You know I can never resist a picture of a mossy tree, and this one is no exception. (Click any picture to enlarge.) The day was a little rainy and overcast when we started out, and although the forecast was for it to stop raining, I didn't expect any views today. There's a reason this trail we took in the Chuckanuts is called "Chinscraper trail." Fourteen Senior Trailblazers started the hike on an old logging road that winds moderately uphill. I say "moderately," because when we turned off to start the hike up Chinscraper, the uphill got decidedly steeper. We gained 1,800 feet in around three miles, and many places where a switchback would have been welcome, the trail just went straight up. I had to stop several times to catch my breath.
By the time we reached Gates Overlook, there was little to see except the fog that had rolled in, and we were drenched with sweat from having pushed so hard to get up Chinscraper trail to the overlook. Usually you have a great view of Bellingham Bay from here. After a short break and time to add clothing, we decided to hike to Fragrance Lake for lunch, giving us a round trip of a little more than 9 miles by the time we would get back to the trailhead.
Once we reached Fragrance Lake, the sun broke out, and by the time we headed back, there wasn't a cloud in the sky! Although it was a little chilly, we had a nice lunch and some of us played around near the water. Mike always has his umbrella with him on rain days, and this was no exception. We call him "Mikey Poppins" for obvious reasons.
The completely clear skies didn't last long, though, and on the way back a few of us took a quick side trip (just a quarter mile) to a viewpoint that I couldn't resist, since there was a possibility for a picture! This was taken at the viewpoint looking out over Bellingham Bay. You can see the clouds have already started to roll back in.
All in all, it was a very satisfying day, with rain, wind, fog, and even sunshine! To hike with these special friends of mine is always a pleasure, too. I am truly blessed.
:-)
What a dramatic difference in the sky after the weather broke. That blue is beautiful. It looks heavenly.
ReplyDeleteYour hikes are magical.
ReplyDeleteI get tired just thinking of all that hiking! You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great time. One thing I never tire of in Oregon is moss. I love it on the trees, curbs, in cracks on stairs, and anywhere else I can find it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to spend the day. Good friends, fresh air, and a view to die for!
ReplyDeleteFragrance Lake looks magnificent! Fragrance Lake? I could almost smell the pine trees that seem to surround it. Might this be how it got its name? What a glorious place to hike.
ReplyDeleteBut, best of all is how beautifully you placed the importance of your friends that accompany on your trails into this post. Thanks for sharing the beauty.
sending my love,
karen
What an awesome lake.
ReplyDeleteYou are indeed blessed to share so much time with your close friends, and out there enjoying all of God's creation.
I think Mikey poppins looks like a fun fella, I can see why you spend so much time with these friends.
Thanks for sharing, great pictures as always.
Just reading what you do makes me want to get back in shape! Love the pictures!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a climb! It must be steep to get you winded. I'm wild about mossy trees, too, DJan. In fact, I noticed about a week ago, on the north side of my ornamental pear tree, it's all gone to green moss. Right here in California. Wonder if it'll make it through the hot summer. Mossy trees are pure whimsy. LOVE IT! And HELLO my friend!
ReplyDeleteMoss trees reminds me of my hike in the woods going to the falls, I saw a fallen log full of thick moss, I can't resist to take a photo of it, it was so beautiful for me.
ReplyDeleteBTW I stand corrected regarding your blog about cheesecake. How's the cheesecake. Love you too DJ!
AL
Love the name of the trail, Chinscraper! I hope no one had any sore chins after the hike. The photos are beautiful and I can never get enough of the moss on the trees.
ReplyDeleteMy little friends are Fox squirrels, they are larger than most squirrels. For some reason they are the only ones we ever see here in the valley.
I like this series of photos. Very nice indeed. Did the gentleman fall off the logs into the water?
ReplyDeleteI imagine it was quite the trip if you were pausing for breath! I would have to say it looks well worth it based on the photos you took. I particularly like the bottom one. The lighting is fantastic, and I love the silhouettes. I hope you are resting today:)
ReplyDeletegorgeous mossy tree and I loved the blue and white umbrella too. Fantastic scenery as always. It strikes me that the air is very clear up there where you live.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
You really live in a wonderful part of the country, The photos you publish are so beautiful and we feel like we come along with you on your hikes (without the physical effort…) Honestly I’d love to go with you and all your friends and look at all this great scenery some time.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos..glad your grey day turned sunny! Your friend Mikey Poppins is a hoot..love the umbrella! I bet all your hiking friends are cool..you should introduce them to us one by one!! Thanks for another great hike! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you took that last picture....the scene is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete