THE CRAZY ONE

Hanging on the edge of a cliff in order to get a photo of a waterfall? Who would do such a thing?

Well I had in mind to go back to West Sulphur Creek in Lassen Volcanic NP one last time. I really wanted to find a view of that upper waterfall. Could I do it? Last time I managed to get to the brink of the falls but no view could be found. It is seriously hidden away with sheer cliffs on each side of it. No way to get down. No way to view it. But if there is a will there must be a way, and I had the will, but did I have the skill? Could I get down the steep cliffy hill? Would it be such a thrill? Or would I once again come up nil?

I arrived at the park very early of course. It is a short hike down to the West Sulphur Creek Falls viewpoint. It’s hard to believe no one knew about this waterfall before I discovered it last year. Now however, I saw signs that more people have been down here. Fans of waterfallswest?

I thought there might be a way to see this crazy thing on an overlooking ridge in between the two waterfalls. But it was steep and I would need a rope. A long rope. I almost psyched myself out beforehand thinking it was too crazy steep to get down. I was nuts to try it. Am I suicidal or what? But it did not really look so difficult once I arrived on the scene. Just down one rocky section then continue down the ridge and voila, great waterfall viewpoint. Piece of cake, right? I should have listened to my inner psyche after all. It turned out to be steeper than it looks from up above. The rope was an absolute necessity. I’m sure there are folks out there that would go down without a rope but I’m scared of heights. I have nightmares (seriously). Loving waterfalls and being afraid of heights do not mix very well. It was craziness to go down this ridge and I made my way very carefully. Finally I got to a tree out near the end of the ridge and I could see my waterfall. Could I go any further to get a better view? Ahh, I think not. I was happy to get my shot of this waterfall but I don’t think I’ll ever want to go down there again.

Now what crazy waterfall should I go see next?

3 Comments

3 Responses to “THE CRAZY ONE”

  1. Kristina Says:

    Thanks Leon!!

  2. Leon Says:

    Thanks Kristina!

  3. Judy Says:

    Wow! Thanks, Leon.
    I was really facinated at your website since I love to take photos of waterfalls. I will try these falls sometime this month. By the way, would it be too dangerous to go to these places by myself?
    I have been going out alone quite often being extremely careful.

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