Down in the Hollows: April 2013

It's been a little while since I've put something up here. For the last few months I've been spending time visiting family and rock climbing, before it just gets to hot for it. Some of the climbing yielded some good photos, but nothing exciting enough to write about. Jen, myself, and a rotating cast of friends have been taking weekend trips up to Sandrock, Hurricane Creek, Horse Pens 40, and Moss Rock.

Bitter, V2 during Sloperfest at Horse Pens 40.

Ali's first boulder problem at HP40.

Hurricane creek in Cullman. They call this 5.8, but its probably sandbagged.

We also adopted this little booger. His name is Banjo.

This weekend we made it out to Walls of Jericho and Stephens Gap, to do some camping, hiking, and take some photos. We got out of town late, making it to Walls of Jericho at about 10:30 on Friday night. Jen and I took our truck up with friends and Anna and Cait, plus the dogs. Geoff and Ali were going to meet us up there. In my tired stupor, I pulled off at the first Walls of Jericho sign on Hwy 79, which is actually the parking for the horse trailers. As soon as I started the turn I realized my mistake. Luckily we pulled in, as the parking lot was deserted except for one car. The one car happened to be Geoff and Ali, without cellphone service, and unable to find the camping spot I had directed them to. We headed up the road a mile or so to the actual spot.

To our dismay the parking lot was filled with cars including two 15 passenger vans from a local high school. However, the overlook spot near the parking area was completely vacant. We took over, and spread things everywhere in hopes that we would have it to ourselves throughout the weekend.

The next day we hiked into the canyon. It was a beautiful day, water was pumping through the limestone amphitheater, and wildflowers were everywhere.

Jen explores a swallow's nest in the cave just off the trail.

Anna crosses the sketchy bridge.

Clark Cemetery at the Walls of Jericho

Jack in the Pulpit

Hepatica, sans flowers. Used traditionally to treat liver ailments, cowardice, and freckles.

White trillium.

Tons of white trillium.

Rosco is ten years old and still hiking.

Sunday morning we packed up and headed to Stephen's Gap, a cave system near Woodville, AL. One can find directions for it online, but as my friends attested, you would have a hard time believing you were on the right path if you hadn't been there before. I hadn't been there in four or so years, but didn't have any trouble getting back.

I rigged a rope through the "keyhole" feature and Geoff and I both rappelled it twice. This was Geoff's first rap into a sinkhole. The cave has multiple entrances (I think six) but the most prominent ones are the large sinkhole entrance and large walk in entrance, located right next to each other. Landing on the pedestal you can walk out from the rappel.