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| Map of the new and old trails |
It was only a few weeks ago that we decided to check out the recently completed extension to the Chanterelle trail. It was
a rainy day, but not today. Twelve Senior Trailblazers went on the entire ten miles of the trail, and it was perfect for hiking. Four others of our group went up the Mt Baker Highway to attempt yet another final hike in the High Country. The days are now very short and the drive long, but it was such a beautiful day, I can't blame them for trying. I hope their day was as good as ours was.
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| Lake Whatcom from the viewpoint |
This viewpoint was the original end of the trail, a place to stop and take in the view and enjoy a quick snack.
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| Stopping for a bite to eat after 2.5 miles |
This was also our eventual lunch spot, but first we went up the entire ten miles, enjoying the wonderful new trail, which seems to have been getting quite a bit of traffic. It no longer looks brand new.
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| Stopping for a picture before going onwards |
When we got to the terminus, we walked out onto the service road, which used to be the only way we could go anywhere past the viewpoint. We had noticed a place where the new trail comes out onto the road, so we went down the service road for about a half mile before rejoining the Chanterelle trail once more.
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| View from the old service road |
Being on the road gave us a bit of a different look at Lake Whatcom, along with lots of vegetation. Although the sun came and went, many moments of full sun felt so good out in the open.
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| Rejoining the Chanterelle trail |
This is the spot on the road that took us back on the trail. From this point, it is 1.5 miles to the viewpoint, so we decided to just wait until then for lunch. All the work that went into this new trail is exceptional, and many of my hiking friends helped to work on it.
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| Dappled sunshine on our way down |
The entire trail up and down is, as I said, right around ten miles, and 2,300 feet up and down. My knees certainly felt the descent, but my trekking poles once again made it possible for me to keep going.
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| Looking the other way at the viewpoint |
Once we had our lunch and made our way back to the cars, I felt pretty good overall, but I'm glad I didn't attempt the even longer trek that the other Trailblazers did. This was just about the most I wanted to do for now, and I'll do some stretches today and really enjoy the massage I'm scheduled for tomorrow. Life is good, and I'm hoping the weather will continue to hold. But it doesn't really matter: we go rain or shine. Or even snow.
:-)
What a beautiful trail and the views are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along on your hike.
Looks like a well built trail.
ReplyDeleteit’s great to have a new trail to explore. Your hiking friends did well with that one.
ReplyDeleteLife is good and you had a great hike. Nice to hear that a new trail was established.
ReplyDeleteIt looks absolutely wonderful and I am glad (and unsurprised) that you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeletePretty. For me it's the scenic views that'd keep me hiking. I'd want to see what's around the next bend.
ReplyDeleteHave to admire the folks that put in the time to make the trails so nice as that one is. Kudos to them and you for enjoying their efforts.
ReplyDeleteIntrepid hiker! You are in such good shape. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a good day... and a good hike! So glad the weather held... as well as your knees. I'm sure that the exercise is good for you as long as you don't overdo.
ReplyDeleteThe last view is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great hike for you, glad it went well!:)
ReplyDeleteThis fair, dry weather is making for some great opportunities to continue to enjoy the beauty of our outdoors. I can;t hike ten miles, and on hills, but we have been out for walks every day lately. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI do love walking with you vicariously. You get to see the most beautiful views.
ReplyDelete