Thursday, March 1, 2012

Burnout Point from Clayton Beach

After searching around on line to find out why this particular hike is called "Burnout Trail" or "Burnout Point," I was unsuccessful. We have done this hike before, but earlier this fall we were turned back from this particular trail because of logging activity in the area. We only had seven intrepid Trailblazers turn up for today's hike because the forecast indicated a 60% chance of rain or snow. The hike starts at the Clayton Beach trailhead and goes unrelentingly upward for the first few miles. There was no sun, but the mist made the cool and rather magical forest inviting and restful. There was no wind, and we chatted as we climbed.
By the time we reached around 1,400 feet of elevation, the snow that had fallen yesterday began to stick to the road and the surrounding vegetation. It was really lovely and peaceful, and we continued our upward climb while enjoying being outdoors without any rain. We had very little precipitation today, even though it obviously fell not long before.
Linda's red hat adds just enough color to make this picture a favorite. We saw the icicles on the side of the road, and they must have formed from runoff and freezing, because there is no stream in the area. They were really stunning as we approached them in the mist. I suspect after a day or two of sunshine, they will all be gone. We were in the right place at the right time!
We reached the logged area and looked for the viewpoint, which we didn't visit, since there was obviously no view at all. Usually there is a pretty spectacular view from Burnout Point, but as Peggy said, the fog and mist were a blessing, since we didn't have to see the devastation from the logging activity. From this point we headed down on the trail that leads to Lost Lake, and we saw that yesterday's snow had created some beautiful patterns on the mossy trees.
We stopped at Fragrance Lake for a quick lunch and then visited the viewpoint on our way back down, which added about a half mile to the trip on our way back to the Clayton Beach trailhead. There wasn't much of a view of Samish Bay, but the skies were beginning to show little patches of blue and the clouds were lifting.
This little side trip adds around an extra half-mile to our entire hike, so it was nice to visit it and hope for a view. Once we left and began to head back down to the cars, we had descended around a quarter mile when Linda, who was on the trail in front of me, stopped dead and said, "Uh-oh. I left my poles at the overlook!" She had had a nagging feeling that she had forgotten something and when she realized what it was, she said she would run back up to get them, not wanting us to have to wait too long for her. Mike then said, "You want to borrow mine?" Well, you guessed it: Mike had picked up Linda's poles and he and her husband Ward had been following behind, wondering when she would realize her mistake. (Mike doesn't usually use poles.) We all laughed and continued on down, but I warned Linda I would be forced to write about it. She agreed it was too good to pass up.
I asked Ward to take a picture of me as we were leaving the area, since I realized I'd forgotten to get one last week and we were almost back to the cars before remembering today. We covered a little more than nine miles and around 2,000 feet elevation gain and loss. It's been a really good day, and I'm happy I went and didn't stay home because of possible bad weather. The picture reminds me that I'm due for a haircut.
:-)

24 comments:

  1. [waving to you, d-jan!] loved those icicles hanging off the cliff side! and laughed at your friend and her husband's little plot. at least it worked in her favor!

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  2. wow...quite the change as y ou went up...those icicles are def cool...we have one hiking area near where they get up to 30 + feet long...kinda funny on the poles...smiles.

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  3. I just read Linda Reeder's blog and commented on how lucky we are to live in the Pacific Northwest with all its beauty. I say the same to you. I agree the red hat picture is interesting. I wonder if it would lose its affect if you enlarged it to a 5X7, or 8X10?

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  4. Jauntin'Jan, you look mah-vel-lous! I would love to do what you are doing! God Bless! And thanks for not staying home either :D

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  5. Good joke on your friend and the poles. We used to do that with kids all the time. Kids are forever leaving things behind. Good picture of you my friend. You look like you are enjoying the day.

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  6. Wow, winter! Love the photos. Just so much beauty. There is something strangely serene about the white snow against the evergreens.

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  7. I always think, when I see your beautiful hiking pictures, what an alien world the temperate rain forest makes. And the fog and sleet adds to the spookiness. Well done, DJan

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  8. You look so in your element! Those icicles are amazing. There must have been a dramatic temperature change to create them.I got out for a walk in the neighborhood today, very pleased that it didn't rain today.

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  9. Fabulous photos of the icicles! I would have been surprised to hear that you would stay away from your Thursday jaunt with the threat of weather!! I don't think that rain or snow would slow you down much.

    Loved the hiking poles trick! I'm surprised your friend wasn't using the poles on the descent. That's when I need them the most!!

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  10. I'm glad Linda didn't have to turn back for her poles. It would have been awful to walk alone while everybody else walked on. Nice that you had a good time, as usual, DJan!

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  11. The snow covered trail and icicles look make the area look so inviting. Funny about the poles. Not long ago we were leaving a restaurant and I picked up my hubby's keys off the table. I let him search his pockets before revealing my treasure.

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  12. How absolutely beautiful. It would certainly have been Burnout Point for me, long before your finish. The scenery was just awesome and I loved the icicles.

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  13. I could use some of those poles!! With my balance issues, they'd be useful for just gettin' around the house:)

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  14. Definately nice red hat on Linda - WOW - love the icicles hanging off cliff - quite a stunning photo. Also, the photo of the snow on the moss on the trees is very interesting.
    Loved the play time with the poles. We only grow old when we don't play. ha,ha
    Great Photos - I can see where a bit of snow has covered some of the devastation from when where you were there before. When you are on the snow/ice covered trails, are you in hiking boots, or special boots?

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  15. The icicle photo was very special, DJan...your photo by the rail fence was a keeper too! Your hair looks fine to me.

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  16. I envy you those beautiful views! What a great day.

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  17. It's probably good that I don't hike. I would have been the one leaving the poles behind and others could have fun playing jokes. I like the spirit of adventure of the group that sets out even though the weather might become a problem. The sights are just as interesting in snow and rain as in full sunlight.

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  18. you look so pretty

    I love how the snow gets a bit thicker with each shot and the icicles are great!

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  19. The photos with the icicles on the hillside is just beautiful..so many textures.
    Looks like another beautiful Thursday hike in your neck of the woods:)

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  20. Gorgeous pictures, but makes me cold. I'm a fair weather hiker!

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  21. I have to agree...that one of the icicle overhang is without a doubt a favorite choice. It's beautiful.

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  22. The seniors who did turn up ready to hike regardless of weather are some enthusiastic hikers. You have made some great friends in WA. The picture of the icicles is a lovely picture. You don't look like you just hiked 9 1/2 miles, you are such an inspiration.

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  23. wow, that snow/ice/fog/mist make the whole thing look rather magical! Beautiful photos DJan!

    It seems a bit alien to me... such a contrast with Alicante right now... I saw people sunbathing at the beach today!

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  24. That was too good not to tell! LOL!

    Love the icicles on the hillside and the snow on the mossy trunk. You look so happy!! Lovely post! :):)

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