Thursday, September 16, 2010

Two years, three hikes

Today I went with sixteen Senior Trailblazers up to Herman Saddle for the third time. It was almost exactly two years go that I began my hikes with this group by going on this particular hike. Last year's hike was sunny at the end of August, almost exactly the opposite of my first time out with the Seniors, when it was cold, rainy, snowy, and very windy the whole day. Today was an in-between day: mostly clouds with some sun, but with limited views of our beautiful mountains in residence.
I was enchanted by the clouds, and I snapped this picture to capture the incredible variety in the clouds, and I got this shot of our sun surrounded by those four pink spots. It was just by chance that I took this, but I had to share it with you, as it seems almost magical to me.
We trudged up to the saddle, where we had to cross snow, and then we headed down to Iceberg Lake for our lunch stop. The weather was cool but we didn't have any rain, and when the sun came out in force, we took clothes off; when it retreated behind the clouds, we grabbed our jackets. One of those kinds of days.
As you can see, when we stopped for lunch we all put on more clothes and didn't stay for a long time, as we had a party to attend at the end of the day: Amy (who was at home preparing our party, with the assistance of Dorothy and Gina, the wives of two of our favorite hikers) wanted to have a celebration for Frank, who will be turning 80 in a couple of weeks. Before we headed to our cars, I got this spectacular picture of one of my favorite mountains, Shuksan:
The clouds always add something that cannot be duplicated in any other moment, to me. I just love the sky, the clouds, and the mountain showing me what I get to enjoy when I go on these hikes: nature in all its glory and majesty. This moment is unique and captured here for you to join with me in the ooohs and aaaahs this mountain deserves.
This is the cake that we shared with Frank on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Many of our spouses came to the party to celebrate with us. Frank and his wife Marjan are hiking, kayaking, biking and just generally staying incredibly active here in the Pacific Northwest. Can you believe that in two weeks he will be 80 and she is in her mid-70s? They are an inspiration to all of us!
I hope in seven years when I am as old as Marjan, or in another thirteen years when I am as old as Frank, that I will still be hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and sharing my life with you, my dear readers, as an inspiration to you! Is this cool or what?
:-)

27 comments:

  1. I hope I'm here to read your blog, when you're as old as Frank!

    Your first photo is so crisp and clear, DJan, it's as beautiful as a painting. I hope you're getting photos of yourself in these wonderful scenes!

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  2. Your friends must be in good health if they are still able to be physically active. All power to them! I wish I had their energy! My sedentary ways have got to stop.

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  3. smiles. happy birthday to frank! and another beautiful adventure...love those mountain pics...you srossed snow...that is awesome!

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  4. DJan, you will be doing this stuff when you're well into your 100s. I can see why biocentrism changed your outlook on things. The book is phenomenal. You're its living proof.

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  5. The cloud picture with the pink clouds is amazing. I don't think you could have picked a more perfect spot to retire.

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  6. Oh wow, what a lovely couple. Happy Birthday Frank.

    DJan, I love that shot of the sun and the pink spots. It does have a very magical look. You must had had a little altitude to hit snow.

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  7. Wonderful photos of your amazing hike. I love the first one the best. Happy birthday to your friend, Frank.

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  8. Once again....enjoying life and inspiring us to do the same. I love that you stop to take pictures of the clouds....and the wonderful people you get to share your time with. Life is good! Thanks for sharing yours with me. Go Frank!

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  9. I enjoy seeing your pictures of mountains. You live in a beautiful place and get to enjoy it with some great people.

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  10. Oh wow, I love your photo of sun with pink streaks around! It really looks enchanting! Gimme five!

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  11. Gorgeous pictures...what a great group of people to spend time with. Count your lucky stars that you picked this place to spend the rest of life. Great choice!

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  12. The photos are really great, DJan. The one with the hikers in snow heading down and the mountain in the background is my favorite. Yes, I too hope you will be hiking and active when you reach Frank's age. I will be happy to see your pictures and hear about your adventures just like I am now.

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  13. That first photo is gorgeous. You're right; that second photo is quite magical.

    I am certain that you will remain active for years to come! I saw a clip on the news last night about a gentleman who works for the postal office celebrating his 100th birthday. It was a pleasant change from the typical doom and gloom reporting.

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  14. I like the first photo but all are nice.

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  15. You, and they, are all inspirations to the rest of us! What beautiful pictures. Loved the one that looks like a star!

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  16. Gorgeous photos! You're right, the clouds do add some extra to a landscape!

    And I hope when I'm you're I'll be at least half as active as you! You're an inspiration to as all!

    I'm hoping to take advantage of the University's hiking group and go out on 20km treks at least 2 Sundays a month while I'm in Belgium to help me prepare for my upcoming month in New Zealand. Unfortunately this is a flat country so it won't be as challenging or as beautiful as your hikes, but at least it's a start! Probably better for my ankle that I start up again on relatively flat terrain anyways... :p

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  17. Oh, my word....breathtaking scenery, the mountain is totally awesome, and a big Happy Birthday to Frank! :D He is awesome too. :D

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  18. How very beautiful!! I am so envious that you have such a wonderful group to hike with! What a lovely place to visit!!

    You may see me on your doorstep with my hiking boots on, one of these days!!

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  19. I love how your write about the beauty of nature. A good walk in the wild does so much for the spirit, and there is truly beauty everywhere.

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  20. That you guys are keeping up such physical activity is wonderful. It makes life rich and full and beautiful. Keep it up.

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  21. I think older people know how to enjoy themselves! I think we get to a point in life where we think, 'I've got two choices: either I give up and get old or...I get on with it and enjoy every minute!' It's obvious from your pictures what this group of people have chosen to do.
    Blessings, Star

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  22. ps, I was thinking of you especially yesterday!

    Star ((hug))

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  23. I added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower if you want to.

    God Bless You ~Ron

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  24. The photo at the top of thise post is so exquisite, I felt as if I could step right into it.

    You are my hero...! And Happy Birthday to Frank. My goodness.

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  25. Hey, we're sort of nearby--we should do a hike. As long as it doesn't start with jumping out of an airplane.

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  26. Happy Birthday to Frank! I am sure that you will be going strong where you are his age! Another beautiful hike..I love your cloudy Shuksan photo..beautiful! :)

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