Thursday, November 11, 2010

Chuckanut Ridge via Chinscraper

Well, it's that time of year again: the snow level in the mountains is down to 2500 feet, rain and snow are due to come our way really soon, too. I figured hardly any of the regular Trailblazers would show up on a cloudy day with rain forecast for the afternoon. But seventeen hardy souls came out to walk eight miles up more than 2,000 feet in our first around-town walk of the fall season. Last week we were supposed to do something close by, but we decided since the weather was so good to take a longer drive up to higher terrain. That's Marjan telling us what the route will be, since she was our de facto leader, with Al out of town.
We went from the trailhead up Chinscraper Trail to Gates Overlook, which shows the gloomy sky and Bellingham Bay in the foreground. Now there is a REASON it's named "Chinscraper": we gained a whole lot of elevation in a very short time, and I was going faster than I should, since Marjan sets a faster pace than Al, and I didn't realize I was running out of steam. I fell toward the back of the group and rested. I also took a few moments to take a picture of this mushroom, which looks so much like a flower:
After leaving the Overlook, we meandered up and down around Chuckanut Ridge, and I was graced with a view of these mountains, looking the opposite direction from the Bay as we walked along the Ridge. If Al had been here, he could tell me the name of these mountains, which look to be in more sunshine than we had all day. You can also see the lowering clouds. Although when the wind blew we felt cold, the temperature was actually quite temperate for the entire hike, and we never had any raindrops to speak of.
You can also see that there is plenty of fresh snow on those peaks, so we were happy to have our hike close to home. We actually began hiking at 8:30am, which never happens when we drive a long distance. We had our lunch at Fragrance Lake, and when we finally sat down to eat, the wind kept us colder than was comfortable, so we didn't linger too long. It was a nice break before heading back to the cars.
Here Ray and Carol, two fairly new members of our group, are having lunch at Fragrance Lake. You can see that they are bundled up and not looking all that warm. It wasn't; I had my gloves off just long enough to eat a sandwich and then back into the warm gloves my hands went. On the way back down, a few of the hikers waited for me to catch up so I could take a picture of this amazing group of trees. Whatever decides a tree to plant itself on a huge rock like this? It makes for an interesting picture, that's for sure.
I suspect that some soil sat on the top of the rock and the seeds latched on. My local wag said the tree did what trees always do, and sent down roots to find purchase, thinking "man, these grains of dirt are really big!" They seem to be doing fine, don't you think?
:-)

19 comments:

  1. Gates Overlook reveals how the hike includes some exhilerating vistas. Always enjoyable to follow your treks.

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  2. nice. what a cool looking shroom too...cool root structure as well...

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  3. the textures of the forest are so interesting. amazing views!

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  4. You always make me wish I could join you on one of your hikes. What a wonderful way to spend the day. Love that mushroom.

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  5. Beautiful. That mushroom is something else!

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  6. Eight miles and 2000 feet elevation gain - another ambitious and beautiful hike!

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  7. You always manage to find the beautiful and unusual on your hikes. The trees are particularly neat.

    I imagine ya'll will need to prepare for more cold hikes...

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  8. Loved the mushroom...and wonder what Fragrance Lake smells like? hehe!

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  9. Them trees is plucky souls. We can't even hike with pebbles in our shoes.

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  10. I came, I saw, I went; getting a little time away while Allison and Lexie nap.

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  11. The Trailblazers are indeed a hardy group. It has been chilly here so I can imagine the temps you were getting as you climbed.

    I love that shot of the mushroom, it does look a lot like flower in bloom. The trees on the boulder are very interesting, I would be inclined to say it was a combination of both of your theories.

    I ran several security scans including Norton Internet Security and Google Webmaster Tools on my blog today. Everything came back 100% clear, no malware detected. I also removed anne-mariewithadash from my blog roll, that could have been the problem. Her blog is infected and is currently shut down.

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  12. You have warm blood and lots of guts. Way too cold I think but I'm a wimp. We are watching out the window today because the weather report says we will have snow by 6 this evening. It sure feels like it, we were out in it two times today. Our second time out we finally visited the library at the the new little town. I guess I will have to blog about it. What a great trip the library was. Your pictures are great as usual, and I am surprised so many people showed up for the hike.

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  13. You had a good turn out..I get the feeling that it was a tougher day for you, we you properly hydrated? I would always be lollygagging taking photos..that mushroom is very different and those trees..what can I say..they are survivors:)

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  14. It was very nice of them to wait for you. A great group of friends you have, Jan!

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  15. Great picture. I take pictures of tree roots, too. There is something about the tenacity that draws me.

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  16. Loved the shroom! I never paid much attention to them before I started seeing some eye-popping ones during my Belgian hikes! :p

    That much of a climb over such a short distance must be exhausting! Don't get that in Belgium... although our trail leaders frequently manage to find very hilly routes and we're constantly going up and down and up and down... nothing like your treks!

    I'm looking forward to seeing/reading what your snowy hikes are like! ;o)

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  17. Several years ago my husband and I went on a month long vacation and hiked around some. Nothing like this! I just love your beautiful pictures!

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  18. Those tree roots are amazing, aren't they. When I'm in Tennessee I see tree roots splitting rocks in the smoky mountains, something I've never seen before in England. The power of nature eh!
    Sometime when you're short of something to write about (?) could you write about the clothes you wear to go walking (hiking) in? I'd be interested in what you wear because I've never done any hiking like that. Thanks.
    Blessings, Star

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  19. Although I would no longer be able to hike anywhere, it looks good to see others doing it. It also looks to be cold in spite of your assurance it wasn't.

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