Flying Dragons and Fire Toads - Yongchu Pokpo Waterfall

Kate knew of a waterfall where you could swim, and a big group of us went to check it out. Thus began the Summer of Waterfalls.

What a pretty mushroom!

오용추 폭포 Yongchu Pokpo, not surprisingly, has an old legend associated with it. The name means 'a pool of water where a dragon lives.' The legend claims that two female dragons flew from this heart-shaped pond up into the sky.

There were actual goldfish in the water. I have never seen a goldfish that was not in a fish tank or koi pond. 

Chuey and Waffles were so excited to tag along!

Those faces are gasping at the coldness of the water.

The older kids quickly left us to venture further down the creek.

It didn't take long for the rest to follow.

There's my Daisy.

My two bigs, posing for the Momma.

Zekers jumped right in.

Soon everyone caught up and joined in the fun.

Sarah and I were supervising.

That's a big rock that Zekers is on!

These little ladies enjoyed being outside with everyone.

After frolicking in the cool waters of the swimming hole, we walked up a short path beside Yongchu Temple. The original was burned down during the Korean War, and what is standing now has been rebuilt.

Just to the right is a small path that leads to Upper Yongchu.

It was the perfect spot for a picnic.

If you look closely you can see carvings on this rock. I wonder what it says and how old it is?

See the lines on the rocks? That same dragon legend says these lines were left over from the dragons' scales rubbing the granite rock.

Apparently water flows through this stream all throughout the year, even when nearby areas are experiencing a drought.

Chuey found this toad to chase.

I looked away, and when I looked down I saw this lump with orange on the sides.  It flipped itself to turn concave, showing its bright color to scare away predators.  After Chuey walked away, it righted itself and hopped away. Research told me that it was an oriental fire-bellied toad, and that defensive action is called the unken reflex. 

More pools and more swimming.

Aaron, who is over six feet, swam down to the bottom of this little swimmin' hole. He said it was well over his head.

Kate and Sarah added their own rock stacks to the many others.

The little guys were hanging out here,

while the big kids were hanging out here,

and the moms were in the middle, keeping an eye on both. We mom so hard!

What a refreshing day!

[July 1]