Oh yeah! See those fluffy things that look like clumps on that snow field (and above)? Well, if you enlarge that picture, you will see that they are bonafide MOUNTAIN GOATS! Although my Senior Trailblazers group takes binoculars every week, on this week's hike on Ptarmigan Ridge we were able to see four of them. And they are my first!! So, I'm calling this hike the one where I got my goat(s).
Twelve Seniors Trailblazers set out from the Senior Center on a beautiful day, although we were in heavy fog until somewhere around 10:00am. Once the sun came out in earnest, we saw nary a cloud anywhere, all day long. Temperature was perfect as we headed up to Artist Point to start our hike to Ptarmigan Ridge.
We had a few scary snow fields to cross, and since everyone was very careful and we helped each other, we were successful in navigating the crossings. Here you see Dan heading back across the snow to help Amy, since it was very steep and you just didn't want to fall. That said, though, our views on Ptarmigan Ridge were nothing short of spectacular.
As we were getting ready to stop for lunch, you can see the glorious Shuksan Mountain lighting up the landscape. We also had marvelous views of Mt. Baker almost the whole hike. Last year when we headed up this trail, it was cold, blowing so hard the rain was hitting us sideways, and there was no view. This hike today was the exact opposite: sunny, warm, light breeze, and absolutely breathtaking views.
The fall colors were enough to take your breath away all by themselves, and I thought this picture also shows you, who were unfortunate not be out there with us today, the amount of snow still left over from last year. In another week or two, it is possible that all of this will be covered with fresh snow, and we will be so happy that we were able to be there today. The parking lot at Artist Point was so full of cars it looked like a summer weekend, not a Thursday on the last day of September!
Here's Peggy finishing the last of her water at the end of the day, with the parking lot in sight. That signage tells you that she is standing at the junction of two trailheads, and we were all a little reluctant to head back down to sea level, after having spent the day here, hiking eight or so miles in the brilliant sunshine at the end of September. It was just a wonderful day.
:-)
Another Thursday, another hike. You have no clue how much I wish I could hike like that. That world is gone for me, someone who so enjoyed nature and the world about me. I'm so glad that you're getting to enjoy it. I really am.
ReplyDeleteYour BIL
you astound me with your adventures...mountain goats...how cool is that? and a stunnign view as well...
ReplyDeleteMountain goats. This is so cool. These photos are wonderful. Here is Florida, it's wet and hot.
ReplyDeleteWhen you hike into the mountains, do you notice the thinner air or do you adjust easily? After some quick trips into higher elevations last week, it was very obvious to me that I would need some time to become adjusted to less oxygen. I love mountains, but the thin air makes me struggle to breathe even though I walk four miles a day and try to stay in shape.
ReplyDeleteThat really looked like an great adventure, with mountain goats and grand views. Loved the autumn colors with the snow and all the short sleaves.
ReplyDeleteI loved your mountain goats. So many, all at once! Your photographs are stunning today and so clear, so high up, too. All that fresh air must make you a little light-headed sometimes, I think.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
Gorgeous pictures, sort of reminds me of pictures I've seen of the Swiss Alps. I'd like to see a real moutain goat.
ReplyDeleteOur friends Kate and Will were backpacking once and noticed some dark colored animal on the ridge on the opposite side of the valley and snapped a picture. They thought it looked like a buffalo. I thought this was terribly funny so made up an entirely fake profile of the "Alpine Buffalo" species, grazing on icecicles poking through the glaciers in their natural habitat.
ReplyDeleteMountain goats.. no kidding! ;) Your hikes are truly spectacular.. you're amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis made me think the Sound of Music's goatherd song
ReplyDeleteUmmm (ummm)...
Odl lay ee (odl lay ee)
Odl lay hee hee (odl lay hee hee)
Odl lay ee ...
... yodeling ..
Great pictures.
Good for you to see the sights and bring pictures to share with us. We are packing our house things and getting ready to move about 65 miles away to a very small town. We will move the end of this month.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful day, beautiful hike. Down in the lowlands we were in the fog.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous views and mountains goats, it can't get much better. You know, all the time I have spent in the wild I have never seen a mountain goat. Lots and lots of sheep, including the Dalls, but never any goats.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular doesn't even begin to cover it!!! You make me want to hop on a plane and fly straight over to join you in these hikes... everything around here is so tame by comparison!
ReplyDeleteI have a vague memory of seeing a mountain goat or two in the Canadian Rockies as a child... I wonder if it counts if you barely remember it? Lucky you to have seen all of those together! :o)
What a gorgeous hike. The last picture of the mountain with the snow looks like a painting by the Canadian Group of Seven (from the early 19th century.) I understand now how they could paint such lovely landscapes – it was not their imagination – this is really the way it looks. Extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteMountain Goats..they are impressive! I cannot believe there is still snow up there..and more will be coming soon..thanks for the hike! :)
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