This is the day we make the big climb. At 7:30am, my two roomies and I headed out to climb the most scenic mountain in the area. To save the $3 entry fee, we went in the back way; I don't think the people who go in by the main entrance come down to where we went in; I think they turn around at the top and return to the entrance.  
 
We made a couple of false starts at the beginning (the maps aren't very good). But after the third or fourth person gave us directions, this dog came out, passed us, and then waited up the trail. Each time we were unsure of the trail (lots of sidetracks) we followed the one the dog was on. It worked!  

See all the lava rock? At one point we had to climb a wall. I thought I'd taken a photo, but it's not there! We couldn't find a way around. Both Antja (the blond) and I have vertigo. The dog took off down a narrow trail going in the opposite direction. I really debated following him: the slope was steep, the trail only a foot wide, but it led into some trees; I figured if I fell, at least I could grab onto a tree. But Zala was nearing the top, and Antja started to climb, so I followed. It was steep enough at a couple of points that when I looked down to find a foothold I could see a looong way down! Don't look/focus anymore than about a foot around my body; not up, not down, not sideways! One rock after another. I kind of froze at one point, but it was keep going or fall off the mountain! Luckily, the top was the end of it. That climb was at least two hundred feet, maybe close to three hundred.  

Got some pics from the top, but facing the valley, the sun was in my face, so I determined to climb the mountain on the other side of the valley to get better pics.  

The other pics are from the trail going down to the main entrance. Waterfalls aren't too impressive. Met lots of people heading up.  

Went for smoothies and ice cream. Then just crashed for the rest of the day.