Our Saturday plans changed and we woke up to sunny skies and a serious case of cabin fever. So, we looked up hikes near Leavenworth and found an easy riverside jaunt.
The Old Pipeline was used to help cool trains for Great Northern. We followed the old trail bed of the pipeline, across the bridge and up the river a ways.
The weather started out being very brisk and we were delighted to be outdoors and in the woods.
The trail provided lots of diversions to the river with rock scrambling in abundance. The kids found a couple lizards among the rocks.
Autumn colors were just beginning and should be fiery in a couple weeks' time.
For most of the river the water was rough and lovely. There were some brave kayakers as well.
We managed to miss the end of the trail and inadvertently went further. It became quite narrow and crossed a series of steep cliff faces. We decided to turn back and avoid crushed skulls!
A little exploring led us to this tunnel, which was huge and creepy. The remnants of the pipeline were visible - the 8-foot diameter wooden pipe gone and only metal remaining. It seemed a good home for critters.
On the return trip, we found the advertised sandy beach with slow-moving water. Mitch doffed his shoes...
and went in up to his neck and was thoroughly chilled.
The promise of ice cream sent him back to the water for submersion.
Squeals and shakes and a towel assist from his sister were the result.
The sun helped him warm up.
A couple of Norwegians.
It was a fun, easy hike with so much green beauty - a refreshing change!
Crossing the bridge required leaping over puddles and we got wet feet.
Nevertheless, it was a delightful outing!
A true family portrait!
