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| My group today |
I had three different possibilities for a hike with the Senior Trailblazers today: one, hike up to the viewpoint on the Chanterelle trail; two, join the group going up Blanchard Mountain; or three, go with the "relaxed" group on the horse trails behind Lake Padden. I waffled a bit but finally decided to join the Lake Padden group.
Since we are no longer carpooling because of the coronavirus, everyone needs to drive separately to the trailhead. I chose this one because it's the closest to my home. Owen and Lenny both took separate groups up the trails, as it was decided that the smaller the group, the easier it would be to keep our distance. And I made two new friends, Kathryn and Lenny. In the picture above, Kathryn is on the right, and Lenny is second from left. That leaves Janet (hiding behind the tree), Terry, and Leslie, brightening the picture with all that pink.
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| The rest of our group |
We ran into the other five (there were eleven of us in all) when Janet stopped to take a call from her doctor. Remember those days when you weren't accessible by phone when you took a hike? Well, when you're near town, your cellphone usually works. That caused the other group to catch up and pass us by.
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| Kathryn greeting the tree |
Lenny said he always gives this tree a pat when he passes by, as it sits at the highest point on these trails. Kathryn showed how to give it a modern hello. I gave it a normal high five myself.
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| Our leader giving us a quick story |
Lenny is a very good leader, and he knows these trails very intimately, having hiked them many times. When we came to a junction, he would give us the option of going shorter or longer. The day had started out quite cold, but by the time we reached this lovely spot, most extra clothing had been removed. And we were mostly in the shade on the trails. You can see the sun was shining brightly, and there was little to no breeze. Perfect!
We hiked around six or seven miles before returning to our cars. Since we were not carpooling, anyone could leave at any time, and I decided when we got to the main trail around the lake to head back. It was noon and I was getting hungry. We had a little up and down, nothing much compared to last week, and I was happy to have enjoyed such a delightful day with such nice people. I'll probably be back with them next week.
:-)
I’m so glad you were able to get out into the fresh air and enjoy such pleasant companionship. This will keep you healthy to fight any lurking disease.
ReplyDeleteGood to make new friends and hiking buddies! Glad you had a good hike! All is well here:)
ReplyDeleteYour idea of smaller groups works to keep people separated. I'm not going to run my bird watching group until this virus is over.
ReplyDeleteLove that you are getting out and about and making new friends.
ReplyDeleteAnd hope you delete the rude and self-centred comment above mine.
I think the relaxed hiking sounds lovely. Great forested trails!
ReplyDeleteNew hikers and a great, tho easy by your standards, area. That traditional tree patting is a grand gesture...one with nature...I like that.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a marvellous thing that you do, and you are fortunate that you can do it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect way to enjoy exercise, fresh air, companionship while staying safe. So glad you all have this in your pockets to make your days brighter.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound delightful Jan. You live in hikers paradise.
ReplyDeleteYou made new friends and enjoyed their company. Not to mention the weather cooperated.
ReplyDeleteSmart to stay in really small groups so you can do your distancing without losing people. ;) And that everyone drives themselves, too. Sounds like a plan that will work well for you all.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that the virus has not restricted your usual walking schedules. My wife has even gotten me out on the walking paths during these last two weeks!
ReplyDeleteThat is a good way to spend the day.
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