Monday, January 3, 2011

A day on snowshoes

Yesterday (actually last evening) I got an email from my hiking buddy Al telling me that the Mt. Baker Hiking Club was heading up to Huntoon Point from the Mt. Baker Ski Area parking lot, and did I want to join them, since he had room in his car? Well, I waffled about it for exactly five seconds before sending him an email back that I would meet him and a few others to carpool up to the meeting point. We knew that today was supposed to be the last day in a long string of sunny and cold days. More than twenty people showed up for this impromptu trek to the snow.
For my two snowshoe excursions last year, I borrowed Al's extra pair and as soon as they put some on sale at REI, I bought my own pair, but they were virgins until today. We headed out in the sunshine, up to the Point, and I found that (1) it's important not to snug the snowshoes too tight over your toes or they aren't going to want to warm up, and (2) they are wonderful and perfect! What else could have taken me into the beautiful wilderness with such amazing simplicity? Two of the people who came along today wore cross-country skis and struggled up the slopes while we planted one foot in front of the other, but boy did they ever cruise downhill! I do have a pair of cross-country skis in my closet that have not been used since skydiving took me away from Colorado's high country.
This picture of Shuksan and friends from our lunch spot showed the beginnings of cloud formation, although the clear, still air allowed me to have my lunch without even having to put on my coat. It was the most perfect day in the company of new friends, along with Al, Amy, Marjan and Frank (old friends from the Thursday group).
Amy is surrounded by sunshine, Mt. Baker is in the background, and as we headed back down to our cars after a four-mile snowshoe trek we discussed maybe stopping for a beer on the way home. I'm telling you right now: I am one of the most fortunate people in the Universe for finding this place to live. I never knew when I chose Bellingham for my retirement home that I would be so perfectly attuned to its alluring mountains, coastline, climate, and senior hikers. I pause for a moment to say thank you!
:-)

23 comments:

  1. This all sounds so perfect for you. You are indeed fortunate.

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  2. Wow! You were up there! What a beautiful experience, and good for you for taking advantage of so many of your opportunities.

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  3. you do live in beautiful country...so after walking on snowshoes...how do your legs feel...

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  4. You make me envious. I should be out doing some trips. I used to snow shoe before I got cross country skiis. We don't usually get enough snow here for snow shoeing. It's surprising how warm and comfortable one can be when outdoors doing vigorous exercise. Great pictures to go along with your post.

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  5. No matter how many mountainous photos you post, I am still in constant amazement at how stunningly beautiful this earth really is. It makes me long to take a deep breath of cold air and go for a hike.

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  6. Fabulous, DJan!
    (That sentence works with or without the comma)
    There are some days that stand out in our lives, for their serendipitous perfection. It sounds like this was one of those days for you.
    Thanks for sharing it!

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  7. Amazingly clear views DJan, it looks like a perfect day. For an impromptu trip it looks like it turned out great. I haven't been on snowshoes since Alaska but you are making me want to get a pair again (but then I would have to find some real snow).

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  8. Loved the marks of the snow shoes in the snow. Blue and white together? Just perfect and for your aura too, of course!
    Blessings, Star

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  9. You are an "outdoor" kinda girl. And your photos prove it. Such a beautiful place to "go take a hike."

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  10. You simply amaze me. And the photos are great.

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  11. Wow! That must have been an incredible hike. I'm envious. :D

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  12. Wow! What scenery. The light was perfect for a hike and dramatic photos!

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  13. looks like a beautiful day!!
    beautiful surroundings
    I love the way tracks look in the snow

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  14. Wonderful!!! So, did you guys stop for a beer, after all? lol.

    My younger daughter snowboarded on Mt. Baker a week before final exams last month. Foolish and crazy, I know, but that's Lisa. She was there with friends for 5 days. Alas, on the last day, the Pineapple Express hit the area and the rain kept them indoors. Great experience snowboarding there, though!

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  15. WoW, what a gorgeous place to hike and your pictures of it are just spectacular!!!

    God bless ya and stay safe out there sweetie!!! :o)

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  16. Simply gorgeous! It does look like a completely perfect day. You are fortunate.

    Thank you for your comment yesterday. I'm excited about adding a new word to my vocabulary, particularly one that so perfectly describes my feelings for you as well!

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  17. Your pictures are breathtaking!!
    You just amaze me .....you are the most active person I know! I so wish it could rub off on me!!

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  18. You really do live in a beautiful part of the world! Good choice for a retirement home!

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  19. Gorgeous!! Isn't snowshoeing exhilarating? I love to go when it is sunny especially! But four miles would do me in! ha

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  20. I get such a hankering looking at your pictures and reading about your adventures. I loved to x-country ski but hated to drive anywhere there was snow, so I go seldom. And I finally tried snowshoeing last year. Not so crazy about that. Something about the posture reminded me of early days contending with a giant sanitary napkin and belt. And not in a good way.

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  21. Wow. You really squeeze the life out of each and every day, don't you. I so admire you for it.

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  22. I love how you just put on the snowshoes and head out. Looks like your "last minute" plans for the day really turned out great.

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  23. Beautiful sunny weather for a great day out in the snow! Wonderful photos..I always enjoy them:)

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