When we left Bellingham, all 21 of us Seniors, it was cloudy. Very cloudy, so we were sure we would have no view on our hike to the High Divide. But as you can see, in the picture above (click to enlarge), we hiked up to the heavens, to have our lunch with a wonderful view of Mt. Baker and a bed of clouds below us. Yes, we hiked above the clouds!
Our leader separated us into a faster group and a slower group. Although I was lagging pretty far behind on the faster group, I spied the other group down below us on the trail, and with the help of my trusty telephoto lens, was able to get a picture of them hiking through a meadow.
At the trail junction, we waited for the slower group, and when these guys saw that I was heading to a rise to take a picture, I heard someone say, "let's all point in different directions!" and that is what they were doing while I snapped this picture. At this point, it was time to take it right to the top for maximum view and have lunch.Although this hike seemed easy and short in terms of what we have been doing on previous hikes, we gained (and lost) 1,500 feet in elevation, and hiked something around 7 miles out and back. The temperature, when compared with last week's hike, was incredibly cool. Maybe around 60 F or 16 C. Perfect!! And there were few flies and mosquitoes, although I was ready with my new insect repellent and long sleeves, but that will be tested on subsequent hikes. Today was, well, absolutely gorgeous.
On the way back down, I saw those incredible clouds pushing up against the side of the mountain, and some beautiful fireweed in the foreground. I snapped this picture as quickly as I could and then hurried to catch up with the others. To have this in my back yard again makes me realize how prescient we were to choose this part of the country in which to retire and call home.:-)
It is wonderful to be above the clouds! I've only been that lucky once. It is such an awesome feeling... almost like you're getting close to heaven.
ReplyDeleteThat's one incredible experience. The clouds almost covered the view of the mountain, and yes you should be very quick in snapping or you gonna lose that one beautiful moment.
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DJ, What a beautiful picture above the clouds. It's so great that you do all this hiking. After just experiencing the beauty of Washington, I can better appreciate the sites and views you must see. And such great exercise, too. I also want to thank you for all your wonderful comments to me.
ReplyDeleteI think that last photo is a prize-winner Djan. It has everything to recommend it. Thank goodness you got some relief from the mosquitoes this time around!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
The photos are fantastic. They make me want to head to the mountains, although I'm much more into the stroll than the hike!
ReplyDeleteI was in Montana a few years ago and did quite the hike into the mountains to go fishing. I have never felt so in tune with nature or more appreciative of its beauty. Your photos bring all of that to each of us. Thank you.
Loved the photo with the clouds, mountain and Fireweed...you could get it framed...perfect!
ReplyDeleteYou pictures are so beautiful, especially the last one. Just looking at that picture I feel cooler (even though it is in the mid 90s here). When we came back from the North Carolina mountains when we left the Cherokee Reservation, we were above the clouds like that. I wanted to stop but we were on a winding road with no place to stop. You certainly chose a beautiful area to retire and it’s so great that you could move there.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about you yesterday as the clouds moved into our area and was wondering if you had the same. Looks like you had a nice day and we got some much needed rain and cooler weather.
ReplyDeleteI love all the photos but the first one is a very dramatic shot, nicely done. That is indeed some very beautiful country. I wish we lived closer, I would really like to join your group.
Have a great weekend,
Judy
Oh my goodness, DJan! What an incredible journey. I'm in awe! Your photos captured some memorable moments and took us go on the hike with you. The weather sounded perfect too.
ReplyDeleteI only wish I could have been beside you and the others to enjoy such a heavenly view.
Thank you so much for sharing the beauty of the 'High Divide'. It's simply divine!
You have a beautiful country, my friend!
Hugsssss, Susan
Jack-in-the-beanstalk land. Truly awe-inspiring!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hike. You must be the queen of buffness! We had the privilege of seeing Mt. Baker from a flatlanders perspective. Incredible photos. Boy, I'm glad you found me through LBWM.
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