Big Bradley Falls; a Challenge

We are the Sloth Hike Team of WNC: “We will get there when we get there.” We dare to go where the ‘real’ hike groups don’t !!
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ8H4EK2vt4**
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not 'hike' through them.”
I am challenging a few of you to hike to Big Bradley Falls via the lower route. This will be my final attempt. Up to 12 ppl are welcome to join me.
If I don’t get substantial interest, I will cancel.
Hike Distance: 4.5 mi RT; Accum ascent: 450 ft
Pace: 1.0mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: VERY Challenging; technical footing, slope traverse, short steep butt-slides, wet stream xings, bouldering in the river.
AllTrail reports that it can NOT be done – I wish to find out for myself (smirk)
Drive time: 45 min; 25 mi 1-way
Apprx return time: 3:30 PM (=5.5 hrs)
Carpool contributions appreciated. $3.00 suggested
Weather Check: Saluda, NC
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 3 driver(s) (=13ppl).
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver's car at the end of the hike.
DOGS will need to be able to climb boulders and cross deep flowing water.
DESCRIPTION;
Remember - hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
This is an In&Out scouting hike; I have not been here since.2014. There will be tree downfall, steep mountainside traverse (if you don’t know what that means – don’t sign up!), VERY Challenging; technical footing, short steep butt-slides. The stream Xing is a knee-deep, slippery wet Xing. (watershoes, towels, Watertight bags NECESSARY).
There is a swimmin’ hole, under the falls.
I will be carrying the ‘Ent-Ward’ that gives us permission to pass thru the forest.
All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: The organizer of this event is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this event. There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, by signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendo Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie's contact: CurmudgeonHiker@gmail.com
(before day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)
**Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146993931@N05/albums**