Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Second extra hike of the season

Al, Holly, April, Mike, Terry (me behind camera)
Six of us went out the Mountain Loop Highway yesterday, for our second "extra" hike of the season, to Mt. Dickerman. We didn't know that Mike and April would be joining us, as they didn't have a way to get ahold of Al, seeing the extra hike schedule on the Senior Trailblazer website and having some interest. (Al keeps it up but it changes often; sometimes we don't go where we were originally scheduled for various reasons.)
The wildflowers were out in amazing abundance this year. We did this hike as our next-to-last extra hike last year on September 19. It was a cloudy day, which I found contributed to a comfort level we didn't have yesterday. The sun beat down on us relentlessly. As we made our way upwards, I noticed that the mountains were partially obscured in haze. (If you look at the pictures in the link from last year, you can see it almost seems like a different hike.)
Just like any other trek, it was a simple matter of putting one foot in front of the other and going one step at a time to the top. Every guidebook that I saw warned to be sure and take plenty of water on this one. Last year it was cool and cloudy and I didn't use up all my water, but yesterday was another story. I ran out about a mile from the cars, and although Al had stopped to filter some water in one of the few streams for himself, I didn't realize I was so low.
As Al headed over to get that water, I asked Mike to take my picture, and the result was this good one.  Funny, all the pictures I take need to be straightened, but Mike's was perfect right out of the camera. It was nice to meet these wonderful people, who are interested in continuing to go on the extra hikes with us. They are very experienced trekkers and had no problem with the nine miles and almost 4,000-foot elevation gain. In fact, as we reached the parking lot, Mike, who drove, ran (RAN!) across the parking lot to get his van, and then opened a cooler with water, V-8, and even one beer, which Holly commandeered, and offered them to us first. After that, we drove to Granite Falls and had a really nice meal together.
Our new friends, Mike and April
Once I got home, I realized that I was still thirsty and drank down quite a bit of cool water before taking a shower and relaxing. I got up this morning and was, amazingly, not a bit sore or tired. After a good workout this morning at the gym, I headed home to write this post. It was a GREAT day, and Mt. Dickerman was once again a thriller.

18 comments:

  1. those wildflowers are spectacular! so pretty to see since we are all brown and dry.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your hikes. The scenery is alwys quite spectacular. I would have loved to see those wild flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am still oohing and aaahing at the scenery, at the wildflowers and that the energy your trekking group has to command. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is the first time that I read your post on a hike and really felt that I misses the mountain hiking. Usually I just enjoy the past experiences.
    Anyway keep on moving! If you don't you'll fall apart in a hurry.

    ReplyDelete
  5. cool to meet people along the way...love those wild flowers as well...

    ReplyDelete
  6. You live in what must be one of the most dramatically beautiful areas in the U.S. And you look to be right at home.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love all the wildflowers. Sounds like you need to bring some extra water on these hikes or buy a filter, eh? You look so young and happy in that picture! Looks like it was a really wonderful day. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ah, August weather! I guess that's the time to see the PNW if I want to see wildflowers. If I had to choose between hiking in snow and hiking in sunshine, I'd definitely pick the latter. Lol.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh yes! Mike is an excellent photographer, but he had a lovely model to start off with. You look great, DJan. Wow! Those wildflowers are amazing. I love photographing wildflowers. It might almost make me want to take that hike. You sure had a gorgeous day!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I do enjoy being a virtual guest on your hikes DJan. The wildflowers are so beautiful and colours spectacular. Everything is so bright and that photo of you in front with all that is going on in back is just mesmerizing - there is so much to look at. I never tire of your hikes - each and everyone is an adventure in itself and it sure is fun to read about. Have a great day!
    p.s. Invest in a filtered water bottle, then you don't have the weight of extra water to carry :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. The mountain vistas and wildflowers are spectacular. I must note how nice the trails look. On our 8 mile hike to the fall at Sam Billings in Montana the steep portions of the trail were eroded and exposed leaving rocks exposed to trip on or turn an ankle. Not good....

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Djan,
    I came across this link this morning and instantly thought of you. Besides sky diving, like you...both you and Dan are an inspiration to me. Dan's Ted talk really holds a lot in it beside the fact that he is a world champion sky diver.
    Thanks for all your inspiration. xo

    http://danbrodsky-chenfeld.com/portfolio_item/tedx-talk-brussels/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Pretty flowers and a great photo of you! Good to meet your new friends! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow....not only the spectacular wildflowers and the hazy [I like hazy days] mountain backdrop...YOU look spiffy for being on a hike...I would be sitting somewhere on a boulder, trust me. Or walking back to get that beer first!!

    Your new hiking buddies look like a great, friendly couple.

    Now on to the next post of yours....it looks like I missed one. How did that happen?!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. oops....nope didn't miss any. Phew....thought I was losing it there for a minute.

    ReplyDelete
  16. that third photo is a beauty, and there is quite a beauty in the fourth one too.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Frank was looking over my shoulder as I read this post. I told him about how often you take these strenuous hikes and about the jumps you take. He said "She's pretty amazing. Invite her over so I can rub her head." ;) He's right, of course.. you are indeed amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I hope the Ellensburg area wildfire gets put out soon.

    ReplyDelete

I really appreciate your comments! If you see a word verification box here, just ignore it. I don't use the darn thing and Blogger is trying to get us to use it, I guess. Ignore it and your comment will still appear.