Today's hike was an adventure

Our first obstacle

With all the road closures and washed-out hiking areas, Mel and I decided to to hike up the Chanterelle trail, one of our favorites, hoping that the forecast rain would hold off until we got done. And sure enough, that's almost what happened. This downed tree across the trail required us to climb up above it, so that we could access the trail without having to try to climb under (or over) this obstacle. 

The other Trailblazers were heading out on longer hikes than we were ready for, so this five-mile-long round trip was perfect for us today. When we started out, there was no rain, but we knew it was coming. There were plenty of other places along the Chanterelle trail that had already been cleared, but fellow hikers warned us of two barriers that we would encounter. Neither was too hard to navigate, since we have seen much worse in our years on the trails.

A fern-covered fallen log

No, this is not a green caterpillar creeping down the side of the hill, but a fallen log that has been down long enough to be completely covered with licorice ferns. I love seeing how nature manages to take the forest detritus and turn it into something beautiful.

Peeking out

This was the second obstacle, and it definitely was more difficult to get across, but we did just fine. You can see the fallen logs and the broken bridge underneath. I was careful to watch my step, but we both got through it, both directions, without mishap.

Mel navigating the tangle

Mel almost blends into the forest here, but you can see her once she got to the far side of the downed trees. Other than these two places, we were able to continue all the way to the viewpoint, where we actually had a view.

The viewpoint today

I've taken this picture many times over the years, but this was the first time that the two of us had the entire viewpoint to ourselves. In all sorts of weather, we have usually had company here. Not today. Perhaps everyone was staying home because of the coming rain. Not like we've been a stranger to it lately; many streets and trails are still impassable because of the torrents of rain we endured this past week.

Another angle from the viewpoint

Mel took this lovely picture from the viewpoint. You can see that dark grey sky above the lake, filled with moisture that would soon be coming down. By that point, however, we were heading back down the trail to the waiting car, so we avoided the heaviest of the rain.

Our very green forest

It was just about when I took this final picture that I felt the first of the rain, but it was light and not uncomfortable at all. However, by the time we reached the car and climbed in to head home, the rain picked up. A lot. It was strong enough to require Mel's windshield wipers to go full blast, for awhile at least.

As we headed back to the safety of our warm homes, it lessened until it became a more normal downpour. We have had too much of a good thing lately, I must say. We stopped at Mel's favorite culinary delight: Chocolate Necessities. We both enjoyed a truffle before we went our separate ways. It was a truly satisfying way to end a pretty perfect Thursday hike! Thanks, Mel!

:-)