Mount Benson was shrouded in a gray mist as we headed south for an adventure. Sitting shotgun as the navigator, I was jittery from excitement for this hike. Calmly laughing at me was my driver, Sharron, who had invited me along to check out this water fall that she wanted to write an article on for the Beacon. Every month she writes the Trek On column. Having just found out about these falls she was eager to check them out.
Precipitation was gently falling as we pulled up at the trail-head for Ammonite Falls on Benson Creek and contemplated the start of the trail which promised to get us muddy. Once started down the trail it was easy-going through a large mature stand of pines. Scant undergrowth suggested sightings of wildlife but alas there was nothing to see.
Half an hour of walking brought us to a fire pit at the top of the falls. A short walk along the bank brought us to a steep embankment to which is secured a long rope with knots tied in every 2 1/2' to help steady your decent down the muddy embankment to the edge of the creek. We both had mud covering out pants and hands with dirty water running up the sleeves of our jackets.....or at least mine! Reaching the bottom was a highly rewarding full on view of one of Nanaimo's highest water falls.
"Rauchelle, why don't you go across to the other side and stand beside the falls so I can take a picture of you?" At first I thought Sharron might be joking, but after rolling the bottom of my pant legs up and receiving no apology for such a crazy suggestion, I plunged right in with boots on. It was cold!!!!! Fortunately the water was not deep at the top of the rapids so it was a quick jaunt across. The falls had turned the rock on the other side to a slippery smooth obstacle which would have taken forever to navigate if not for a rope someone had strung along the side of the bank allowing me to traverse the rock up to the very bottom of the falls and then up and behind them. Standing with a wall of water crashing down in front of you from above, with a 30' wall of rock behind was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. The power and threat in the falls was beyond description.
Back on the other side we damply scaled back up the bank and headed out, chatting along the way. It was very nice to be able to go for an adventurous hike with someone who is fit, willing, good natured and can keep up a conversation all while walking at a good pace.
By the time we got back to the car we were wet and dirty, but happy as all get out. One more local treasure discovered and enjoyed with a friend.
