Today the Senior Trailblazers went up to Fragrance Lake from the trailhead at Larrabee State Park. There were fifteen of us, and we intended to do a relatively short hike so we could get back early to have our annual Christmas party at Amy's house.
Yesterday here in Bellingham the weather was atrocious. It blew all morning and when the wind began to die down, the rain started. I think we must have had at least three incredible deluges that would have been very uncomfortable if you happened to be out in the weather. But today was gorgeous! The weather gods cooperated by giving us sunshine and clear skies when we started out, which then changed to a few clouds and a light breeze.
The view above is of the bay as we hiked up the more than thousand feet of elevation gain. There were quite a few downed trees, and this tree, which we had to climb over, had the most incredibly brilliant bark and I couldn't resist a picture. (Any picture can be enlarged.)
Although the hike isn't very long, we went about five miles round trip and had quite a bit of uphill in the form of switchbacks at the beginning. Although it rained all day yesterday, it was hardly muddy as we walked through quiet green peacefulness.
When we returned to the trailhead, we made a beeline to the Senior Center to get our cars and head to the potluck at Amy's house. We had pizza, salad, shrimp, and lots and lots of homemade Christmas cookies. It was a wonderful time, and we couldn't have asked for a better day: sunshine, beautiful scenery, and good friends.
:-)
Mmmm...cookies.
ReplyDeleteI really like the second picture. It looks quite peaceful. The colors, the blues and grays of it, are soothing.
I'm glad ya'll had such great weather though I'm sure you'd have gone if it were still crummy!
Wow what a nice day - a long hike followed by friends and a great feast. It doesn't get any better than that!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lavender tip - I'm going to get some as soon as possible.
Great views all around,blogging is a fun way to see the world.Glad you had such a lovely time and the food looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love that phrase..."quiet green peacefulness." I wish I knew of a hiking group! You guys seem to have so much fun!
ReplyDeleteYou have the very best terrain and scenery for your hikes.
ReplyDeleteThat tree bark color really is unusual. You always get the best pictures on your hikes. It makes me feel like I am right along there with you. After the hike and potluck it would have been a perfect time for a long nap. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteand which of those pictures did I click on to enlarge? Why, the foodie one, of course (tee hee).
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
Very nice pictures. I enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to see the moose.
Wonderful panoramic view of the lakes in that one shot...and wow! no snow!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful party too...
hope your holidays are wonderful!
Oh, what a lovely day you had...such a great and gorgeous hike!! And such a festive meal afterward!!! Love it!! We are almost waist deep in snow here...and it's still falling...can I come hike with you? ;-) Have a wonderful Christmas, my dear friend!!! Sending you love and best wishes for much joy with your wonderful family! Janine XO
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to your Thursday Hikes..beautiful scenery!! :)
ReplyDeleteGood friends and common interest. What a great combination!
ReplyDeleteThat days sounds like a winner – great hike, great weather, great scenery and great friends. Did I say that it sounded like you had a great time?
ReplyDeleteThat tree bark is really bright and colorful, how fascinating. This looks like a great place for a short hike. Glad to hear you had good weather. We have had pea soup type fog for several days now, it is so dark and dreary on this side of the state.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful hiking area. Wish I'd been there.
ReplyDelete