Thursday, September 15, 2016

Ptarmigan Ridge on a perfect day

Some of the group admiring the view
Thirteen Senior Trailblazers met at the Senior Center to begin our journey to Ptarmigan Ridge, one of my favorite hikes in the wilderness when the weather is sunny. And just look at it! Not a cloud in the sky. We had three new hikers with us today, Ken, Mike, and the one I called "Tripod Guy" until I learned his name is Roger. He carried a huge tripod with him the entire way and every time we stopped for more than a microsecond, he was busy snapping pictures. We decided to chance it in the wilderness, with our group one over the regulation size. We figured we could call ourselves a "Baker's Dozen," and Mt. Baker approved.
One of the wonderful views from the ridge
Fall colors are beginning to show themselves everywhere on this September day, our last summer hike of 2016. Next Thursday is the autumnal equinox, so it will begin our new season. This could not have been a more wonderful day.
Backlit red leaves
As we walked along the ridge, we saw plenty of other hikers. Not surprising, really, considering the weather and the time of year. I'm so glad we were all together, although three of the strongest hikers, Steve, Doug, and new guy Mike all left to hike all the way to the portals, while the rest of us would make it to Kiser Camp, about 4.5 miles and at an elevation of over 6,000 feet (more than 1,800 meters).
Ellen and Carol at Kiser Camp
We were all ready to stop and have our lunch, while the three guys went a bit farther to the portals. I was certainly ready to stop, with the altitude taking its toll on me, but once we had rested, I felt completely rejuvenated. You can see how close we were to Mt. Baker in this picture. While we had our lunch, we saw the other three come down the trail to join us.
Mountain goats at lower middle
We saw a herd of mountain goats on our return trip, six adults and a juvenile. They aren't easy to see unless to enlarge the picture, but hey, this was taken with my iPhone, after all. No telephoto. It's been rare that I haven't seen any goats on this hike when the weather has been so fine.
Beautiful tarns and Glacier Peak on the skyline
This is my favorite picture of the day. Glacier Peak can only be seen on hikes; it isn't visible from any highway but you see it here, and those blue-green tarns took my breath away. If you look closely, you can see two people walking on a trail towards those tarns, and I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't take a dip.
Snow crossing
Even at this time of the year, we had to cross snow three or four times. Not terrible or scary, but still, it is September just before the equinox! Everyone did fine, and our three newbies enjoyed themselves enough hopefully to return.
Saying goodbye to Mt. Baker at the end of the hike
Just before we finished the hike, I turned to see Mt. Baker backlit by the sun, with a few clouds forming in the sky. Although it turned out to be a very long day (it's almost 7:30pm as I finish this post), it was a simply wonderful one, filled with lots of adventures and ice cream at Graham's at the end!
:-)

18 comments:

  1. Another glorious day by the look of it. So beautiful!

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  2. my goodness, glorious views and colors. your baker's dozen had a perfect day. and i'd have been snapping shots every stop, too.

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  3. The red leaves, the turquoise water, the snow capped hills...all so very perfect.

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  4. Just gorgeous! Learned a new word today; tarn!
    Exercise, the beauty of nature, and surrounded by good friends. Doesn't get any better than that! :-)

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  5. Simply majestic! What a great hike. I can't imagine doing it with a big tri-pod. In central America they do them with coolers full of drinks.

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  6. This is why we hike...to see amazingly beautiful landscapes like this. I need to come north and check out some of the trails in your backyard. (Oh...I would totally be that "tripod guy!")

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  7. Looks like it was perfect hiking weather! Hope your new hikers come back again. :)

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  8. I love your photos. Though you don't have telephoto, the colors are bright and breathtaking.

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  9. What a splendid day. Perhaps the prettiest I've seen you enjoy. And to see wildlife along with the perfect views?? This was a keeper.

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  10. What a glorious walk. The scenery once again is just stunning.

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  11. Well, you were up pretty high with all the snow. Fall is a great time to hike when all the shrubbery turns color. Here the fall tends to be very dry.

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  12. I immediately noticed the beautiful blue/green water...that is such a perfect color! Looks like you had a beautiful day to hike! Good to hear Tripod Guy has a name:)

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  13. That's got to be some of the most spectacular hikes among all the ones you write about. Just amazing! Our daughter has been sending pix of Mount Baker takken from Abbotsford.

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  14. The photos are dramatic and stunning, but wow, the colors! That sky is simply amazing.

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  15. I always appreciate the opportunity you give us to admire those fantastic views along with you!

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  16. Wonderful hike and great photos. I could never carry a tripod that far - too much work! Love the color of the tarn.

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  17. Totally gorgeous!!! I thought those red leaves were flowers. Thank you for sharing this wonderfully refreshing hike with us.

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