Monday, August 27, 2012

Thornton Lake one year later

The difference is hard to believe
Today the Trailblazers made our third "extra" hike of the year, a longer one than our usual Thursday hikes. We did this for the first time last August, and I thought this picture shows the amazing difference we saw today, versus the frozen lake we encountered last year.
Eight of us headed up to Highway 20 to begin our hike. It was an exciting trip to the trailhead, as the very steep road had recently been reconditioned, and we spun our wheels, all eight of us in Mike and April's Honda Odyssey. We had to get out and let him gain a running start to get up the hardest and steepest part of the rough road, but we made it with no further excitement. We saw only a few other cars at the trailhead.
The trail starts out very mild, with a gentle grade for the first two-and-a-half miles. And then... it begins to ascend up steep switchbacks on a fairly obvious trail. We decided we would like to attempt to make it up to Trapper Peak, which is another thousand feet after we get to the place you see in the first two pictures. We split into two groups, one faster than the other. I stayed behind with the slower group because in the sunshine and warm temperatures, I simply could not go any faster. I made it partly up past the junction to the peak, but I was not feeling all that well, pushing harder than I was comfortable with. I was not alone.
This is the view from the highest point I gained, and I was still 600-700 feet below the summit of Trapper Peak. Three people went on up, while the rest of us headed back down to the overlook of Thornton Lake. We had lunch and I recovered somewhat. I tried hard to get a picture of our fellow hikers on the summit, and while we could spy their movement now and then, they were too far away to get a good shot.
It was a lovely day after all, since I didn't try to make it to the summit (seen on the right-hand side of this picture). I hiked ten miles and ascended and descended more than 3,000 feet. The summiteers had even more distance and elevation. Once we were all together again, we hiked back down to the car and made it to the Marblemount Diner for a wonderful meal before heading back to Bellingham. It's been a long day, more than twelve hours, and since I had a glass of wine with my dinner I'm skipping a second one as I write this. Now for a nice shower and getting horizontal with a good book until sleep overtakes me.
:-)

20 comments:

  1. Wow. You met your match!
    Really, though, good for you for knowing your limits. Pushing too hard in the sun can lead to serious problems. And it looks ,like you had great views below the summit.

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  2. You did well, all things considered. Beautiful pic of the unfrozen lake; I love the blue and green colors in it.

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  3. What fantastic views you had, they are breathtaking DJan. I am amazed at the difference in the lake from last year and now.

    I would say you had a pretty good hike even though you didn't do the summit.

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  4. The difference in your photos from last year to this are almost unbelievable. And a ten mile hike is pretty reasonable anyway. You mentioned you weren't at your best. I hope you are feeling better soon.

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  5. ha, you know its going to be an adventurous hike when even the vehicles have a hard time getting there....lovely view....

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  6. I never cease to be amazed at the things you do. I wish I could go mountain climbing with you and your Trailblazers!

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  7. I will be interested to see the photos of Thornton Lake at this time next year :-) Looking at the photo of your right foot while standing on the rock with a cliff off to your right side makes me dizzy. I hope you weren't as close to the edge as it looks.

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  8. i could feel the sun coming thru your photos. i like your header, too - you surrounded by mountains and greenery. :)

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  9. What a difference..that says something for a warmer summer. What a lovely view..I am glad to hear you know your limits..you are a smart lady:)

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  10. I think it's wonderful that you live in such a beautiful area. And it is amazing at the difference in the lake from last summer to now. Thanks for sharing your adventure and photos!

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  11. The difference from last year is shocking! wow! You really do have proof that it has been hotter this year!

    I hope you are okay? Or were you sore from all your packing? Looks like it was beautiful weather, though. Good luck with the move!! :):)

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  12. It's why hiking is such a joy. These photos tell the story- and the difference rom last year is dramatic.

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  13. Amazing difference in the lake from one year to the next. Was last year just a late year or was there lots more snow in the high country?

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  14. As always, fascinating. Why the difference in the lakes, do you think? The contrast is quite startling.

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  15. Amazing contrast. Standing that close to the edge would make me nervous though. Ok I'm a chicken. Something about vertigo.... :)

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  16. Good to know that you are one of those wise people, that know when to pack it in DJan. Of course, I already felt that about you. I am amazed by the comparison of the two photos with ice on the lake and then clear blue water - everything around us is changing, eh. A stunning photo of you with beautiful scenery in background on mountain path. This is just beautiful.
    Do you have a new photo of you top of your blog - sitting on mountain path - NICE - lovely smile too.
    Great post.

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  17. You amaze me. I'm so glad I'm blogging again! Blogs like yours are the reason why!

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  18. Dear DJan, thanks for pointing at Trapper's Peak at the right side of the last photograph. It surely does look high and daunting to me. I'm relieved to read that you are being so aware of what your body is telling you. Sometimes pushing ourselves a little farther is a good thing for morale, but sometimes it's hurtful also and so I'm glad you are listening to your body. Peace.

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  19. It is amazing to see the difference between the two photos.

    I'm glad you listened to your body. You don't need to push through when you are out there to enjoy the time, the air, and the views. Besides, whatever health benefit you needed, you had to have gotten by getting to where you stopped.

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  20. Oh my gosh! Ten miles??? I'm exhausted, but the view was certainly worth it. I love the photo of you best!

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