Today eleven Senior Trailblazers drove up to Schreiber's Meadow to hike the Scott Paul trail. We were at this same meadow only two weeks ago to hike up to
Railroad Grade. Although that day was wonderful, it was even more wonderful today. We started the hike at the same trailhead, but almost immediately we took a different trail, the Scott Paul. This trail was renamed in memory of Scott Paul, the Mt. Baker District Trails and Wilderness Coordinator who was killed in an accident in 1993.
On clear days, you have magnificent views of Mt. Baker and Shuksan on this hike. Today we had fog and low clouds, but after the last few weeks of very warm hikes, it was actually pleasant to be in temperatures that worked hard to reach 50 degrees F. Although these vistas were truncated, it didn't matter much as we kept exclaiming over the stunning wildflowers. This bouquet caught my eye and I had to take a picture.
As we hiked along, we had many different obstacles to surmount: fallen trees, streams with no obvious bridge, and a couple of snowfields. Here's one of the snowfields (with apologies to all my blogging friends who have been dealing with really hot temperatures; maybe this will cool you down).
After we had lunch and began our hike again, we knew that we would be confronted with a suspension bridge that is only in place during the summer months. And before we knew it, there it was. We decided to walk across it one at a time, since it didn't fill any of us with assurance that it would remain in place if we ALL walked across it at the same time.
It was kind of fun, walking across it and feeling it sway in the breeze, with every one of us thinking of movies we've seen with suspension bridges failing halfway across. But we all made it across without even a little problem. Then we started our return trip to the cars. Along the way, we had to cross through some of the most amazing fields of lupines in bloom I have ever seen.
I didn't know that lupines had such a lovely smell. Every once in awhile we would get a whiff that reminded me of delicate lavender bouquets; I can't describe it any better. And the cool temperatures, the company, the incredible wildflowers... well, we were all in a very mellow mood by the time we reached the cars, after having traveled more than eight miles and 2,100 feet up and down. Another day that makes me happy I live where I do and that I have the ability to visit these places. I must be doing something right.
:-)
Isn't there a wildfire in Washington State and below? It's been in the news. The flowers are so beautiful. August is the month to see them in all their glory. Thanks for the pictures, DJan.
ReplyDeletei know our bluebonnets are a type of lupine, and they have a luscious sweet, almost spicy smell. your blooms are gorgeous! glad you had a great day!
ReplyDeleteloveing it...you got the full spectrum....the flowers, the bridge...the snow...lots of variations...in life too...the flowers are so alive and....very cool trip...
ReplyDeleteLiked your description of the hike. How early do the snows return?
ReplyDeleteWe have more primitive bridges...usually one tree smoothed out a bit or if we're lucky...two trees. But like you many of the streams are crossed by rock hoping. Some we just rope up and wade through.
OK... I give up. I'm not a hiker, but seeing these photos, I'd be willing! Those lupines alone would entice me, but throw in the fragrance and I have to go too.
ReplyDeleteI was not aware of the fragrance of lupine either. But the color is heavenly! Another great hike.
ReplyDeleteThe lupine remind me of Texas bluebonnets. The ones in your photos are absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteOh. Another simply wonderful journey you took me on. Thank you so much. And the lupines were a delight.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous wildflowers! I love your shot of the lupines on both sides of the trail. That bridge does look like fun ... but only for one at a time.
ReplyDeleteWow, snow in August and wildflowers too. They are beautiful and worth the trip across the suspension bridge. It sounds like an outstanding hike.
ReplyDeleteMorning DJan - WOW, what beauty overlooking the mountains from the mountain path. Love the photo of you all in the snow patch - UR right, it did cool me off. he,he.
ReplyDeleteWe have many fields of lupins that have come and gone and do enjoy the smell. The foot bridge, yah, get me on that - sounds like fun. Hey, Yah know what - You Are Blessed. Have a good one :)
Dear DJan, rested assured that you are doing many things right!!! Or so it seems to me from my home here in Missouri.
ReplyDeleteThe photographs are absolutely lovely--the lupines, the daisies, the snow field, the fog and mist covered mountains. So much beauty.
And the bridge reminded me of the novel "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" by Thorton Wilder. I read it a year or so ago and found it intriguing. Peace.
Great photos. That suspension bridge looks like something out of Indiana Jones - but without a chasm!
ReplyDeleteWow! Those lupines are simply amazing. You were rewarded with great beauty on your trip today.
ReplyDeleteThat bridge looked a little sketchy. I'm glad you all made it across safely.
The path with the lupines is magnificent. Just love the photo. You were very brave to go across that bridge. This hike offered a lot of diversity with the snow, bridge, and flower lined path...what fun! Thanks for the photos.
ReplyDeleteLoved your bouquet and that pathway through the lupines would have slowed me down for sure..to take photos! Looks like another great hike..I enjoyed seeing your snow.. it was 92 here today..hot and humid:(
ReplyDeleteI know you'd rather have clear views of the mountains, but I do love the pics with the clouds hanging across them, too. Love the wildflowers. Can't get enough of them. The suspension bridge gives me the willies, but it looks like a wonderful day with good company. :):)
ReplyDeletePop over to my blog and collect a beautiful blog award, which I have pleasure in passing on to you today :)
ReplyDeleteThose wildflowers are absolutely gorgeous. So nice to see them in a natural habitat? it does look as if the lupins have been planted by people, doesn't it. Do you think they have been?
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely hike, wonderful day. You hikes take you to places the average city dweller would not see or know was so near.
ReplyDeleteLooks as though you don't have sun beating down on you as you hike. That would make it easier. In the middle of California, unless you are hiking in heavily wooded areas, you are out in the blazing sun. It can get very hot and miserable. Perhaps it is the cooler temperatures that make your hikes so enjoyable.
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