Or alternatively titled 'Jefferson Tart Grapes ' ;)
Been planning to go up Caps Ridge again for a long time, and when it looked like the weather and my personal schedule might work out, I requested a vacay day.
Managed to get out the door at the excruciatingly early time of 5.45. Ugh. Made good time , was tempted by the nearly empty parking lot for Falling Waters, but stuck to plan.
Got to trailhead, parked, started getting saddled up and a couple guys pulled in with a Beagle hanging out the window with the greatest baying I've ever heard - "we're here! I know we're here! Let me out ! Let me out!" He was way cool. I should've gotten a picture of him after they put on his boots and backpack.
After that, it was heading up the trail, passing through a large group doing a message hike ... they were headed up the mountain to get a group pic to send to a friend with a sick family member. They were pretty nice; I hope their effort helps their friend.
It was reasonably cool but the humidity was high so it felt pretty hot until I broke treeline.
After reaching the junction with The Cornice trail I decided to bail in deference to the increasing clouds and the prediction of afternoon showers. I had no desire to descend the Caps after even a brief shower. One person who did summit told me when he was up there it was cold and cloudy ... it was too nice a day to call it a sour grapes day, but maybe just a little tart :)
Anyway, it was nice getting up to the Cornice junction.
A huge number of people, I certainly encountered more than 30. I'd guess really the number was more like 40. The trailhead overflow parking was occupied when I left.
When I got down I decided since I cut my Jefferson hike short I'd stop and take a walk in to Ripley Falls. Not sure whether I've ever been there. The trail was an interesting change from the Caps Ridge trail. Thought CRT was in good shape, it is a very rough trail once you break treeline. The trail out to Ripley Falls had a few roots, but was generally pretty smooth.
Interesting falls. There were some people rappelling down the falls for a while. Personally, I'm not that trusting of rope and biners :)