9.48 A visit to the Devil’s Postpile…we found the ‘devil’ in the details

The Devil's Postpile—what can you expect? (Note the basalt columns naturally formed)

Who knew what to expect? Nature too, has a constant battle with the devil attested to by the numerous places that contain its name. A funny thing: Most of the hikes referencing the devil are enjoyable. Aha! A message resides somewhere in there…the disguising of temptation…but we are already off-trail ; hopefully, not lost though.

We traveled by shuttle into the National Monument of that name—that’s the rule. It was our first taste, on this three-month trip, of crowds. Not that we required reminding but we prefer to be on our own or in small groups particularly with people who respect the outdoors, the trails and etiquette thereof. We had every intention and desire to rant about the lack of manners, consideration and respect that we have noticed over the recent period including drunken behavior at hotels. However, we realized it would be rude to do so, particularly as we meet many decent and caring people on our travels. Thank you, Jonna and Tim and others, too. We sneaked that part-rant in under the radar.

Rainbow Falls, 2 miles down from the Postpile

Side-view of the devil's work

We walked along clearly defined trails for over 7 miles (including extras), with a few ups and downs, at the park today. The columnar basalt is the reason for the park’s existence. However, the 101 feet Rainbow Falls is pretty nice, too as well as views, once again, of many surrounding mountains. For one of us in particular, the fun and excitement was in entering the pool at the lower falls, a half-mile below Rainbow Falls. The lower falls and its pool sits well above 7,000 feet giving the water the feel of a scotch on the rocks without the whiskey. It was our coldest swim ever.

Jenni at Lower Falls, another .5 miles lower down

Standing at the top of the Postpile

A little color action in the bowl

We mentioned to our editor that we should enter the water together. Soon after making the suggestion, a family, fleeing the crowds, they told us, arrived and decided to view this attractive flow of water, too. The children preferred to throw stones into the pool. Their arrival affected our attire for the ‘swim’, hence, the outfit portrayed in the pictures. Our editor, with no intention of entering the pool, was quite miffed that we thought it a good idea. In fact, she told us we were quite foolish, something that we have heard said many a time. ‘What about dry clothing, sharp objects and, wait for this, the monster that resides under water?’ She asked, obviously not being very encouraging. At that stage, we realized we were on our own. We eventually ‘got it’.

Rainbow at Rainbow Falls

We stripped our shorts of all possessions, removed socks, put our boots back on (in case of the monster) and entered the ice pool. The problem at that stage was no matter how cold the water, and it was colder than cold, we were going to look like an idiot in front of the family and especially, our dear editor should we turn back. At that moment, we mentally removed the 'dear' from ‘dear editor'. Our choice became quite simply: Freeze to death or die of embarrassment. We thought long and hard for a third option but to no avail.

Editor refuses to take the plunge

The question is: Will he go the whole way in freezing water? A better question: Why is he semi-dressed?

Watch this! About to swim upstream (with boots)

Powerful force of water turns wimp around & sends him back. Hopes editor has made a fire during absence

In the end, it was a wonderful experience and we apparently survived although various parts of our body expressed protest, in one form or another.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey