Thursday, January 20, 2011

Alger Alp

I'm beginning to think that my Senior Trailblazers group is really hard core (I kind of knew this), because I woke to rain for our regular Thursday hike AGAIN, and this time, even more hikers showed up! Sixteen of us set out for Alger Alp, an 80-acre park south of Bellingham, in a fairly steady rain. It was also more than 10-15 degrees colder than last week's wet hike. As you can see from the picture, the rain had changed to snow with a little elevation gain. We hiked on both trails and old logging roads around Squires Lake and saw evidence of beaver activity.
You might already know that beaver must keep chewing down trees in order to keep their teeth at a reasonable length, since they keep growing throughout their lifetime. It's pretty amazing to see what they can do with those choppers. In this park they are protected and allowed to chomp away, making for an interesting picture.
The usual destination on the fairly short hike is this overlook, which didn't have much of a view today. Our hike took us off the park boundary onto a logging road that doubles as a segment of the Pacific Northwest Trail and takes us to the overlook at 1,300 feet. I understand that usually there's a great view of several lakes and the Skagit Valley. Well, they must be there somewhere. The picture looks almost monochromatic.

I asked Al to take a picture of me while we were there, just to make sure I sometimes show up on the other side of the camera, and I thought it turned out quite nice, with the fresh snow as a backdrop.
After hiking a few miles, we all agreed to have our lunch at the Senior Center, which we found to be much more comfy than standing around in the rain and snow trying to keep from getting too cold as we eat lunch. So after a bit more than five miles and a thousand feet up and down, we headed to our cars and met back at the Center. Since I always like to include a picture of our lunch spot, here is today's, showing the Ferndale Three (Fred wasn't there today):
We commandeered a couple of these tables and had a MUCH nicer lunch experience than we would otherwise have had. And I was able to give some leftover brownies to a few lucky people at nearby tables. It was either give them away or pitch them, as they are anathema to my new dietary efforts. All in all, it was a wonderful day, but frankly I'm ready for a little of the non-liquid variety of sunshine.
:-)

17 comments:

  1. nice...you are hard core...inspiring...the light snow on the branches is beautiful...

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  2. That first photo shows what a determined bunch you guys are! You put me to shame...blowing snow kept me in today, but tomorrow I will take my walk! The photo of you is very nice, DJan.

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  3. It looks freezing out there DJ. I never knew that beavers can munch logs like that! I wonder if they can finish all of them, chomp chomp LOL!

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  4. You're definitely hard core! Love the photos, too. How come you don't look cold?:)

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  5. Oh but your ears, they look so cold! I thought you cut back on your hiking during the winter. Perhaps this is your cutback hiking.

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  6. You look happy! Thanks Al for taking her photo! Looks like grey weather there..but at least you are getting out and about! :)

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  7. Craziness. I think it's so wonderful! It's nice to get the occasional picture of you on these hikes. I am the one who insists on attempting to document so much of our life, and when I want reminders that I'm here too I have to ask my husband to pick up the camera and actually take a picture with me in it.

    I had no idea that's why beavers chewed. That's a fun fact to pass on!

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  8. You folks are definitely hard core. While I don't mind overcast or even snowy hikes being out in a steady rain is not my idea of fun.

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  9. Sorry, I tried to post 2 different comments but they would not go through. Glad blogspot is fixed.

    Anyway, I am glad you managed to take pictures without getting your camera lens wet from the rain. Amazing feat!

    And good that you had your pic taken as well. Too often I am so preoccupied being the photographer that I neglect to show that I was there, too!

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  10. Is this winter hiking kind of like a game of chicken - no one wants to be the first to quit?
    But the exercise, fresh air (very fresh yesterday)and the company obviously make the suffering worth it.
    I concur on your chioce of lunch location. Much more comfortable.

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  11. That is indeed a lovely photo of you, and of your surroundings. I love when you take me on hikes. I even get to stay dry.

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  12. Those beavers know how to chew, don't they! We have recently introduced them into Scotland again after many years without them. It won't be long before they escape and make their own territory, I think.

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  13. You are all a hardy lot. I don't think I would care for hiking in such wet weather. The senior center looks more to my liking.

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  14. Sounds like a nice day was had by all. And to think I was once in Bellingham. Anyway, those chairs around the table are like office chairs we had some years back. I am not sure what happened to them.

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  15. Amazing strong and dedicated hikers that's for sure. I now know for sure I am a pansy. A wuss. I admire you so much.

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  16. Hard core adventurists...you are!

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