Trinity Alps Journal - Canyon Creek

I see the faint flickering of a satellite that is traveling between the phantom shadows of the trees. (night one)

Our last nights camp was set up just near the bottom of Middle Falls. It is a beautiful campsite with a granite rung fire pit and a soft earth beds for the tents, sitting just beside Canyon Creek. Amongst the many pines, there are low shrubs, along with dogwood, ferns, and we are even graced by a few lovely tiger-lilies. The sound of the waterfall is not far off, and from where I sit I hear the creeks' gentle bubbling.
This is freedom. To wake up to the singing birds and to hear the water rushing...to boil water out of the creek in a pot suspended over hot coals. And I wonder, "who else has enjoyed this exact view from the rock where I sit?"
Yesterday we hiked through such a variety of micro-climates. First through the forest, full of pines and the occasional grove of madrones. Then through meadows, low and cool, through lush ferns, corn lilies, and queen anne's lace. The next section was the high, dry, granite portion of the trail with manzinitas and magnificent views. From there it was back into the forest and a variation of this combo. Each section of the trail held it's own intoxicating perfume for our pure enjoyment.