Three weeks later, a different world

Goat meadow on June 19, and the same place today

In these two pictures, in one we are heading up to Goat Mountain three weeks ago, and the other is us descending on the exposed trail today. Night and day. We had nine Senior Trailblazers with us for today's hike, and the ascent to the overlook was ten times easier than it was plowing through the snow three weeks ago. Today the temperatures were warm because of the brilliant sunshine, and back then we had overcast conditions for most of the day, and at least a mile of snow to navigate.

When the snow leaves, the glacier lilies come out

We were all surprised by how much snow was gone, as in almost all of it! The trail in the meadow, which was obscured by snow then, was now completely visible, with only about fifty feet of a single snowfield to cross. And it was all so dry! Since the season is so short here, the flowers are all coming into bloom quickly. Glacier lilies are only around for a very short period after the snow melts, and I was so happy to capture this field of them today.

Lunch spot and Mt. Shuksan

We made it to the overlook, where we had spectacular views of Mts. Sefrit, Shuksan, and Baker. See if you can imagine this: a cloudless sky with incredible views, a light breeze to cool us down and keep any stray bugs away, good company with whom to enjoy our lunch, temperature in the low seventies, and nine happy satisfied people.

Me with Mt. Sifrit on the left and Mt. Shuksan on the right

There was no place in the universe that I would have rather been to enjoy my lunch today. Al took this picture of me when I asked, using my camera and the fill-in flash. If you want to see what it looked like three weeks ago, here's the link. We did this hike for a second time, since the snow has been slow to leave, and our other options were limited. But now, it's full speed ahead! On Monday, we will have our first "extra" hike of the season, and many who were on today's hike will try it. It's a long drive to the Mountain Loop Highway, so we'll be starting early and having dinner together before coming home more than twelve hours after we leave the parking lot.

Heading back to the cars, with Mt. Baker in view

That last picture shows the view as we headed back down to the cars. We ascended and descended 2,700 feet of elevation today, and covered more than seven miles there and back, so I'm tired tonight as I drink my well-deserved wine. My knee is doing pretty well on these hikes, but as I've said before, I could not have done it without my trusty trekking poles and a knee brace.

Me, Doug, Peggy in the back

I know it might be a bit tacky, since I already put in a picture of me, but I took this selfie with my cellphone after complaining that I couldn't get a picture of me AND the other hikers, since Doug is so tall and I'm so, well, vertically challenged (he bent down for this), but I like it so much that I'm throwing caution to the winds. Until next time, be well and CARPE DIEM!
:-)