A somewhat smaller than usual group of eight Loopers met at the Cypress Falls parking lot on what was a fine Fall morning.  After posing for the starting selfie, we plunged into the woods.  A short way along we could see the first waterfall ahead.  As we approached, there was a fence with dire warnings posted about not crossing it. This was the first of many warning signs observed during the day.  Some were on protective fences, while others warned of steep drops and risks of injury.  The trail runs back and forth between the park and the British Properties and at every boundary point was a large sign warning that we entered at our own risk and that any attempt to build a temporary or permanent structure would have serious consequences.  Finally, there were more signs warning us to stay out of the Eagle Lake watershed.  We took particular offence at an official looking sign on a road barrier stating that “Google is Wrong”.  The sign claimed that the route did not provide access to Eagle Bluffs, which experienced hikers in the group knew was not true.  Here endeth the rant about signs.

Returning to the first waterfall: of course, the aforementioned fence was no deterrent to a determined group of dedicated Loopers, who immediately crossed to get a better view of the falls.  A little further up another lookout spot, complete with fence and signs (again ignored), provided views from the top of the falls.

We continued to climb the fairly steep trail which rose high above the canyon, with some precipitous views down to the creek below—and yes, there were warning signs. 

We reached a spot where we could see the upper falls across the canyon.  Some descended part way down to get a better view.

After leaving the falls, we reached the Eagle Lake access road which we descended for a short distance before taking a side trail down to another waterfall, this one tucked away in its own little canyon.  Above the falls, wedged into some trees, was the wreck of a vehicle.  One can only wonder how it got there!

We returned to the road and continued down, looking for a trail to Little Bluff, a high point referenced on the map.  We found a trail off the road and followed it for some distance.  We didn’t manage to locate the trail to the actual Little Bluff, but we did find a pleasant sunny bluff on which to stop for a snack break. We passed yet another British Properties warning sign on the way.  After a brief rest, we resisted the temptation to build a temporary or permanent structure and instead returned to the roadway.

Retracing our steps, we passed the point where we had initially reached the road and continued on a different trail to the west of the one by which we had ascended.  That trail provided a gradual descent back to the parking lot.  As we approached the end of the hike we met a fellow who asked, in front of his two young daughters, if we were a school group.  Without hesitation, Adrienne replied: “No, we are out on a day pass”.

Afters were enjoyed at a sidewalk table outside the Red Lion pub in Dundarave, where we were joined by Julie and Sandy.

Photo credits to: Angela, Liz, Adrienne, Jon

As an added bonus this month, we have a submission from a member of the 2023 Loopers European Expedition.

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Jean and Michael walk the Rilke Trail

Hello all! Jean and I are still on holiday, into the last half of our “invasion of the Austro-Hungarian Empire”. So we’ll miss the regular Looper walk for October. To make up for it, we decided to walk the Rilke Trail along the karst cliff tops just east of Trieste, to visit Duino Castle, famous as the place where Rainer Maria Rilke wrote the first of his Duino Elegies in 1912.

Here are some photos from that walk. And if you’d like to see and read some more, here’s a link to the relevant posting on the travel blog that I’ve been keeping. And we’ll see you in November!

The Rilke Trail