To my surprise, eight Senior Trailblazers showed up this morning as a light rain fell. We had all followed the forecast and expected sun breaks by afternoon... but it was not to be. Here we are getting ready to begin today's hike, with Mikey's umbrella telling the tale, along with us all gussied up with our rain gear and pack covers. We drove up an old logging road that took us up to around 2,000 feet of elevation before parking the cars, to hike up four miles and get a view of Mt. Baker and The Sisters. I had hopes for the rain to stop, even if we didn't get any views.
The hike started at right around 2,000 feet and by the time we reached 3,700 feet, we ran into snow. The misty skies and light rain came and went, and every once in awhile I thought the mist itself would stop, but it didn't really let up for good all day. Instead of getting to our destination another half mile away from this spot, we decided to turn around to the place where the snow started and have a quick lunch. This would give us a chance to drive to the Elbow Lake trailhead, not far away, and check out the condition of the bridge across the Middle Fork.
Mike took this picture of me at our lunch spot. The weather was nice enough to give us a respite from the rain while we ate our lunch, but just as we got up to head back, it began again. By the time we reached the cars, we had traveled somewhere more than seven miles and 1,800 feet up and down. It was still early in the day, so off we headed to a place where I have never been.
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| "Dangerous Stream Crossing: Not Recommended" |
We walked down to the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River to inspect the condition of the bridge. Well, there wasn't one, really. It has been washed away, and this dicey-looking log situation is the only way to get across some pretty strong rushing water.
We looked it over and decided that Elbow Lake will not be a Senior Trailblazers hike any time in the near future. Although it was worse today, since the logs were wet, I don't think I could even crawl across that "bridge" with any assurance that I would make it safely across and back. Nope. However, I did ask Al to stop the car on the way back down the mountain so I could take a picture of the only view we had all day.
The clouds began to lift and the rain had stopped by the time we were heading home. After all the years I lived in arid Colorado, I still get a little ecstatic when I see the trees in the mist like this. Although our hike was indeed soggy, we had the good fortune of being outdoors with proper rain protection, commiserating with good friends, and with the hope that next week will be better.
:-)
i like your last line - proper gear, commiserating w/ friends, and hope for the next time. :)
ReplyDeletenice pic of you, too!
I half expected you to say you crossed that dicey bridge, and was relieved that you didn't. Like you, I'm overwhelmed every time I look at Oregon trees in the mist.
ReplyDeleteOMG! At first I thought you were going to show where you crossed that rushing water and I about had a heart attack! So glad you all said no to the logs and headed back. Whew! the snow must be awful to walk on when it is raining, too. I know it is here. But that last shot of the mist in the trees was worth it all. :):)
ReplyDeletewhew...kind of a nasty hike today...glad you were still able to make the most of it...
ReplyDeleteI got queasy just looking at that bridge!
ReplyDeleteAnd you forgot the best thing of all...the fresh moist air. Great stuff!
ReplyDeleteI have crossed a few similar bridges . However, not on a bet now!
What a great garden lot – it looks like you’ll have full sun and that will help you grow so many things!
ReplyDeleteThat river looks like white water rapids – nice for taking photos but not to cross on a log!
For a day when you didn't reach your goal, it seems you had a pretty good experience. I love walks in the trees when it's misty and damp! The air smells amazing, and one's face feels so fresh.
ReplyDeleteThe bridge looks fascinating. I would liked to have tried it. Bt only with a good rope tied around me, just in case. (That would also make it easier for others to follow.)
Hey!!
ReplyDeleteIt felt like Washington state here today...60's, grey and drizzly. lol
Love the pics, as usual!!
Ah, life in the PNW. Even this side of the Cascades had drizzle on and off all day.
ReplyDeleteSorry there were no views but at least you had good company and exercise. Next week has got to be better weather-wise.
I am relieved you decided not to cross that river on those awful logs. Lol. If I walked for 7 miles as you did, I would call it a miracle. As it is, I cannot even do 1/2 a mile.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I had to skim read this morning. The photos say it all. What intrepid souls you are!
ReplyDeleteWell, I saw that photo of the rough log crossing and sped up my reading to see if you crossed it, all the while thinking, hope she didn't. I cannot believe all the snow - great that you all gear up properly and regardless of the weather had a good hike. I do love that last photo of the trees and the mist. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your photos, DJan....your title had me laughing before I even began reading.
ReplyDeleteThat's a LOT of snow. You are one hardy soul, DJan.
ReplyDeleteA soggy day..but you all still managed a respectable hike! Those logs look unsafe..perhaps the Forest Service has it on their short list to build a new bridge:)
ReplyDeletethe log crossing made my knees knock
ReplyDeleteI love how colorful you all are - both in dress and in spirit :)
To me, trees in a mist are a beautiful sight, Jan.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about that bridge. No way...uh uh. Nope. You made the right decision.
I am taken aback at there being snow at that elevation, but then I have to remember the latitude is much different than it is here. That's only one of the many reasons I love to read your blog; it takes me away.
Have a restful weekend.
Hugs,
Jackie
It seems that every hike that your group takes is such an adventure. You always find interesting things about nature and the companionship. Nature and the weather can make dangerous conditions, but it sounds like a skillful group you have.
ReplyDeleteThe title of this post sounds like a downer, but you are a great writer, You write well of the adventures despite bad weather or other events that would deter much younger people.
ReplyDeleteDear DJan, so sorry to have been absent from your blog for your last few postings. I've been a little under the weather. So reading your posting today about last week's hike and the weather conditions felt right at home to me! And that final photograph simply mesmerized me.
ReplyDeletePeace.
Oh my goodness....having lunch near a snowbank. I so remember when I was a kid [in Colorado of course]...we had a picnic up the canyon on 4th of July. With snow!! And before we were done, it was spittin' snow around us.
ReplyDeleteLOVED your images, I wouldn't have gone across that slippery log bridge either. I value my life too much. LOL [but you, the skydiver? didn't?] You were wise...all of you.
Yep, beautiful misty forest.
What a fun day. Not! Your title says it all. But I secretly think you like rainy hikes. Do you label your rainy hikes? It might be fun to count them all. It would add up to a lot of soaked boots!
ReplyDeleteSnow? Oh my! The hike looks awesome all the same in the sheer number of challenges it gave you.
ReplyDeleteWhoa! I'm glad you didn't do that crossing. I would have been shaking at the thought. Encountering snow in June would be so discouraging to me. I'd rather the bug bites and sunburn, thank you very much! Great photos as always. :)
ReplyDeleteEach time I see the adventures you have with that group I marvel at you and I just love what you get to see along the way.
ReplyDeleteI really love that last photo of the mist and the one of you with the snow in the background. Glad you're staying safe.
ReplyDelete