The trail begins with a dark 150-foot long and dimly light tunnel. Water drips from above into large puddles on the ground. At the other end you emerge to the beginning of one of the best maintained trails we have been on so far. The trail is a moderate hike and the beginning is very easy, however as soon as we hit a slight uphill we voted to stop and strip off some layers. All three of us had overestimated the temperature. The trail continued on with some light up hills, but mainly it is nice and flat. The trail is very wet and water-proof shoes are definitely a necessity. My insistences on trail running shoes as the best gear for backpacking soon wavered when both of my feet became soaking wet. Continuing on the trail Kolana Rock gets closer in view, and is truly an amazing site. The enormity of it is breathtaking and that day the top of the rock was dusted with a light snow. As Kolana rock begins to fall behind us, the thundering noise of Wapama Waterfall begins to grow. For one minute you will think you are right there, and then the noise fades as the trail takes a slight turn. But descending down a large stone stairway, the power of the falls is inescapable. Small interconnecting bridges lead you through the base of the falls allowing you to stop and look up at the mass of water powering over the top of the ridge some 200 feet above you. Standing at the feet of this ominous presence is indescribable and awe-inspiring. After passing the falls the trail climbs into an area of dense tree growth. Instead of a stony and watery trail, it is now wooded and covered with fallen leaves. The weather has been beautiful with no rain in site and the trip through the trees is glorious. After some tough hills our blood sugar levels have dropped and we all have the shakes. We stop to snack and take a short rest. After our rest we carry on and the trail is much more forgiving. Along the way we pass various little waterfalls and watch the scenery unfold ahead. Soon we hear another waterfall ahead and we suspect it is Rancheria Falls. As we approach and cross another bridge, Joe thinks we might be close, although his last trip here was years ago. The trail suddenly begins a sharp assent and carries us upwards through numerous switchbacks. The climb is tough and all three of us are hurting. We press on hoping that it is just around the corner. What feels like an eternity finally ends as we summit over a rocky slope. "Here we are!" declares Joe. Brian and I are confused because the trail continues forward, and to the right is a long and rocky ridge with a drop-off on the other side. How can it be Rancheria Falls? Once you step to the ridge and look over, you almost have to catch your breath. Well disguised from the trail is upper Rancheria Falls and a series of campsites close to the river's edge. We climb down the granite wall and walk around picking out our choice of campsites. We have the whole area to ourselves. Standing in our campsite, the view is incredible. In front of us is Rancheria Falls which cascades down into a crystal clear river. In every direction we are surrounded by snow-covered mountains. To the right is LeConte Point which absolutely breathtaking. You can almost make out Kolana Rock which is now almost completely out of site. Just behind us lays the stone ridge, protecting us from being seen from the trail. So far, it is the most beautiful and scenic campsite our group has stayed in. After catching our breath and soaking in the scenery we quickly get to work setting up camp. Although it has been a beautiful day with no rain, we know that the weather can change any minute. We set up our tents and begin cooking food before the rain can dampen our plans. Shortly after dinner we again find ourselves drinking vodka and before we know it we are too tipsy. As darkness approaches and small raindrops begin to fall, I decide to go into our warm, dry tent to read. Brian and Joe brave the weather and attempt to light a fire with half a Duraflame. I continually peek outside to check on the boys. They have clearly regressed to a youthful place and are running around in the rain playing with the slingshot that Joe brought along in case a bear got too friendly. At one point Amy peeks out the tent to see Joe and Brian sitting on the log, holding their umbrellas and watching the rain play havoc with their fire. After hours of play, and ignoring Amy's numerous warnings of catching pneumonia, the boys finally retire to bed. It has been a good day for all of us.
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