Thursday, September 26, 2013

Ptarmigan Ridge starts fall

Baker at the start of the hike
Fourteen Senior Trailblazers headed up to Artist Point to begin a hike on Ptarmigan Ridge. Since this was more than the twelve allowed in a single group in the wilderness, we split into two groups: one group of six which would hike much faster than the other group of eight. I was in the slower group, which suited me just fine. We could see the others for most of the early part of the day, which was glorious! Cool and clear, with a few clouds and a light breeze.
Time for a short break
This picture shows the slower group as we stopped for a short break before continuing on. By this time we were on Ptarmigan Ridge itself, after having hiked from Artist Point to the turnoff (one way goes to Chain Lakes, the other to Ptarmigan Ridge). We had run into a little ice on the parts of the trail that were in shade, but otherwise the trail was clear.
Fall colors making an appearance
The trail was lovely, and there were even a few blueberries left, although most of them are past their prime eating date.  I still enjoyed them, however. Once we stopped for lunch, the fast group (which had already stopped and eaten) sauntered by on their way to the East Portal, the farthest you can go on the trail before being stopped by Mt. Baker itself. I decided to follow them, and we ended up breaking into three groups.
Magnificent Mt. Shuksan
Clouds began to build, and sometimes they were even a little dark and gloomy, but we never saw much coming out of the sky. You can see that there is new snow on Mt. Shuksan. We began to ascend into fresh snow as we climbed higher, and I begged for a quick stop to take a picture. This was all I got before everyone took off again.
8-10 inches of new snowfall
I was never so happy to have my trekking poles than I was on this part of the hike. The trail was actually just tracks in the snow where previous hikers had gone, and parts were very steep and treacherous. The poles made it possible to continue. Not long after this picture was taken, only four people continued on, and Jonelle, Peggy and I turned around to head back down.
Jonelle and Peggy, with Shuksan peeking out from the clouds
We had agreed that wherever we were at 1:45pm, we would turn around and head back down to join the others. The three of us decided to separate from the intrepid four who would make it all the way to the East Portal before that time. We were tired and ready to head back. We had traveled more than five miles and still had the return to consider, making it more than ten miles. My knees feel it as I write this post.
Me, Jonelle, and lots of snow
Once we all got back together in the parking lot, Amy pulled out her birthday cupcakes in order to celebrate the birthdays of Diane and Steve. Amy is our "social secretary" and never misses a birthday. Although we were tired,  we had no problem eating the cupcakes and singing happy birthday to our dear friends.
Udo, Diane, Steve, and Rita
Some people went eight miles, some a bit over that (I was in that group), and some made eleven miles by the time this picture was taken. Diane and Steve, the birthday celebrants, both made it the whole way! If it had not been so steep and snowy, I like to think I would have done it, too. But the way I feel right now makes me think I stopped just in time. It was a great day, and a wonderful beginning to the new season.
:-)

22 comments:

  1. the snow! and ice! :) and that gorgeous, clear mountain shot! wow. so glad you had a good (long) hike!

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  2. After this next storm, that area may well be off limits again until next year. You were definitely playing in the peaks today!

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  3. I like ridge walks. Views are double. The new snow gives one a reality check that in some places it's winter already.

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  4. hope the knees dont feel it all the more in the morning...though i think i understand a bit the why of the name....how gorgeous...

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  5. What a magnificent view. I'm kind of glad the snow is with you and not with me but at the same time, I so envy your stamina. Looks like it was a lovely day.

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  6. Praying for comfort for your knees, my friend. What a long hike!
    And again....calendar-like photos you took. Amazing views. Just beautiful.
    So glad you have a social secretary among you!! There is usually one in the crowd or group, and I tip my hat to Amy for remembering birthdays in such a sweet way (no pun intended. )
    Have a lovely weekend, Jan.
    J.

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  7. Your incredible photos always take my breath away. What a gorgeous hike. You're making me want to take one, but not so long and strenuous. :-)

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  8. You were right to choose the easier, slower group. Please listen to your body. And how nice to celebrate birthdays with cupcakes. Lovely!

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  9. Wow, wow, and wow. As always I am filled with awe - and am so grateful to see your beautiful part of the world. Thank you.

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  10. Fantastic views. I love the picture where the clouds are hanging sort of low. Different sort of feel to it.

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  11. Wow! Such dramatic photos. I really wish I was there today.

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  12. Beautiful views to reward your efforts. Thanks for sharing them with us and hope your knees recover quickly.

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  13. Dear DJan, how wonderful that you and the other hikers can be so flexible as to stop and start and regroup and turn around when the knees and the body says, "Enough!" You do such a good job of listening to your body. Meniere's Disease helped me begin to do that. It's essential as we age to do so. Peace.

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  14. What a gorgeous climb into the snow and clouds! I'm glad you listen to your body and know when to make it a partial climb, though. You certainly didn't need to get to the top to see a breathtaking view, that's for sure. :)

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  15. Wow, what an awesome way to spend the day! It just doesn't get any better than those views.

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  16. So much snow already. I'm glad you were listening to your body and turned back before your knees started yelling at you.

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  17. Good idea that you have different groups who set their own pace. I wonder if the fast pacers even get to enjoy the views?
    Ten miles is a good hike on flat ground. Very impressive. I loved that shot with the fall colors. Just stunning.

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  18. I know I keep repeating myself but I have to say it again – you live in such a beautiful landscape. Your pictures are exquisite. I miss the open vista here – we have so many pine trees all around us. But when I need some oxygen and to look at beautiful mountains … I know where to go - you will have them on your blog!

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  19. Hiking along the ridges of the mountains seems like a powerful way to spend the day. These shots are truly beautiful - walking amongst the mountains and the clouds. I especially love the fact that Amy is great to remember everyone's birthdays and carrying cupcakes to the top is extra special - always good to listen to your body and I like that your group does that as well. Have a great day :)

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  20. Snow? Oh my.

    What a stunner of a hike this time 'round DJan. That snowcapped peak of Mt. Shuskan [did I spell that right?] is majestic!!

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  21. Stunning views! I suppose winter is coming to the mountains and one day it will be cold here too:)

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  22. The views are awesome DJan, you got some great shots. I'm not surprised to see you came across fresh snow considering all the rain we have had at our low levels.

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