I have been through the Subway many times and each trip is unique and special. Today's trip was just as notable. All five of us have made this trek numerous times and today, no one wanted to carry a camera. It was the first trip with no noobs and no pictures. We were the first group at the Wildcat Trailhead. It was nice to be by ourselves, although the spiderwebs were creepy on your legs as we opened the trail for the day at 7:30am.
One guy caught up to us at the Russell Gulch down climb. He was looking for a tripod that he lost last Monday. I have his contact information if someone found an expensive tripod. We shared our rope with him and we continued on down canyon leaving him to search the various pools.
I have learned that it does not matter how ready you are to get wet, that first swim is always so cold. It was cold! Last year several areas were filled with sand and this year the sand was gone again. The pools were exceptionally clear. The numerous and various life forms that dwell in the pools were fascinating. I really enjoyed watching the pollywogs and the fish. Some of the fish are big!
The size and experience of our group allowed us to travel efficiently. In no time, we were rapping off the log into the Waterfall Room. A triumphant first time accomplishment for one in the group. She says that she is ready for Pine Creek.
As I waited for my turn, I walked over to the anchor point of the last rappel just in time to see the sun on the heart shaped pools. The sun illuminated the pools in a way that, if captured, would have made a beautiful photograph. There was something special about taking the time to watch the sunlight move off the pools and to the canyon wall. I was the only person today that saw this event and there are no photos as a record - just my own special memory.
We had the Subway to ourselves. Our conversations were focused on how ironic that the one time we could take some really nice pictures, we had no camera. And yet, no one was disappointed. We took the time to take in the sights and make our own individual records.
Up to this time, we had been moving. We decided to lunch down canyon in the falls by the spring that drips in on the right hand side of the canyon. Usually we snap a picture of the spring and keep on moving. It was nice to sit and enjoy the scenery and each others company. I took personal time to lament a friend's untimely death earlier this week and how it is important to me to acknowledge the people that enhance my life.
While eating, two bottom hikers passed by heading up canyon. We never saw another person for the rest of the day. We truly had the Subway hike to ourselves all day.
The hike downstream was uneventful as we travelled back and forth through the water. Among other critters, we saw a large collared lizard. Soon we reached the junction where Little Creek comes in. This was our first time here since Little Creek flashed last year. It is amazing to see the power water posses and how much nature can be influenced by this power. The changes gave the remaining portion of the hike a newness and kept us motivated to keep moving downstream.
Soon it was time to go up. The infamous hike out did not disappoint. This trip I was ready and I stormed up to the top in the hot 2:30pm sun. During the stroll to the parking lot, my son and I discussed the canyons we wanted to do and made plans to spend more time together.
Today I learned that memories are not just pictures. Memories are made up of sights, sounds, conversations, thoughts, feelings and the people that accompany you on your journey. I understand "Gone, but not forgotten."
