Celebrating Hugo's 6th Birthday at Tsugane Otoshi Waterfall

Hey Guys! Reynolds here!

As many of you know, Hugo turned SIX on October 7. Did you catch that? My big brother is SIX YEARS OLD! To celebrate, mom, dad, Hugo, and I jumped in the car and were off on an afternoon adventure to the Tsugane Otoshi Waterfall!

Now, Hugo and I both have memories of visiting waterfalls in Brevard, North Carolina when vacationing with Gigi and Poppi. Hugo always loves a good swim, but I am more cautious when it comes to water in my face. Anyway, mom and dad knew Hugo would love an afternoon of swimming, so we were off! I knew Hugo would be happy with just a day of relaxing on the couch, but nobody asked me. Looking back on our waterfall adventure, I know it was the perfect way to celebrate my big brother!

With the windows down and Hugo's head sticking out the whole ride, we were off to smell the roadside flowers and enjoy the fresh air during the hour-long drive south! Mom and dad got nervous when we had to drive through a small village with two-laned roads that were really only wide enough for a single car. We had to pull SUPER close to the ditch so that cars could fit next to us a few times! It was a tight fit for sure, but I liked the times we slowed down- it gave me a chance to catch extra wiffs of the stray cats that lived there!

Eventually, dad lost cell service, so mom had to follow road signs to the parking area for the waterfall! I knew we were headed in the right direction because I could smell the water! We were getting close! I could tell dad was a little nervous about leaving the car alongside the road, especially since the sign near the parking area was completely in Japanese! Oh well, worst case scenario we have to walk back home- Hugo and I like long hikes!

The path to Tsugane Otoshi Waterfall started with a really tall concrete bridge and then we had to go through a dark tunnel. Again, dad was nervous going through the long dark tunnel. Mom jokingly said it looked like an abandoned mineshaft, which didn't make dad feel any better. But lucky for them, Hugo and I were leading the way! Once through the tunnel, we continued on the path and walked by some pretty, teal watering holes. The water looked so clear! Good, tasty drinking water I'm sure!

Then we made it to the waterfall, people! And the best part? We were the only ones there!!! It was the best day ever because mom and dad dropped our leashes and let us run around all on our own! I mean, look at this place- it was beautiful and quiet and ALL OURS.

Of course, mom made us start our visit with a family picture! I do have to say, it was hard to pay attention with all of the distractions! As you can see, there was the main waterfall that you could walk up to and behind. (That was a big "no" for me and Hugo, but mom and dad said it was fun! I'll just trust them. I steered clear of that thing!) Then the water collected in a natural pool made by giant boulders that was about 5 feet deep at the deepest point. That's where Hugo swam with mom and dad, and again, I steered clear of most of the time!

I will say, within 10 minutes of chasing Hugo on the slippery rocks, I went to jump in, what I thought was, a puddle....and ended up nose deep in water! NOT the way to start my waterfall adventure! Long story short, I was much more cautious from that point forward! Never trust "water puddles" because they aren't always what they seem! You haven't experienced true fear until the ground goes missing! Whew!

After a little while of chasing Hugo around, mom made us pose for MORE pictures. I won't lie, I was getting tired, so I stood (somewhat) still and caught my breath while mom clicked away! Then it was back to chasing Hugo as he got in and out of the water!

Hugo really enjoyed swimming with mom and dad in the natural pool area. I avoided the water like the plague; clearly I didn't get the water-dog gene, but Hugo definitely did! I think he thought mom and dad needed rescuing several times when he swam out to them...but I say if mom and dad wanted to live long, happy lives, they wouldn't get in the water in the first place! While Hugo could be found right next to mom, I enjoyed my time relaxing on the sunny rocks- far away from any moving water! But boy, was this the most perfect day ever!!!

At one point a young Japanese couple and their fresh human stopped by the waterfall. They took a few pictures and left pretty quickly. Of course mom picked up our leashes while they were there. I guess she just didn't want us to go make friends. I mean, they looked like they needed some love, but oh well...

I guess now is the time to tell you dad brought the GoPro with us and shot some real '90s dad film of Hugo and I playing at the waterfall. Don't get me wrong, he's a great dad, but he clearly needs more practice before becoming a YouTube star! I spiced up his videography by adding my own subtitles to his clips. Enjoy:

After about an hour and half of playing at the waterfall, it was time to head home! The water was completely in the shade and dad got too cold, so we made the short hike back to the car. I remember dad starting the car, and then BAM! We were home! Dang, naps are amazing!

Apparently, dad did pull over at one point so mom could walk to the edge of the woods and pick some of the beautiful yellow flower-weeds that were everywhere along the drive! Hugo and I don't remember this because of the deep sleep we experienced, but dad said within 5 minutes of mom putting the yellow weed-flowers in the car, that mom noticed tons of little baby lime-green spiders! It's funny to imagine mom swatting spiders while dad tries to navigate the tight roads! Now that I think about it, I do remember hearing dad holler "this is why we don't pick weeds to take home, Katie!" Hmmm...maybe that wasn't from my sleep-induced dreams!

I will end my first solo blog post by saying Happy Sixth Birthday to my bestest friend in the whole world! Thank you for having panic attacks early in life so mom and dad had to get me. I can't imagine my life without you, Hugs!

Woofs & Kisses,

Reynolds