Bells Falls

This is what Bells Falls looks like when the water isn't so high.

Our Saturday hiking adventure took us to Bells Falls.  It was an amazing hike of 11.37 miles.  The sun was out, there was intermittent shade on the trail and cool spots from the mist of the river.  The ascent was up a rough trail that looked more like a dried up river bed.  Loved climbing over the rocks.  I usually enjoy the peace you find in the wilderness but that didn't happen.  Several people had the same idea for hiking as we did.  You know what,  I enjoyed the people.  All of them were so nice and friendly.  The trail was so narrow that one party had to stop to let the others pass.  Rarely was that done without an encouraging word or a friendly hello.  Here are some of the comments.

• To Kurt and I from a couple twice our age:  "You can do it.  It is not that much farther."
• To a mother trying to keep her kids with long faces going:  "You are going to love the falls.  It's just around the bend and it is worth it to keep going."  (Mom whispered "thank you.")
• One party to a young boy much smaller than the rocks he was climbing over:  "Great walking stick.  There is no way you aren't going to make it all the way."

I know from experience that a little encouragement can go a long way.  A family member, a trainer or even a friend on a hard trail can give you the small boost you need to keep pushing or keep being active. Reinforcing comments help motivate us as well as a positive attitude.   Research suggests that exercise adherence is better in people who are active for positive reasons.  My husband and I want to be active and promote that quality of life for a very long time.  That's why we try and get in our hikes but the friendly people today just made it that much more satisfying.

At the trailhead

In front of the falls.  Couldn't even get close.  Too much water pouring over.

Most of the river was white and turbulent but beautiful