunes park and mountain reserve.  There we viewed the native art, listened to local music,  and dinned on blue cheese and buffalo burgers.  (I know .. all I talk about is eating)
   We made a quick visit to the Sand Dunes - so the parentals could grasp the size of the dunes.  Then off we went to Zapata Falls.  I drove.  It was the slowest mile EVER.  Driving only 20 mph, gradually winding at a steep incline, I watched as the temperature of the vehicle rose.  Never fear, our trusty MVS van made it.  Once we reached the parking we began our own hike.   It was a short yet uphill climb to the falls.  Once there you feel as though your in a different climate.  Tank tops we quickly covered with long sleeves and sweatshirts.   
   To actually get to the falls themselves you have to hike up the stream into a cave.   The water was refreshingly ice cold.  A gentleman even commented on the lovely shade of red that my toes became.  The falls are unique because they come from a lake in the mountain and then trickle down into the cave, forming the falls.   
  
(This is Emmie and Kendra climbing upstream and attempting to stay out of the water)

 It was a great day for the hike and another beautiful site of the valley.   Slowly but surely I'm finding the valley's beauties and attractions. 

   Love.  

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

thanks for the great pictures

Alli said...

I love reading your blog! And good work with the pics.

Anonymous said...

Great pictures. We just returned from our visit to the Falls over Christmas and New Years. This is a beautiful place that allows visitors to gain access and experience the water fall first hand. There is a hidden cave behind the fall, visible when water was mostly frozen, yet still flowing some. We want to return in Summer to experience it running. We would also like to swim in the natural hot springs from the Sand Dunes, we heard the experience is great. Keep up the good blog.

 
Front Foot Leads The Back One