"This True Story Was First Told Around a
Campfire"
TRUE CAMPFIRE STORY #3
THE BLACK POOL PEOPLE - Chapter 2
As we pass the Black Pool, with reverence, we
continue up a
gradual slope, with no discernible trail; going over or around granite
boulders, bushes, and trees. Cherry Creek is on our left and continues
to get
farther away, as we stay near the granite cliffs on our right.
Finally, we arrive at the base of Red Rock! Looking up to our right, we
see
this most unusual gap; right between Red Rock and the granite cliffs to
its
South. The gap is dirt, covered with grass, except for a very, very
steep
trail, straight up the middle!
We
refresh ourselves and begin the ascent. It's slippery in many places
because
of a layer of leaves; so, we're careful. At last, we reach the top.
We've
passed Red Rock, and now we're in a dark narrow crevice of
granite; very high and steep on our right, but rather low on our
left;
usually 10 to 20 feet. The vegetation is thick and foreboding, with a
canopy of
trees, thick bushes, and what appear to be water plants! Soon, we see
why these
plants are living there; there in this darkness, in the
middle of
this crevice, high on a mountain pass, is another Black Pool, even more
ominous
than the one below!
I tell Cassie and the others to be very quiet, so we don't disturb the
Black Pool
People; this is their most sacred pool.
Then, we are in the open, on a vast expanse of granite with a 1/4 mile
slope to
Cherry Creek; fairly steep in places, but easily walked. We make our
way down
the slope and come to a large thick sandy beach at the edge of the
creek.
Downstream we can see the twisting impassable canyon that forces the
trip over
the gap. The water is low so it's easy to cross the creek, as we make
our way a
short distance upstream. There we find the most amazing gigantic pool;
the largest
anywhere on Cherry.
We see evidence of previous campers, as there are old fire rings, and
under the
trees, right next to this huge pool, is a squared, homemade, campground
style
BBQ, with a grill. There are pieces of furniture made from small logs
tied
together with twine.
Now, we take our real break; eat our snacks and drink our drinks. Those
with
fishing gear throw their lines into the water. Everyone is amazed at
this short
but inspirational hike; passing cathedrals of majesty, entering
foreboding dark
forests, and feeling the glory of Cherry Creek.
After a few hours of exploring; Cassie's camping nickname is 'Little
Squirrel',
Rita fixing our wounds; her nickname is 'Good Medicine', fishing; my
nickname
is 'Talks of Big Fish', telling stories; Lee's nickname is "Myth
Maker',
or dancing in the forest; Sheila's nickname is "Moon Dancer", we make
our way back down the mountain to our camp on Cherry Lake.
I'm
sure I heard everyone in our party say, "Thank you, Black Pool
People," as we passed each of the pools on our way home.
Copyright 2004, Carport's True Stories
Reproduction for noncommercial uses only is acceptable
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