Broken Camera, Broken Campaign..Healed Soul: A story of Murhut Falls and Politics

A great day hike!

Sometimes, when you aren’t expecting it, an incident on a climb can be insight on future events on your life. The following tale is exactly that. A great idea, derailed by unforeseen reasons that I still can’t comprehend.

A few weeks ago, I took a well-deserved day off from my other job and took a day trip to take some pictures. I only had an afternoon, so I drove along Highway 101 and went to Murhut Falls. Having never been there in the summer, I was eager to finally climb around on the rocks and not have to worry about the ice killing me. I was also eager to get away and be calm, because the job in politics I was working was just about giving my 31 year old body a heart attack.

Behind Murhut Falls

Hopping in my car, loaded up three different cameras, I drove as fast as I could to get to the trail head. I was excited because I had a plan that I had been dreaming about for months. I was going to get footage and pictures of my GoPro waterproof camera going over the waterfall and had just the plan. Using a carabineer, climbing rope and a GoPro Head mount, I was going to set it for time lapse and allow the water to carry it over the edge. To me, this was sound logic, considering these cameras and used on all sorts of crazy, dangerous adventures.

Sex and Meth at the Falls...or so I read

I arrived at the trailhead and pretty much jogged the ¾ of a mile it took to get to the falls. I signed in (and saw some amazing sign-in comments) and worked my way down to the falls. Wearing my minimalist shoes, or toes shoes as I call them, I climbed down to the water and waded in. Months of snow run off had cooled the water, numbing my usually sore ankle. I took some pictures from water level and then started to accomplish my goal. I took pictures behind the falls, under the water looking up at the falls, and even pictures of me, being showered on by the upper falls. It was incredible and I was excited to see the uploaded result. However, I still had a mission to accomplish.

Shattered Case...thanks GoPro

Where the best pictures were coming from

Hooking the head mount to a climbing rope, thanks to a fantastic carabineer, I soon had the ability to have a camera dangling over the lower terrace of the waterfall. With the rocks along the edge of the falls somewhat (read as VERY) slick, I decided to gently toss the camera in the upper area and have it get swept over the edge. The first gentle toss, and I mean gentle in the way that you toss a kitten onto your bed from a few feet away, landed perfectly, getting swept away and over the edge, falling with the water until the rope it was attached to got tight. I pulled in the rope, noted that it had taken 15 pictures and decided to try it again. This time, it went even better and I could see the light on the camera flash as it was in the tumbling falls. Pulling it back up, I figured I would do it one more time and call it a day. I tossed the camera gently, just like the other 2 times, but this time, the corner of the shatterproof, waterproof case the camera was in split open. Watching in horror, the camera went over the edge, matching what might stomach was doing in my body. I pulled the rope back up, expecting a miracle, but soon saw that a $300 camera with some amazing pictures was now at the bottom of a waterfall. I climbed down, hoping maybe it would float up. I saw Nothing, Nada, Zilch. Beyond distraught and nearly crying, I ended up copying a scene from the movie A Christmas Story. Swearing loudly and drawn out, I was crushed.

Me, after seeing my camera go bye bye

Lower Murhut Falls

I ended up taking more pictures with the other 2 cameras I brought and called it a day. Driving home I called GoPro to complain, but since it was no longer under warranty, I would have to buy a new one. I went online, cried to my friends and followers and ended up receiving a donation to cover the cost of a new one. The day that had all the potential in the world, ruined by who knows what, was turning out to be ok. This is how the rest of my life has been.

A great day Campaigning

For the past few months, I have been busy trying to help a man get elected who I feel would be an amazing representative. We slaved away for months, doing things that no other campaign had done and breaking records in contacting individuals at an unprecedented level. We had all the hope in the world for this Tuesday’s primary elections in the state of Washington. We knew we wouldn’t win, but all we needed was second place. We had planned so well, met our goals and now it was up to the people, the voters, to tell us what was going to happen. Just like my shatterproof camera case, my dreams that night were broken. The hope of a better tomorrow faded away, and just like my camera, my stomach again sunk to a new low. The feeling of not reaching a peak, the feeling of shattering my shoulder while walking my dog during a wind storm, the feeling of knowing that no matter what the victory, a victory feels good still evades me. The election and the camera were totally unrelated events, yet, I find similarities in both. Losing the camera made me realize that my supports for this company are amazing and wonderful. Losing the campaign made me realize that I have a new family and that no matter what, I believed. In both events, the picture of everything in my head is much more beautiful than it would have been with my camera or with a win. These events allow me to still say what if, to still imagine, and to still dream and set goals to make them a reality.

Thanks for reading and now, back to the hiking and trail guides.

Douglas Scott

Exotic Hikes

Top Romantic Getaways on the Olympic Peninsula

Did you forget to get that special someone a gift today? Are you planning a weekend getaway since Tuesday is no day to show love or are you just looking for a place to be alone and take in the scenery of the Olympic peninsula with your love? No matter what your influence for reading this blog, relax, we have you covered!

Since Valentine’s Day is here, yet again, we here at Exotic Hikes have decided to compile a list of places around the Olympic Peninsula where love will flourish just like moss in the Rain Forest.

 4: A weekend away at Sol Duc Hot Springs, Olympic National Park

Sol Duc Hot Springs, thanks to Olympicnationalparks,com

                Nothing says romantic getaway like soaking in a hot spring, miles away from any cities. Buried deep in the dense woods of the Northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula, Sol Duc Hot Springs is a nature lover’s dream location. While the lodge itself is nothing fancy, isolation is key to this destination. 3 hours by car from Seattle, the drive is scenic, wonderful and a step back in time. Rent a room, a cabin or a suite and enjoy dips in the hot springs in between smooches and hikes. I mean, they even have massage therapists on staff, so check it out! Being located in such close proximity to some stellar hikes, this can be the jumping off point for adventures of love and hiking.  The resort also is home to the famous Sol Duc Lover’s Lane trail, so be ready for romance! http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/accommodations/sol-duc-hot-springs-resort.aspx

http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/media/13358/nps%20sol%20duc%20hiking.pdf

 3: Heart Lake, Sol Duc Trail Area

Heart Lake, Thanks to Aron Hess (http://bit.ly/yiEcDO ) 

                Nothing quite says I love you like an 8 mile hike to a remote lake that is shaped like a heart, yet, they Olympic Peninsula gives you that chance. The Heart Lake Trail (8 miles one way, 3000ft elevation gain) is located out of the Sol Duc Trailhead. On this hike, you can see Elk, Water Falls, Mountain Goats and, best of all, few people. While this may be rough to hike in the winter, this trail is sure to give you and your love an adventure that you will always talk about. Pack a lunch and a bottle of your favorite drink to surprise your sweetheart at Heart Lake to make this place your special spot! Bring a tent and spend the night in the wilderness, rekindling the magic that you had when you two first met.

For more information, ask us about our High Divide Hikes!

http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/high-divide-loop.htm

2: Murhut Falls

Murhut Falls

                While not technically in the National park, this short trail is accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Less than 3 miles round trip, this wide trail leads to a beautiful double terraced water fall. With a short scramble down to the water, you can lay out a picnic and enjoy the power and sheer force of this intoxicating area, all while enjoying the company of your one and only. This trip is really underrated, as it is the perfect day trip from Seattle, Tacoma Olympia and even Bellingham. Located just north of Shelton, you and your love can enjoy the drive, the small towns of the Hood Canal and nature, all while holding hands in the dense canopy of the Olympic Forests.

For More info, check out this link! http://exotichikes.blogspot.com/2012/01/murhut-falls-trail-and-trip-report.html

1: Kalaloch Lodge

                There is no better place to rent a small cabin, cuddle up with your lover and watch waves crash on the shore day and night. Located a few hours from Olympia and just miles from the city of Forks, this is a weekend must.

View From Kalaloch Lodge

In good weather, you can stroll the beach, see whales, and collect shells and beachcomb, hand in hand, until you forget about everything else in the world except each other. The lodge is spacious, and even allows you to have your own, private, ocean facing cabin. In good weather, a sunset here is a timeless experience that will give you that special moment to exchange an epic, once in a lifetime kiss.

Winter Storm at Kalaloch, thanks to olympicnationalpark.com

If you are like us, you will want to watch the weather and wait for a storm to come rolling into the Olympic Peninsula to experience Kalaloch in its full glory. With heavy wind, huge waves and complete isolation, Kalaloch Lodge in a winter storm is about as romantic as you can get. Snuggle under a warm blanket and watch the storm slam itself against the shore. For the more adventurous, walk along the beach and enjoy near hurricane force winds and sideways rain to form a memory to last forever. Plus, if you go walk out in the storm, it gives you an excuse to cuddle and dry each other off!

(http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/accommodations/kalaloch-lodge.aspx)

We hope you enjoyed our list, and we hope you go and experience one of these this weekend. Life, like love, is sometimes too short, so enjoy it while you have it! Fall in love with nature and fall back in love with your significant other, all while enjoying the majestic, beautiful Olympic Peninsula!

Call us: (360)350-8938 for tours or check out (www.exotichikes.com)!

Douglas Scott of Exotic Hikes

Murhut Falls Trail and Trip Report

Waking up Sunday morning, I glanced outside and saw 3 inches of snow on the back deck. Letting the dogs out, the snow was deeper in some places, making me question whether or not I should chance icy, snowy roads with crazy drivers, all in hopes to take awesome pictures of waterfalls. Checking the traffic cameras up and down Hood Canal, I found out that the snow was indeed isolated to a few areas, and the Duckabush area was one of the dry places. Stoked, I grabbed my gear and bolted out the door, battling sloppy, slushy roads until I got to Highway 101. The roads were soon fine and I was enjoying the snow draped trees and birds flying around.

I was headed to Murhut Falls, located 24 miles north of Hoodsport, Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula. From Olympia, it is about an hour and half drive, which is pretty once you leave the Shelton area and actually get to drive Highway 101 on the coast. Deciding that this would be a trip of photography, I stopped off at Potlatch State Park to take some pictures of their dusting of snow. Even without snow, Potlatch State park is a great place to stop and see the unique area that is Hood Canal. Far up in the trees west of the park, I saw 2 Bald Eagles, but decided to not waste my efforts snapping a picture, as they would have shown up as spots. Instead, I focused my attention on the Cormorant sitting on a buoy about 200 feet out.

As I Inched closer, I got to witness it running across water to take off. Snapping pictures, I felt one with the environment. I was silent, and as a light snow began to fall around me, I could hear the flaps of wings and chirps and quacks of birds all around. I slowly walked back to my car, feeling that today might just evolve into something special.

At Hoodsport, the snow started picking up again, and as tempted as I was to hang a left and go toward Mt. Ellinor and the Staircase entrance of the Olympic National park, I kept driving for another 20 miles until I reached Duckabush. Weaving along the water, the snow stopped and soon the sun was making its way out.

I had hit the rain shadow, or in this case, the snow shadow. Stopping my car at the turnoff, I looked west and could see, over the old farms and marsh area, the Olympic Mountains looking off in the distance. Beautiful, enticing and remote, they call to me every time I see them “peaking” through the usual gray mass of clouds. I took a few

pictures, watched some Great Blue herons

fly overhead, got back in my car and took a left, heading west on Duckabush Road.

Duckabush Road immediately drops to 25 miles per hour and while I normally ignore things like that on isolated back roads, I was glad to go the speed limit because of the interesting houses and unusually high amounts of pedestrians and animals walking down the street. About 4 miles in, the road becomes gravel, but keep driving! With few potholes, you can take your eyes off the road for a bit and glimpse at Duckabush River, the old growth forests and if lucky, a chance sighting of a majestic peak jutting through the opening. You soon cross a bridge, entering to the other side of the Duckabush area. I recommend stopping here and admiring the river, as enticing as it may be, avoid taking a dip, it is frigid!

The gravel road to Murhut Falls Trailhead is 6 miles, but it goes by pretty fast. As you get near to the trailhead, you will see the road fork and one side will be closed, obviously keep going. About half a mile further a sign points to the right fork to Murhut Falls. Take this or you will meander through the wilderness with no outlet. The fork leads you up hill for about a mile before you come across the trailhead sign on the right. There is somewhat of a parking area on the left where it is best to turn around and park at. From here, the trail starts right off, with a sign-in area 100ft from the trailhead.

The trail to Murhut Falls is not flat, but it is pretty easy. You climb up at the beginning at a somewhat steep angle, but once you do this, you level off then drop back down to the falls. At a mile long, this trail is great for all ages, and dogs are welcome. (There are no restrooms however, so plan ahead!) Generally, this is a very easy trail, yet when I was there, I was alone.

Sure the weather was cold, but on a Sunday on a 3-day weekend, I was expecting to have at least another car there. Jumped out of my car at the trailhead, signed in, popped on my iPod and before I could really get into the groove, I was already at the falls. Rounding the last corner, the rush of the water overpowered my old-school hip hop, and soon I was able to see Murhut Falls in all her glory.

At 130 feet, Murhut Falls is gorgeous as it cascades down two tiers, the upper one being larger, while the lower one seems more powerful. In the summer, this is a great place to climb around, explore and have a picnic.

The winter has ice everywhere, with the hills leading to good photo areas slippery, dangerous and difficult for beginners to climb. I climbed around, tested my skills and had a blast jumping off big rocks onto the shore. I even climbed and would have had more fun had my foot not slid on some ice, forcing me to plunge waist deep into the freezing cold water. As I mentioned, I was alone, so I wrung out my clothes, poured out my shoes and continued to climb around and take pictures. Soon, I noticed that the sky was getting darker so I decided to pack up and start my jaunt home. As I was walking down the trail, snow started falling all around me. I don’t know if you have been able to be alone in the woods during the first snow, but everything gets quiet and time slows to nothing. I took a few breathes, smelling the mix of snow and pine and headed back to my car.

On my drive home to Olympia, the snow picked up. I also saw the 2 eagles high in a tree over Hoodsport and took a few pictures and then watched the sunset from a snowy field in Shelton.

Getting home, we had 5 inches of snow, covering any trace that I had been there just 8 hours earlier. Olympia was a world away from Murhut Falls, and I love that about the Olympic Peninsula. An hour away and you are in different weather, different landscapes and a different world. Murhut Falls is a fantastic day trip, fun for all ages and great year round. I suggest all my hikes, but this one is on the short list for friends, family and out of town guests. Check it out, or better yet, call me and we can go together!

Hoping to see you on the trails,

Douglas Scott of Exotic Hikes