Well, we got some exercise anyway

Raindrops

You know it's not a wonderful day when only five Senior Trailblazers show up at the Senior Center for our weekly hike. After three days of full sun, I woke this morning to the sound of rain. It was forecast for the day, but it was supposed to stop early and possibly even give us a few rays of sun. But that was not to be.

Best view we had all day

We started our hike up Olsen Creek in a light rain, but we were optimistic when we began to see the fog lift a little, and the rain stop completely. This is is the best view we had, but we were quite comfy, the temperature mild and no more rain, so we kept going. We knew that there was timber logging that had started earlier this month in the area, so we were curious to see how far we might get.

Carol and me

By the time this picture was taken, we had taken off our rain jackets and were delighted to have a view behind us. You can see we were quite happy at this point on our hike. We didn't realize that it would be the best part of the trek, either.

Steve, Doug, Al

By the time I got this picture, our view was already beginning to fade, as the clouds and fog began to close in again, but still the temperature was mild and we were in good spirits. And then we reached the logging area. Our trail was obliterated, but we hoped if we made our way through the branches, we might reach the area where they have not yet begun to clear the trees.

Steve and Al making their way through the brush and branches

Every once in awhile we earn our Trailblazer title, when we have to try and find a way through the branches left by the logging operation. There actually is a road under there, but after a short time we realized it was futile. Plus, we could hear the operation nearby, and we didn't want to get in the way. By this time, the fog had closed in and the rain began once again. We remained in a light rain all the way back to the cars.

Cupcakes to celebrate Al's birthday

Yes, you guessed it: we hightailed it over to the closest Haggen cafeteria to have our lunch and celebrate Al's birthday. Carol brought the cupcakes, and we enjoyed a very nice warm lunch once again, indoors instead of huddled on a wet log somewhere outside. We only went around six miles and maybe 1,500 feet of elevation, but it was good exercise, and I have to say it's always nice to have a warm cozy place for lunch.

Now that I'm home and can get the mud off my clothes and boots, I'm happy I went. But it was only some good physical activity and good company; there wasn't much else to recommend today's outing. Those of you Trailblazers who missed the hike today made the right choice!
:-)