Thursday, August 19, 2010

Fogeys in the Fog

Last year, when I went on this hike with the Senior Trailblazers, it was sunny with views. (That link shows you what we didn't see today.) Here's Norm, one of nineteen Seniors who headed up to Skyline Divide on a day that was projected to be cloudy and maybe even rain in the morning, with partial clearing in the afternoon.
We quickly separated into a few separate groups, as our usual pacesetter, Al, wasn't with us today. Here's the lead group as I began to fall back and slow down, since the hike begins quite uphill right away. The temperature was wonderful, cool with no sun, but I still couldn't keep up with the leaders. The fog would begin to lift and then fill in again, but we were hopeful that we would have at least a few peeks at the view before lunch. It was not to be.
At noon, as we settled in for lunch, the fog came and went without giving us the slightest hint of the major mountains very nearby. The good part is that a very slight breeze kept the bugs at bay while we ate, and we saw a couple of marmots on the hillside. We enjoyed a stimulating conversation about new local eating places and the benefits of different camera equipment, but we didn't stay for long. It began to feel a little cold: the mist, the breeze, the temperature of 53 degrees.
Since Al wasn't with us, we decided to throw all our garbage down the ravine. He's a stickler for staying on the trail and carrying out our trash. This is for you, Al, to show you why we need you to keep us honest! (We didn't really, but it made for a great picture!)

We moseyed slowly back down the trail, having covered a little more than seven miles and a little more than 2,000 feet in elevation gain and loss before reaching our cars. I stopped several times to take pictures of the flowers, most of which I won't post here. (You can see them on that Trailblazers link on the right-hand side of my blog.)
Without the view, but with exercise, conversation with some cool people, and a chance to take these pictures, I was happy when I reached the trailhead and the cars. However, in the immortal way of the Universe, by the time we were ready to head back, the skies began to clear. This picture was taken on our way back down to the main road:
I'm sure that the hikers coming up the trail as we were heading down got to see some incredible views (which I was hoping for), but nevertheless I had another great day with my hiking buddies, got some fantastic pictures, and am feeling renewed, content, and happy. I hope you are, too.
:-)

18 comments:

  1. I loved the last two photos the most...the trail with the wildflowers is breathtaking.

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  2. Another good experience I would say.

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  3. Fogeys in the fog...bwahahaha. I feel like I'm in the fog some days even when it's clear.

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  4. I went and looked at all of todays photos..those Lupines are just grand..it was very interesting to see all the foliage..and wondering what was going to bloom next..some foliage looked like Orchids..wouldn't that be something! What a nice day even without sunshine! I hope you are still tanking up on the fluids before you go! :)

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  5. Even without the views, the trailside meadows look wonderful. A great time for wild flower viewing.

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  6. So how many banana peels did you guys throw down the ravine?

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  7. Glad to know that you're enjoying what you are doing DJ, and all I wish is for you to stay happy and healthy always.

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  8. I guess it is best to bring back the stuff you take up. Most people toss it. Lakes are filled. The Pacific Ocean is supposed to have a huge island of plastic bottles and stuff and no way to get rid of it.

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  9. nice. the fog provides such mystery and we see things differently than if it was clear...funny, the play with your usual guide...seems a good hike!

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  10. Fog, mist and all sounds/looks wonderful to me. Before you explained the "joke" about throwing garbage down the mountain...I kept thinking, "Gasp. I can't believe D-Jan would ever do that." Then you proved me right. :D

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  11. I love your post title! And the photos are so eerily beautiful.

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  12. Fog is a mixed blessing. It restricts one's views but opens up many other sensory vistas. Another beautiful hike.

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  13. Those trails look absolutely beautiful ... Heavenly...! I love the second picture. I feel as if I could step right into it.

    I love fog, isn't that strange? I used to love hearing the fog horns in Vancouver, but we don't hear them anymore.

    I just saw your Skytrain post. Somehow I missed your post about your trip to Vancouver, and I was looking for it. I'm so glad you had a good time...!

    Cheers,

    Jo

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  14. I love the title of this post
    so funny

    beautiful scenery
    the trash throwing shot is funny
    I knew you wouldn't really do it

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  15. The locale looks beautiful... any way I can get my motorhome up there? (kidding)

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  16. I don't think that banana skins will harm the environment (giggling) but crisp bags might! Lovely post, very interesting.
    Blessings, Star

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  17. Hooray for the Foggy Fogies. You sound so good in this post. I can see that the hiking is great for you. Enjoy your Sunday.

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  18. Foggy or not it still sounds like your group had a great hike. Actually I sometimes enjoyed hiking in the fog, it's like being in a different world.

    I love your post title.

    I'm still having internet connection issues, I hope our provider gets it straightened out soon.

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