Thursday, July 10, 2014

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!
:-)

21 comments:

  1. the last one is cute! :) and WOW what a difference! what a beautiful day you must have had!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Night and day? You mean June and July! Looks like a great hike, and I luv the picture!

    ReplyDelete
  3. ha. nice selfie...smiles....wow, must have been pretty cool to see all the new growth bursting forth in the wake of all the snow....

    ReplyDelete
  4. You can post photos of your happy smiling self as often as you like. Loved the glacier lilies too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love the comparison picture from then and now, wow what a difference. Glad you got up there. Beautiful day!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, three weeks made a huge difference. Everything is beautiful especially those lilies. The views are amazing.
    I love the selfie DJan.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The snow disappeared quickly in late June early July, but it will return quickly as well. Your group has a great amount of fun.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a beautiful day!
    I love your selfie and your purple bandana.
    What a difference a few weeks can make.. I'm hoping that in three weeks time I'm fully healed & recovered from this week's little operation. (that should be plural -I also have stitches on my head from having a fancy "freckle" removed.) Got it all taken care of at once!

    ReplyDelete
  9. After descending an Idaho mountain on Sunday, today is the first day I've been able to walk without a limp! I commend you, DJan.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I loved this hike, the beauty and the humour. I take a lot of photos with my iPhone and am most happy with the HD colour. I am amazed at the snow covered hills are now bare and am wondering if summer goes by that quickly until they are once again covered. I love your smile - it is very warm and genuine.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What fun! Those views of the lilies and mountains were spectacular. Good pics of you, too, DJan.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good to see the snow has left and the flowers were underneath! Sounds like a perfect day to hike with friends:)

    ReplyDelete
  13. The difference a few weeks is amazing. So much color to that mountain top, once the sun shines.
    Love the selfie, and all your fellow hikers....you are a happy bunch :)
    ~Jo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love both pics of you. Great to see a selfie!! What a difference! You'd never know it was the same spot. Great views that day for sure. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. There's nothing wrong with selfies when (1) you are the STAR of a long-standing and much-loved blog, and (2) you have a strong and [very deservedly] positive self image. And besides, it's a treat to see a close-up of your pretty smile!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Absolutely beautiful photos,makes' me want to pack up and head north. I'm not sure I'm up to the hiking. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I can only imagine the beauty your eyes beheld with all the wonderful glacier lilies!! Extraordinary.

    Cute photos....both of you at the mountain peaks and with Doug.

    What a difference in just a mere 3 weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Those lilies are lovely. One has to admire the resiliency of nature.
    I liked both versions of the hike but today was definitely more colorful.
    Cute selfie. I'm vertically challenged also.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Now we're talking! Meadows of flowers, not snow! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Vertically challenged maybe and an example for all of us how to live life to the fullest. And now I know just how cool you are too, posting a selfie. You rock.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow, that snow melted FAST. Looks like a great hike and that you are having fun with your friends. Exercise and collegiality. Perfect! Wish I had a team like you do that could go and do stuff like that.

    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.