Sat, Aug 22 2009 - Panther Creek Falls hike and swim (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Cristina, Scott Bennett Participants: Scott Bennett, Cristina, Ramon Ceniza, Michelle Duran, Jaclyn, Amy, Amanda, Brandy Lipps, sandra lopez, marleny chamorro, Henrik Malmberg, Jim Martin

Click for Album

Thanks to everyone who joined us on the Panther Creek Falls hike today!  There were quite a few new members on the trip and we spent some time getting to know one another at the Indian Trail Park and Ride. We got off to a prompt departure after Scott inventively organized us into car pools much like team building for a kick-ball game.

The sky was a bit overcast when we set out, but by the time we arrived at Panther Creek Recreation Area it cleared to a piercing blue with cotton candy like clouds. We hiked 3.5 miles to the falls, taking pictures and chatting along the way.  There are some awesome campsites right along the creek that would serve well for a future AOC camping trip!  We enjoyed a picnic on the rocks near the water and then spent about an hour swimming near the Falls.  The fish were definitely biting today and lucky to be nibbling AOC members instead of fishing lure. The water was ice cold!  Some folks dived right in, others took a more gradual approach, and some waded a bit to get underneath the falls and then found a rock and basked in the sun. As with most AOC events there was some friendly competition—this time sprint swimming races. 

We hiked back to the trailhead and voted to continue the fun up the road at the Tallulah Gorge scenic overview.  The view was spectacular and we hung out for a while enjoying ice cream and cokes from the country store.  John Muir wrote that in every walk with nature, you receive more than you seek.  That was definitely the case today and we left the trip blessed by great company, great hiking, and great weather.