.
Lower Falls from the north rim |
Lower Falls from the north rim, zoomed in on Uncle Tom's Trail |
"Uncle" Tom Richardson descended on a rope in 1898 that
led to a spectacular view of the falls. He had a vision of leading visitors to wonderland.
His installed rope ladders and double
ropes, greatly simplifying the climb. From
the photo above, his clients look perfectly calm and properly attired for the treacherous
descent—ladies in long skirts, gentlemen in coats and ties. It’s hard for me to believe the picture was
not taken in a studio, save the strikingly familiar view of the falls in the
background.
Looking at the falls from the north rim, I could see Uncle Tom’s
Trail as it is today with steel steps and hand rails. Even now it looks treacherous.
Lower Falls from botton of Uncle Tom's Trail |
Lower Falls from botton of Uncle Tom's Trail |
But after climbing down, it’s easy to see how Uncle Tom had a vision. If he could get people down here, they would
love him forever.
From where I stood at the bottom, looking up at the top of the
falls I saw the easy-to-reach lookout platform gained from the north rim on a
normally steep hike. Of course those few
of us at the bottom belittled such modern tourist conveniences. Give it up for Uncle Tom and the hardy people
who loved him.
On a softer note, I must say that early mornings on Madison
River a few miles east of West Yellowstone give a very pleasant start to every
day that I’ve been here.
.
You are one tough cookie. I would never venture down the trail for sure. ...
ReplyDeleteBut would rather scout the river ...
Mandy - Yes you would! See it's simple. I've had a good life, a blessed life, and maybe I've gotten over that childish notion that it goes on forever in this world.
DeleteWhew, Sharon, I think you will have a waterfall in your hair when you get back! What an adventure!
ReplyDeleteIf my hair flowed out like falling water, then rose at the shoulders in misty glow, forming a rainbow in its tips, then, well, it's why I come here.
DeleteI've been in the canyon, that's were the really yellow stones are. All volcanic.
ReplyDeleteLee C.
It's like the real Grand Canyon Lee, but yes, not sandstone, but various kind of igneous rock, mostly volcanic.
DeleteOh I hope you bring some yellow-gold stones back, as well as gold leaf!
DeleteWill you have me break the law, Kathabela, and remove gold from a national park?
Delete