ArtWanted.com - Mary Janosik

Just Had to Be There..... by Mary Janosik

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:08:07 MST

After seeing the river from the observation platform, we just had to head for the road/trail that took us down into the valley. We didn't have to hike far down the hill to get to the lake shore. As we ate our lunch we were entertained by the work boats. They reminded us of a mother duck and 2 ducklings. The "ducklings" would navigate their way thru the debris to attach cables to the shore and bring them back to the "mother duck". The larger boat would then gather up the debri within giant floats. It was a once in a lifetime experience that neither of us will forget!! Hope you have enjoyed the hike on the Rim Trail and experience of Nov. 2006. I so appreciate your visits and comments, my friends!! I love sharing good times with you!!!

White River Valley by Mary Janosik

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:43:40 MST

From the other side of the observation platform in the park, you see the White River as it meanders thru the valley just upstream from the dam. This was taken in July, 2003. Above the river is where the Rim Trail parallels the valley for 2 miles. The second photo was also taken in Nov. 2006. The "lake" extended 7 miles upstream..Not only did the river fill up the valley, but the amount of debris was incredible. That's where the work boats come into play. They gather up the massive amount of timber ripped from the banks of the river far upstream...I'm not sure where it goes.

The Dam by Mary Janosik

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:27:55 MST

The first photo is of the dam, finished in 1948, the largest earthen dam in the world at the time. During normal river flow, the river travels thru the dam at the base of the round tower at the bottom of the picture. The dam itself is 432 ft high. Here you see the work boats on dry land. Wish I had a photo from the lower observation platform. The second photo was taken in Nov. 2006. We had just finished with 18 inches of rain in 36 hours and my daughter and I just had to check out the dam. I have seen it before with high water, but never THIS high. The whole valley downstream would have been washed away....it took over a month to release the river safely. (For more interesting info you can go to historylink.org....Essay 3584, Mud Mountain Dam.)

The Park at Mud Mt. Dam by Mary Janosik

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:46:33 MST

This photo was taken last weekend thru the chainlink fence. The park, the dam and large recreational property are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. It's closed on weekends for the winter, but in all the other season's it's very busy and a great place to spend the day. We've had lots of family picnics here over the years. This pic shows only about 1/3 of the park...there's lots of open space. The second photo was taken in Nov. 2006...an important date, as I will explain. This is the entrance to the overlook of the dam and the river. It also contains a wealth of information about the need for it and the construction. On the other side there is a short trail that takes you half the way down the hill to another observation platform...a better view of the dam.

What's This??? by Mary Janosik

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:50:33 MST

This sticks out on the trail because of it's striking fall color and berries. Do you have it in your backyard, as well??? Stick with me for another day...I have to show you the park and the dam.... :-)

The Forest Floor by Mary Janosik

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:41:30 MST

I loved the variety of leaves in just a square foot of ground.

The End of the Trail...kind of... by Mary Janosik

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:35:05 MST

This is where most people consider the end of the trail, 2 miles from the trailhead. Here you come to a gravel road...the only way down to the valley floor and the river. This gated road is used heavily by horseriders as well as hikers/bikers. It's a mile down to the bottom and continues for many miles upstream. However, 2 miles from here, there is a large creek with no bridge...OK if you have a horse. You can also see a trail across the road, but it doesn't offer much as it takes you to the power lines. So here is where we generally turn back and enjoy the same trail from another perspective...it's just as beautiful the other direction!!! Thanks for joining us on this hike!! I truely appreciate you coming along!!! There is just a bit more I would like to share....

The Bench by Mary Janosik

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:18:55 MST

Near the end of the trail...but not the end...is the lone bench on the Rim Trail at Mud Mt. Dam. Throughout the entire hike you never really get a clear shot of a view, except here. Even tho you still can't clearly see the river, 400 ft. below, you can see Mud Mt. in the distance. The snow level has dropped to 1000 ft and covered the top of the mountain. 2nd photo.....Across the valley, a mountain stream tumbles down the hill. In the summer, you can barely see it.

Heed the Warnings by Mary Janosik

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:09:28 MST

This is called the Rim Trail because it follows the White River Valley upriver from the dam...400ft. above the valley floor. In many places along the trail you find these rail fences and signs to keep you from the edge. Much of the rim is undercut from erosion either from the river itself or from the soft earth giving in to gravity. Three years ago a woman's dog didn't heed the sign and got stuck on a wide ledge just below the rim's edge. The woman crossed the boundries of safety to save her dog....the dog survived, she didn't. Unfortunately many people in these mountains don't heed the warnings posted for their safety. It seems every year we lose a few careless hikers...some just for the thrill. If the sign says danger, believe it!!!

Unexpected, but Welcomed by Mary Janosik

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:43:00 MST

Usually after leaving a trailhead and hiking deep into the woods, you feel as if you have left civilization behind. The Corps have left these welcome surprises in the forest....the outhouse is the first you encounter after the swamp, but I prefered the picnic table for my site. If you are lucky, there may even be TP in the outhouse.... :-)