It was only about 10am, but the temperature was already in the triple digits. Ma decided to take a break. I decided to try the "Notch Trail".
Here's the official description:
"Moderate to strenuous. After meandering through a canyon, this trail climbs a log ladder and follows a ledge to "the Notch" for a dramatic view of the White River Valley. Trail begins at the south end of the Door and Window parking area. Watch for drop offs. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Treacherous during or after heavy rains."
Sound like a challenge? You have no idea. And neither did I.
The trail started off friendly enough. Nice canyon.
Then there was this. That's someone's idea of a "ladder".
Here's a better view...from the top.
Did I mention the wooden crossbars were sizzling hot?
Not scared yet? That sign says "Dangerous cliff. Keep right." Keep right! Right of what!? All I could think to myself was, "It's a good thing I'm wearing a neon green shirt. That should make it easy for them to find my mangled corpse at the bottom of this ravine." The trail was (barely) marked by iron posts. I began to think of them as "I-dare-you" poles. It was like they dared you to find a way from this pole to the next without falling to your death.
I had had enough. A "dramatic view of the White River" was not worth dying. It's not often I'm scared enough to admit defeat. Congratulations, Notch Trail. You won.
It wasn't all terrifying, though. See that line running through the middle of the photo? It's a different sedimentary layer of rock, but turned on its side. It looked like aggregate stone or concrete sandwiched between mudstone.
It's fascinating what Mother Nature can concoct over millions of years.