Four intrepid backpackers met early Saturday morning for a beginners’ backpack to Horton Springs, and carpooled to the trailhead.

Rainbow. [photo by Rebecca]

The parking lot was full, so we had to park along the road adding ¼ mile to the hike.

Rod, Robbi, Dwayne, and Rebecca bid farewell to civilization. [photo by Rod]

We started with our traditional hiker’s parade before a short descent, to the creek bed.

Hiker’s parade with Rebecca, Robbi, and Dwayne. [photos by Rod]

The crossing was dry and rocky, so we gingerly picked our way across to the trail.

Dry creekbed. [photo by Rod]

For 2½ miles, we walked leisurely among the pine and sycamores growing beside the creek. We stopped often to enjoy breathtaking waterfalls and the peaceful sound of nature.

Enjoying the silence of nature. [photo by Rod]

Our Dashing Leader with Robbi and Dwayne soaking up nature. [photos by Rod]

Say “Horton Springs.” [photo by Rod]

Pre-Butterfly. [photo by Rod]

Post-Caterpillar. [photo by Dwayne]

“Wow, 3 bars.” [photo by Rod]

Recent rains filled the creek and the waterfalls were flowing. [photos by Rod]

Rain-filled creek. [photos by Rod]

We began to climb up the side of the canyon heading towards the spring.

Spiders! [photo by Dwayne]

We arrived at our destination and found a campground.

Arrived! [photo by Dwayne]

It was pouring rain when we reached camp. We set up our shelters and hunkered down until the storm had passed.

Setting up Camp. [photo by Rod]

We emerged from hibernation to begin happy hour.

“Pass the wine, please.” [photo by Rod]

The sun came out and we started to dry off. I think Dwayne fell asleep sitting upright on a log while Robbi. Rebecca and I enjoyed a well earned cocktail.

Drying off after the rains. [photos by Rod]

We ate dinner and In spite of the wet conditions, Dwayne was able to get a fire started. Rod showed Rebecca how to start a fire using a firestarter.

Campfire. [photo by Rod]

We sat around the campfire telling stories. About an hour before sunset, we cleaned up camp and secured our food for the night. A very tired bunch retired for the evening.

We rose at dawn and watched the sunrise, then ate breakfast.

Breakfast. [photo by Rod]

After cleaning and policing the camp, we packed up and reluctantly headed back to the trailhead.

Packing up. [photos by Rod]

We stopped to bid farewell to the springs and take some photos at the log bridge.

Crossing the Bridge. [photos by Rod]

The return trip was as picturesque with water cascading over the rocks providing a musical serenade as we hiked.

Heading home. [photo by Dwayne]

The journey home. [photos by Rod]

Heading back. [photo by Dwayne]

Everyone made it safely back to the trailhead.

We made it! [photo by Rod]