Gahuti

The naturally dark canopy of the Gahuti Trail further darkens as clouds roll-in from the east.  Ka-boom goes the thunderclap! Multiple strikes of lightening illuminate the deeming sky as the heavens open and droplets of rainfall pour from the sky.  "Where five miles in and the car's only three miles away", says Dr. Smiles.  "I saw a campsite a half mile back and the park entrance is only two miles back", I replied.  Dr. Smiles asks and answers her own question, "We should hike the three miles to the car."

Dr. Smiles sets the pace, a frantic but controlled jog through the woods alongside the narrow cliffs of Fort Mountain State Park.  Trees sway, then break from wind induced strain.  Visibility decreases as the skies darken and the rain intensifies.  Ka-boom goes the thunderclap, followed by lightening, illuminating our path ever so briefly.  The narrow paths and steep declines of Mother Mountain challenge our balance and courage as we traverse through the storm.

"The path's blocked", yells Dr. Smiles over the wind.  "We can't get over that tree.  We're either going to have climb down the ledge and go 'under' the tree or climb up the mountain and go 'over' the tree", I reply.  Dr. Smiles without hesistation states, "Let's go high."  "Grab my arm", I reply as we start up the incline.  She grabs my wet and slippery arm as we crawl up the muddy and uneven mountain terrain.

We glance at the fallen tree below, as we move through the untamed wildlife.  I state, "Let's climb down to the trail", says I, now that I can see that we've passed the tree. "I'll go first", yells Dr. Smiles as the downpour increases.  Ka-boom goes the thunderclap! "Ahhh", screams Dr. Smiles as her footing gives way and she slides down the mountain.  She regains her balance as both feet hit the trail.  I cautiously climb down.  We're back on the path, Dr. Smiles sets the pace.

The rain intensifies; the sky continues to darken; ka-boom goes the thunderclap; lightening illuminates the sky as we continue through the shadowy canopy of the Gahuti.