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| Peggy looking very well moisturized |
I have to say, showing up on a Thursday when it's already raining out, for a hike rated hard, and find 9 of us rarin' to go, makes me wonder about my choice of companions. Seriously, I was taken aback at how many of us decided to make a go of it on this less-than-stellar day. The other group of Senior Trailblazers also hiked Bellingham's Chuckanut Ridge today, but they only went six miles while we went ELEVEN miles. We ran into them after lunch, and I was surprised to see that fifteen people went out with that group. This is a hardy bunch of seniors, and I'm proud to be part of them.
I don't have many pictures from today, because I was reluctant to expose my camera to the incessant rain. We hiked in mud puddles with the rain falling around us, as you can see from this picture. I don't remember seeing this pond before, but it might be around only seasonally. It wasn't terribly heavy rain, just consistent. It's no wonder that we have so much moss, but it's also quite lovely if you have the right mindset.
When we stopped for a quick lunch (no reason to just hang around in the rain), Norm pulled out this stool that he carried the entire way for just a few minutes of leisure time. If you enlarge the picture, you can see that we were all well moisturized. I tell myself that hiking in all this rain IS good for the complexion, not to mention good for cleaning out the sinuses.
This is one of the places in the country where you can't figure out where north is by looking at the formation of moss on the trees. It's everywhere. But all this rain does make for a lush environment in the summer, when the rain lessens and then stops. For about a month. It was not terribly cold, temperature in the high 40s F, but it still seems cold when you just can't stay dry. We not only walked 11 miles today, we also gained and lost over 2,600 feet of elevation. Chuckanut Ridge is one of our winter hikes that I never want to miss, since I know I will get a good workout. It was a fine day, if you consider how much better my wine tastes right now compared to how it would be after sitting around inside on a grey, rainy day.
:-)
serious moss. serious rain. serious hikers!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness! Yeah, I would be the one sitting indoors with a glass of iced coffee in my hand watching the rain beat against the windows. Ha!
ReplyDeletepretty cool moss structures on the trees...and you know i bet those few minutes was worth it for that stool...smiles....i tell you i would not mess with your bunch...you are tough...smiles.
ReplyDeleteDear DJan, you are a marvel. I only wish that I'd let some of your energy and determination and joie de vivre rub off on me! Peace.
ReplyDeleteCompared to you and your bunch, I am a fair weather hiker. That's a lot of sloggin' through the rain and mud. You've gotta' love it to do it.
ReplyDeleteDown here in the Deep South, we would call you 'troopers'...
ReplyDeleteYep; you keep on keepin' on...regardless of the weather.
Moisturized you are! I'm envious of your tenacity, my friend.
Hugs,
J.
Your rain gear was really soaking wet. There's something [pleasant about hiking in the rain. I like walking in the rain.
ReplyDeleteLooks wet..but that is some beautiful moss!I like green can you tell..and my eyes are starved for green anything ..even moss:)
ReplyDeleteCertainly your wine o'clock was deserved. Today and every other one of your energetic days. Wonderful scenery - thank you.
ReplyDeleteGood gracious! 11 miles in the rain? Yikes! It's very pretty, but 40 degrees is still 40 degrees. I hope you were able to warm up quickly. I'm wishing you sunnier, warmer weather next time.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of the moss on the trees - its an irish green colour and most impressive. Looking at the other photos I can see the moss everywhere, on the forest floor massively covering the huge rocks and everything else. I wonder how deep that small? pond of water is. We go in all sorts of weather as well - prepared for the elements on may as well still have fun - I love that photo of the moss on the trees. Have a great day.
ReplyDelete...and here I am sittin' in the dry near desert like subtropics, adding moisture to my routine, nightly!!! I could go for some of that mossy green growth 'bout now. Anything for a few drops of your rain!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, you are definitely a spry bunch of seniors, and tho I only go out birding three or four times a week, I don't hike ELEVEN miles?!!! Is that a round trip or one way? Either way, it's a lot of miles.
I never knew the moss grew around the trees out your way, but should have I suppose. I read Annie Dillard's wonderful book, 'The Living' years ago and am rereading it on my Kindle. Dianne
ReplyDeleteAll that moss and it's such a lovely shade of green! You people are truly hardy souls...
ReplyDeleteOh I think I could tough it out with the reward of a fine wine later. :) You amaze me with your hikes. I'm always so impressed. A lovely GREEN photos, to boot!
ReplyDeleteAw, life in the PNW. If you don't go out in the rain you will spend most of your time sitting around the house. Even in the rain it looks like you had a great time. I'll bet that glass of wine did taste good after a hike like that.
ReplyDeleteYou have to do things in the rain or you wouldn't do things! Great hike- good for you! Good for those seniors!
ReplyDeleteDoes look wet in your pictures and by the look of the moss, it often rains there. I bet you were glad when you got back home and could dry off!
ReplyDeleteOH, I love the moss-covered trees! Serious hikers for sure. Well done to you all! We've had constant wet weather of late and, after a wet week, we're having a very wet weekend too with more rain forecast for coming days. I like being indoors in wet weather so you have my admiration. That said, we popped to the shops yesterday and I must admit I relished the feel of the rain on my skin. :)
ReplyDeleteWe took a short uphill walk in the Sedona sunshine today and I realized my fitness level has improved in the last couple of months. Maybe I'll join a hiking group when we get home - but probably not until after the rainy season.
ReplyDeleteOk, it's official: ALL of you senior trailblaizers are definitely CRAZY!!! But in a good way! ;o)
ReplyDeleteThe photos show such a beautiful forest it's almost enough to make me want to join you in that rain! :o)
Wow! Such dedication. You remind me of my coffee klatch friends who show up for coffee at 9 a.m. on the weekends having already biked to the top and back of a small peak in the area.
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