Thursday, August 16, 2012

Waterfalls and wildflowers

Ten Senior Trailblazers headed up to Heliotrope Ridge in the Mt. Baker wilderness area today. Seven of us met at the Senior Center and the Ferndale three joined us at the Glacier Ranger Station. Once we started our hike, we were all ecstatic at the cool temperatures that greeted us at the trailhead. The temperature was in the mid-sixties. (It reached 90 degrees F in Bellingham yesterday, and we were ready for a change.) We knew this is rated as a "moderate" hike, which suited me perfectly after Monday's all-out trudge.
We also knew we would have some challenging streams to cross on our way to the viewpoint of Mt. Baker and the Coleman Glacier. The interesting thing is that every time we crossed one of these streams, a cool breeze blew down the valley and cooled us off even more. The higher we climbed the more the profusion of wildflowers and waterfalls made us gasp. Do you know what negative ions are? Some people believe they emanate from waterfalls, mountains, and beaches. (Check out the link for more.) Well, I think I experienced them today.
When we passed under this waterfall, there wasn't one person who wasn't feeling uplifted and glad to be right where we were in the moment. I know those of you who are in drought-stricken areas know exactly what you are missing. I hope some of the negative ions make their way through this post into your living room. But then we reached an impasse on the trail.
Once we reached this major stream, we could not find a good place to cross it. The roaring, rushing water kept us from finding a good crossing spot. This spot is far above the trail, but nowhere did we find a place that might make us feel okay to bring all ten of us across. It was actually even a bit cool when we each settled down on the side of this stream to have lunch, and then we headed back down to the trailhead. We had some magnificent views from here, even though we didn't get to the viewpoint.
That's Indian paintbrush in the foreground, and Mt. Baker and the Coleman Glacier in the background. The glacier was visible (in the upper left) but we just couldn't get close enough to get great pictures. I was happy sitting here having my lunch in the sunshine, a nice brisk cool breeze in my face, and some of my favorite people in the world sharing the day with me.
The wildflowers are at their peak of the season right now. Here you see mostly lupine, with a little bit of Indian paintbrush in the middle, mixed with valerian. We had discussions about what flowers we were looking at, but who cares? The day couldn't have been any better. We covered about six-and-a-half miles in total, going up and down somewhere around 1,750 feet. Compared to Monday's hike, it was a stroll, but the exciting stream crossings and all those negative ions made it seem, well, absolutely perfect!
:-)

19 comments:

  1. I could almost feel the negative ions as you were talking about them. :)

    What a beautiful hike! The wildflowers scattered across the mountains are such a delight for the eyes. Uplifted with good company. What a great day, indeed. :):)

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  2. i felt such peace coming off your photos of the wildflowers and mountain views! just loveliness all around! sounds like a perfect day, even with the impasse.

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  3. Interesting info about negative ions. Real positive little critters. But the blue skies and flowers would have done it for me.

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  4. I was feeling those ions with each one of your photos. Thank you kindly! Haven't seen Indian Paintbrush in quite some time...just love the colors! From what i can remember Heliotrope flowers are quite fragrant...like vanilla.

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  5. Hiking when it's cool is the best...refreshing. It's really draining when it's hot and dusty as we sometimes get here. People who don't hike will never appreciate the flowers.

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  6. There really is something about negative ions. Years ago, we stood under a waterfall in Canaima, where Angel Falls is located, and I felt that same lift.

    Great photos. I'm exhausted just reading about your trek.

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  7. there is something about waterfalls...that one looks pretty cool..had never heard that about the negative ions from them though...interesting...

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  8. That first photo is particularly gorgeous. What sights hiking opens up to us!

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  9. Thanks DJan, I am going to the beach this afternoon - need to breath in all the negative ions I can get.

    Isn't it ironic that a force called negative can be so positive?

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  10. You sound absolutely euphoric, DJan. I rarely feel that way, perhaps because I don't exercise and don't experience the endorphins that come with running or other aerobic exercise.

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  11. Oh my goodness, my goodness. Waterfalls and wildflowers, your title, just pulled me in like a magnet. Two of my favorite things in nature. I swear, I may have to convince Bud to take me to Washington State. Such beauty. And lupine, it was a favorite of my dad's...we had 'em grow wild in the foothills in Colorado. Pretty images...as always DJan....

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  12. I think your ions made it out here. Your post makes me sigh with delight.

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  13. Great scenery and wildflowers, and I love negative ions. We even bought an ionizer which ran next to the bed for months, until we noticed it was creating soot-like deposits on the wall behind it. Natural is better.

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  14. I need me some of those negative ions in the mountains or at a beach! Great photos..I hope you repeat this hike later..I would like to just smell that area if and when the Helitrope blooms..it must be a heavenly spot then:)

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  15. The wildflowers and waterfall are simply stunning. You are so lucky to be able to get out there and enjoy them.

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  16. the purple is so beautiful!
    and the waterfalls too

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  17. Love your pictures! It reminded me of the time we hiked in Colorado. You are blessed to be around so much beauty...

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  18. The vegetation you get to experience is so spectacular.

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