Today's hike up to Ramsey Cascade is led by Charles Maynard of Maryville. Ray Sellers is the sweep. We have 13 on this WWW hike including those two. We anticipate it will rain some today. Instead we have snow almost all day. The wind is blowing too. By the end of the day, there is 3 inches on the ground and another half inch went down the back of my neck. The first log bridge is one of the highest and longest in the park. It was a bit intimidating for a couple hikers. It is at this point, Ray decides to stop and wait for us on the return. At 87 and with only one functioning lung, I don't see why he decided to stop. The rest of us continue.
The second log bridge has an unusual design. It appears to be of newer construction. As we head to the waterfall, our group spreads out with about a 20 minute gap between first and last. There is one tricky little water crossing not far from the waterfall. In non-icy conditions, I wouldn't even notice it.
The rocks near the falls are covered in ice and snow so most of us eat lunch standing up. Even with the coldness, I have sweated most of the way up. The long rest here is quite nice. The waterfall is quite attractive in the snow.
On our return, we meet Ray at the long and high log bridge. Again we spread out with even greater gaps on the way down. I am cold and wet when we finish, but the waiting bus is toasty.
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