Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Chain Lakes

I know I said we were all done with our High Country hikes, and this was a few weeks ago. But yesterday I got an email from Al saying that, with the weather promising full sunshine on Tuesday, we should take advantage of the opportunity to get up there at least one more time before the Forest Service closes the road. We met early on this frosty morning, five of us, and headed up as far as we could go on the Mt. Baker highway to the Chain Lakes trailhead. For most of us, it was cold. Mikey hiked in shorts and t-shirt the entire way, but then again, it's Mikey.
The beginning of the hike took us past Bagley Lake, which as you can see here, is mostly frozen. We had snow and some ice underfoot, but we were prepared with Yak Trax in case we needed them (we didn't). The shadows were long, and we trekked past plenty of red-leafed blueberry bushes, some of which had ripe berries that we enjoyed. It wasn't warm, but as we toiled upwards toward Herman Saddle, we stayed very warm in the sunshine. We figured we could get to the saddle and probably would not make the entire loop, but would turn back and retrace our steps after lunch. It was pretty snowy at the Saddle, as you can see.
Here you see Al at the high point of the hike at 5,400 feet (1,650 meters). We had plenty of snow and slick spots to contend with, so we descended down a bit to a sunny spot to have lunch and thought we would turn around afterwards and head back the way we had come (just under three miles). And then while we were having lunch, a couple of women hikers who had started the hike in the opposite direction from the parking lot passed us by at right about noon. That was all it took for us to decide to attempt the loop, as we had their footprints to follow in the snow.
We headed down from the pass, with Iceberg Lake showing its beauty on the way as we headed up toward Artist Point. That road is closed, but we had the Wild Goose Trail to follow from there, which we used to get back to the cars. The Chain Lakes loop took us along a south-facing slope that displayed amazing color. If you look just above halfway in the picture below, you can see the faint trail that leads to Artist Point.
The five of us reached our car after five hours or so of splendid time in the wilderness, with almost eight miles covered, and 2,500 feet of elevation gain and loss. Tired and happy, we climbed in our car and wondered if by any chance we might have such a stellar day again on Thursday (our regular Senior Trailblazers hiking day). Between now and then, we have a good chance of rain in Bellingham and more snow in the High Country, so... we'll see. I had so many wonderful pictures that I will put a bunch more of them on the Senior Trailblazers Fall 2011 site. Enjoy! We sure did!
:-)

25 comments:

  1. Iceberg Lake is just beautiful! Lucky you for seeing all this. I know it is hard work, but you put in the effort that few will.

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  2. Breathtaking photos! I don't know how that crazy cholesterol can be high in your healthy body!! Those crazy genes!

    I hope you have clear weather on Thursday!

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  3. Iceberg Lake, certainly lives up to it's name !
    How spectacular these hidden vistas are you so kindly share with us, they truly take your breath away.
    Thank you for sharing :)
    ~Jo

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  4. You could stay at all these sites and soak up the beauty.
    Funny how small things can change plans and aay you go.
    This time of year footing becomes an issue. In the Rockies there are many sepage areas and of course it doesn't stop so the ice builds up.

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  5. Iceberg Lake is beautiful! And, "a faint trial?" That's aptly stated. :)

    Gorgeous photos. You hike in beauty.

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  6. wow well worth that one more trip...that lake is spectacular...lovely views...

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  7. Like everyone elso Iceberg Lake just blew me away. Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful photos with us.

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  8. That looks like a lot of snow for shorts and a tee shirt!

    As always, your photos are stunning-- I know I keep saying this but you live in a gorgeous place.

    jj

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  9. wonderful photos and adventure! I can feel the cool breeze here. And first time I've heard about a red blueberry, mmm I'm intrigued about the taste. thanks for sharing DJ.

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  10. Wow! These views are absolutely stunning! I can just imagine what a terrific time you had out there.

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  11. What a gorgeous day you had, the scenery is breathtaking. I love the shot of Iceberg Lake. I'm glad you and the group got to do one more high country trip. Hopefully the weather will hold for awhile and you can get in a good trip on Thursday. I think we will see snow on our little mountains before too long.

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  12. Iceberg lake certainly looks COLD! I enjoyed all the photos at the Trailblazer site. Love your beautiful wilderness, DJan!

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  13. Both the lakes were gorgeous--even the frozen one. The lady hikers must have been sent like a sign. What a view of Iceberg Lake! Who knows--you might get in another hike. If not--what a year! :)

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  14. That Mikey is something else! Crazy guy! This hike looks frigid!

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  15. Absolutely wonderful scenery; I can understand that you want to get out as much as you can. Who wouldn't.

    You, my dear, will live forever, high cholesterol levels notwithstanding! Your sheer spirit of adventure and your joie de vivre will keep you going.

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  16. Fabulous photos! You really to take advantage of every opportunity to get out and about!

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  17. These photos are exquisite, a magnificent mix of lingering fall and oncoming winter. Your stamina exhausts me!

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  18. The blueberries were a treat for you and the splendid photos a treat for us. So beautiful.

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  19. Wonderful photos..that is a faint trail..I am not sure my fear of heights would let me walk it. You go girl! I see you have rain today..it is Thursday your hiking day..hope your new rain jacket keeps you dry:)

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  20. WoW, I can see where the Point get's it's name. Your hike was simply magnificently beautiful. I especially enjoyed the splendid fall colors you captured against the snowy mountains.

    Sometimes a body just manufactures cholesterol...it's in the genes baby! Booger!!!

    God bless ya and have an incredible day. You amaze me :o)

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  21. Loved the photo of Iceberg Lake which could break my heart with its beauty. Oh the sheer joy of hiking! Thanks for photographing it and turning others on to its joys.

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  22. There are some lovely colours in your photos today. You are a great advert for this region. Perhaps you should team up with a tour company?
    You obviously enjoyed your hike and I can see why you never want to miss a chance of walking these beautiful trails.

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  23. It's kind of surreal for me to see all this snow on your hikes while things are still so sunny and warm over here! Definitely a whole other world... and a beautiful one at that!

    Even though you keep saying it's the last, I get the feeling you guys will keep at it until the rangers do close the roads on you! ;o)

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  24. Off topic. When you get a chance, could you see if our blog loads more quickly for you? Thanks!

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  25. You see some amazing sights on your hikes. To me, you look like a model for sports clothes. You always look so relaxed and strong and pretty, not sweaty and dirty and tired for that kind of hiking.

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