Last year when we did this hike to Rainbow Ridge, I fell in the slippery mud on the way down and managed to make my shin into mincemeat. Today, however, as fourteen Senior Trailblazers began our hike to the ridge, it had been rain- and snow-free in this area for at least a week. Therefore, everything was quite a bit drier than last year. Witness our clear blue skies, and what Mt. Shuksan looks like from this side. I almost didn't recognize my old friend from over here.
One of the things that makes this hike so special is that after hiking through mud and roots and a pretty terrible trail, after a 70-mile drive from Bellingham, the incredible views you get from the ridge are spectacular. Baker Lake is in the picture above with fall colors in the foreground, and Mt. Baker in the background in the picture below. But you can also see that the clouds have begun to move in. It was a sunny hike to the ridge, however.
With Mt. Baker in the background, Frank who is now 80, is in the foreground showing that he's still got a year or two (or ten) still in him. The hike up to the ridge was better this year than last, when it had snowed and made the trail even more slippery and treacherous than today. No mishaps at all!
We went farther along the ridge this year, and here I got a great view of Rainbow Creek, with fall colors and an old tree that was only missing an eagle's nest to be absolutely perfect. The dropoff from the ridge was steep enough to make me a little nervous; Al was holding onto my camera strap as I leaned out as far as I could go to get this picture.
Here is our beautiful lunch spot, surrounded by amazing views, a nice breeze and a temperature close to 60 degrees. Several times on this hike I was contemplating the end of the season, and thinking it could not have been more perfect than this hike together. Next week we begin our hikes around Bellingham. Now, not to lessen the actual experience of getting to this amazing location, which was hiking through mud, roots, steep terrain, and the occasional slip, here's a picture of what the trail looked like in places, for us to gain the ridge:
If you can believe it, last year was even wetter and muddier than today. I just had to show you one of the more icky spots. That said, if I see another chance like we had today to hike up to Rainbow Ridge, I'll do it. With my trekking poles and my hiking buddies, I feel a whole lot more secure. What a great end to the 2010 season of High Country hikes!!
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That area is so beautiful!! Wish I was there with you to take a hike.......I would be the one holding up the rear ......I am so out of shape now!! Got to get back into walking!!
ReplyDeleteI like to watch your hikes on your posts as I could not walk that much on this type of terrain. After last week walking all around New York City my knee is acting up a lot. Tomorrow we are traveling again – going to Nashville. I wish I could stay in bed for a day. I admire your stamina.
ReplyDeleteAw, the last hike way up yonder? Must we wait another year?
ReplyDeleteHow in the world did you manage to hold onto a camera, aim, and click -- with your hiking gear, no less? And without slipping!
Glad it was drier this time.
wow. i have incredible mountain envy...so beautiful...i wish i could hike that daily
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad our weather held for you to get in this last hike! Now the clouds have moved in and we've had our first light shower. The rain will be with us now for a while, and each blue sky day will be a true gift.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are wonderful. I love the second one with the flowers in the forefront contrasting with that gorgeous blue sky. And is that an eagle in the tree? That photo is amazing. The sun seems to have been hitting the gray branches just right.
ReplyDeleteIt's fortunate that you are in such great shape to be able to hike such magnificent trails. I loved the photo of the bear in the last post too...hopefully there was a good distance between you and the bear.
Thanks for sharing your hikes with us.
When are you ever going to post some pretty photos?
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful pictures. Lucky you to get to be there and see in person! I love the Pacific Northwest.
ReplyDeleteYou are so fortunate to have such wonderful areas to hike and the good health with which to do it. Beautiful photos, DJan.. just amazing.
ReplyDeleteYou really live in an incredible place to be able to see sights such as these. And the best part is that you take full advantage of it.
ReplyDeleteIn the Caribbean Islands, they are fond of saying, "Another beautiful day in paradise." However, they also have to deal with weather situations. The mountains where you hike are also paradise even though they have weather challenges too. I'm very fond of mountains and your photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fabulous scenery! I love the mountains and look forward to your hiking photos.
ReplyDeleteYou had quite an injury last year; glad all went well this year.
I am glad this hike was without mishap..way to go Frank!! and tell Al thanks for hanging onto you for that fantastic shot that made me a little dizzy.
ReplyDeleteStunning photos once again, I really enjoy your hikes!:)
What exhilerating photography. When we passed through the area a month ago it was shrouded in fog and rain.
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