Christmas Eve walk

Terry, Al, Melanie, and me

It was a little bittersweet, going out on a wonderful walk on a sunny day, when in previous years there would be lots of us Senior Trailblazers, then gathering for a Christmas celebration afterwards. Not this year. We are limited to no more than five, even outdoors, and thanks to Melanie's decision to make something happen today, we four met at the trailhead of the Hertz trail (also known as the north shore of Lake Whatcom) for a brisk six-mile walk (round trip). Brisk in more ways than one: it was downright cold to start.

Lake Whatcom with low clouds

I wasn't sure I would even be able to make it this morning, as the doors to my car froze solid. After trying everything I could think of, I managed to finally get the driver's side door to release and let me in. It was around 23°F (-5°C), not all that cold, but we recently had some snow and then very cold temperatures. The moisture in the air, once frozen, made life difficult in many ways. Part of the problem is that the clouds cleared overnight. What you see in the above picture is low fog.

Our nice three-mile-long trail

You can see that we are dressed warmly, and for once I didn't take my pink down jacket off during the entire hike. Once my hands and feet got warm, I was cozy and very happy to be out on such a nice day, with people I enjoy being with.

Old pier in the foreground, lake behind

There was little to no wind, and as we walked we warmed up quite nicely. At first there were only a few people, but as we headed back the way we had come, more and more people joined us on the trail, going the opposite direction as us. I would have surprised if it were otherwise, as the day just got nicer and nicer.

Smooth as glass

As we began our return, you can see the lake was incredibly smooth, no ripples from the wind (thankfully), and the sky was beginning to clear. It could not have been more perfect, in every respect.

Terry's cookies, Melanie's muffins, nice bench

We stopped before we finished the hike to enjoy some sweet treats from Terry and Mel. I confess that I had more than I really needed, since I am beginning to carry around a few more pounds than I'd like, because I can't seem to resist these delicious indulgences. There will be plenty of time after the holidays to make amends. Right?

It was truly a delightful morning, and I continue to count my many blessings, not the least of which are such fine people to share my holiday with. And then to come home to my sweetheart and enjoy some time with him. Life is good. I hope you will have a lovely holiday, too. 

:-)