Today, eight Seniors showed up for a sunny Christmas Eve hike on Galbraith Mountain, which is the common name by which North Lookout Mountain is known. This open space privately owned multiple use land is nestled between Bellingham to the west and Lake Whatcom to the east. There are views of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and Mt. Baker. There are bridges and sometimes logs over frequent streams. Click any picture to enlarge.
The many miles of mountain trails (40, to be exact) are used and maintained by a mountain bike coalition known as WHIMPs. (I finally found that it stands for WHatcom Independent Mountain Pedalers! They even have their own website
here.) This mountain is covered with logging roads and, today, trails that extend for miles and miles. Most of them have names like "Cheech and Chong's Wild Ride," "Shawn's Aneurism," or "Woopsie Woodle" with ramps and drop-offs to scare even the most experienced mountain biker. It's also a nice place for hiking (which is what we did) or trail running. It is world renowned as a primo place to mountain bike. The owner of the land, Trillium, has installed several sculptures at various places on the mountain, which are great landmarks. Here is the group standing in front of what is known as the leggo blocks.
It was such a nice day, and we shared the trails with other hikers, runners, lots of people on mountain bikes (although not as many as I would have expected; it must have been because it was Christmas Eve and people had other things going on). We hiked just under eight miles and up (and down) just over 1,000 feet in elevation. And in this last picture, I'm standing in front of another sculpture, wearing Judy's new hat (see yesterday's post: I finished it!). It was a wonderful day and a fine way to spend Christmas Eve Day. Now I get to spend the evening and tomorrow with Smart Guy.
:-)
A stunning view, you are so fortunate to be able to take such wonderful hikes, and enjoy the surrounding countryside with great friends.
ReplyDeleteA very Merry Christmas my dear friend, your friendship throughout the year has been a special blessing.
Hugs,
Jo
Merry Christmas to Jan and Smart Guy...tell your birds and squirrels hello from me. Hope they have a merry Christmas, too.
ReplyDeleteNice walk, nice people, love the hat. The colour suits you!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a great day today.
What did you have for dinner?
Blessings, Star
I keep meaning to ask... Do they ride horses on any of these trails?
ReplyDeleteLove the hat! I picked up some yarn and needles at the store. (Don't know where my old ones might be.) I do remember how to knit! I've got to find my crochet booklet. Wasn't sure if the stiff fingers could still manage. Now I want a hat like that!
Merry Christmas DJan and Smart Guy! What a nice hike..I am always confused by sculptures..I always want to know exactly what they are.. Great looking Hat! :)
ReplyDeleteThe new hat is cute! (What does a sister need with something new anyway... you should keep it for yourself! Ha Ha) Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteYou finished the hat that quickly?! I'm amazed.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice that ya'll still got together to hike despite it being a holiday. The trail certainly sounds interesting...
How wonderful to be out in nature on Christmas eve...your energy is so motivating!
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