The second set of falls did turn out to be Golden Falls in the end. I guess I should have known better than to doubt Naoto's map sense. It would be like him doubting whether I knew the chorus to Mikado or something like that.

Anyway, there was a rainbow for us here, too at the bottom of the falls. We spread out our blanket and set up our eclectic picnic. I must admit, the onigiri were very delicious. They went well with the gouda and summer sausage I had snuck into my backpack when Naoto wasn't looking.

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As the waterfall's pool was as smooth as glass, and we were quite alone, I thought I would take off my shoes, and stockings (gasps of surprise) and PADDLE!

(ten bucks for anyone besides my mom who can guess where that allusion comes from)

No, actually a fit of mountain monk overcame me and I decided I just had to stand underneath the freezing waterfall. I learned in Japan that young monks used to climb up really really steep mountains for hours and then stand under freezing waterfalls to be cleansed of impure thoughts. I must admit, I had no other thoughts in my brain then "this is f---king COLD", so I can understand why the boss monks must have thought it was a good idea.

Naoto did not feel the need to come in with me.

On the way to the third set of falls we started to meet more and more people. It kind of ruined the primeval mood, but I dealt with it okay.

There were still yellow slugs giving Naoto heart attacks, and we saw a deer, a snake, and some squirrels. Did you know there are like no squirrels in Japan. Naoto says he spent weeks trying to catch one the first time he came to the United States. He just couldn't believe they would come so close to humans in a city!

Naoto says he judges our hikes by how many times I trip or stumble. This was the longest hike we've done so far, with a grand total of 15 stumbles over tree roots, loose rocks, and even my own feet by yours truly!

The third set of falls: Berry Creek