Palouse Falls Part I

It was a beautiful day today and for February that is not the norm.  the sun was shining as we headed out of Spokane toward Palouse Falls which is about a 2 hour drive. I was hoping to catch some ice formation on the falls but as you will see we were to late this year.  Not a great drive in icy weather so I was to chicken to go in January.  oh well another time.  it is still one of my favorite spots. It is such a hidden gem and so many people don't know about I am spreading the word to check it out.  you don't have to hike any of it there are a couple of great viewing areas right off the parking lot.  bring a lunch there is no food or water service but there are restrooms and picnic tables.
the drive goes through mostly farm country well wheat farming to be exact and lots of cows.  This is just a short distance from the entrance to the state park.  I love it because it just looks like nothing special and you can see part of the windy road leading down

but what you find after the entrance is amazing

this waterfall has a 198 foot drop per the state park website.  many people have died going over those falls some on purpose some by accident. in 2010 Tyler Bradt did attempt and succeed the drop in a kayak crazy I say but he made it and only broke and ankle.  you can see his you tube video here  at the time this was a world record.
water is power

we have hiked around the falls before and onto the ledge just before the water a few years ago but only went to the tops of the cliff this trip
this is what you see on the backside and if you view the video above this is where the kayaker starts from

and a closer view of the outcropping of rocks next to the falls

here is hubby looking at a couple of friends that I will show more of tomorrow in part II

PS I am back blogging but wont be posting every day only and unlike last year where I only posted one picture a day this year I am going to attempt to tell a better story and fill the post we shall see how this goes.