Thursday, March 11, 2010

Chuckanut Ridge

Today 13 hardy Senior Trailblazers set out for a long hike in the wind and rain up the Interurban Trail to Chuckanut Ridge. When we started, as you can see all of us (except for Mikey Poppins with the umbrella and shorts) were bundled up with rain ponchos and raincoats. It was not terribly cold, but the wind was blowing hard, which made it seem colder.

The trail begins on an old logging road, but we eventually headed off onto a leaf-strewn and sometimes muddy trail that winds UP and DOWN with little level ground. Although we usually have a view, today this is what we saw most of the day:
When we stopped for lunch, we saw snow at the overlook, and my fellow Trailblazers insisted I take a picture to prove to those of you on the East Coast that we too sometimes have weather. Everyone knows it always rains in the Pacific Northwest, except lately. We had the warmest January on record, and although February and now March have been pretty warm, we do have rain and snow, too!
See? Snow, if not lots of it, believe me it was not warm. My thermometer said 35 degrees at noon while we had lunch. Don't be fooled by Mikey's lack of warm gear; he says if he keeps his hands and head warm, it's all he needs. (But he does carry a pack with all kinds of gear, just in case.)
On the way back down, I saw a chance for a bit of an artsy shot, and although it's not as wonderful in reality as it was in my head, I continue to be so happy to share my Thursdays, rain or shine, with my fantastic fellow hikers. We covered more than ten miles today, with an altitude gain (and loss) of over 3,000 feet (like I said, very little of the trail was level). The group today ranges in age from 62 (Fred) to 79 (Frank), with an average somewhere around 70. I am proud to be one of them!
:-)

14 comments:

  1. I like your new header but will miss seeing you with the bird.

    You are amazing. I've been all week recovering my week-end following my kids around. It's wonderful you can do all these activities.

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  2. You look like a dynamic group of young seniors. I would think it makes it quite fun to walk with a group such as yours. I have not heard or ever seen a group of people walking around my mountain. They usually come one or two at a time with a dog. I joined the photographic club in my town and they said they go out on some Saturdays in summer to take pictures together. I think I’ll join them on one of their outings.

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  3. What an amazing group you belong to!

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  4. Amazing! I love the photo you took of the gang. Very artistic!
    I think if I lived out there I'd probably be hiking too. Your views are a lot more beautiful than where I'm at.
    Your header shot is great!

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  5. What a fabulous group of people!!!! And that last shot is simply superb!!! Such a treat to see your photos of the Northwest!!! It is such a magical place!! Love you! Janine XOXO

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  6. Wow. I'm impressed too. I'm a fair weather hiker and I don't think I can do 10 miles and 3,000 feet any more. Too much arthritis.

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  7. Are you sure this wasn't chuck-full-of-nuts? ha

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  8. DJan, you put me to shame. Hiking in the rain and all kinds of weather. I'm sending a blog link to my husband so he can check out the eagle lady.

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  9. Wow! I wish I could find a hiking group around here! You folks know how to have fun!

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  10. If I had those knees, I'd wear shorts too! The bumpershoot's a nice touch too! Tell him I'm enamored!

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  11. Amazing. All of you are just amazing! That second picture is great - I can almost feel the fog. I really like the last shot; it's fun!

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  12. The weather you had for Thursday hit us yesterday, wind and all. We had rain here in the valley but this morning the mountains are very white.

    That is such a great group you hike with, I wish we had something similar here. I love the last photo, it does have a very artsy quality.

    Have a great weekend,
    Judy

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  13. More lovely photos D-Jan. You do all seem to enjoy yourselves with the hiking and all the picturesque scenery.
    Blessings, Star

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  14. I love the Thursday Hikes..and that last photo you took turned out quite well!! You live in such a beautiful area ..thanks for sharing :)

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