Thursday, January 22, 2015

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!
:-)

20 comments:

  1. rare to have only 5 show up! most of you are die-hards. well, you 5 definitely are! i'd have been afraid to go into the downed trees for fear of being bulldozed away. :) yum for cupcakes!

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  2. You guys are definitely the intrepid trailblazers. Good for you! Love seeing your beautiful, happy smile, DJan. Six miles is excellent!

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  3. What is it they say? When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Sometimes 6 miles in these conditions takes about as much effort as 12 miles in super conditions.

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  4. You are more stubborn than stains - and I love your determination.

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  5. Six miles with elevation gain isn't bad. Crawling over logging refuse is not the way to go. Warm lunch and cupcakes is!

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  6. No matter the weather, I'm always happy to get outside. Good for you for toughing it out anyway.

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  7. Happy Birthday to Al! Those loggers can make quite a mess. :)

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  8. I could use a cupcake right now!

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  9. Love the picture of you in your pink hat, DJan!

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  10. I so admire that you go out and hike rain or shine...you go girl!

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  11. I like the group you have, wish I had similar here.I leave rain gear in my car year round. I don't ever let the elements hold me back.

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  12. DJan, I admire your ambition to get out there and exercise! Hope you don't catch cold from the chill. Looks like a fun gathering for a birthday celebration.

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  13. DJan, do you hike daily or every other or...what is your typical schedule? Also, how far is a typical hike? I keep telling my husband I'll start hiking again in the Spring. Back here we battle mosquitoes, ticks & from May-July, black flies (biting & nasty little creatures). I usually say the hell with it thx to the bugs. Hate 'em.But I would like to know what a reasonable amount of time or distance would make a nice hike.

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  14. Those birthday cakes look tasty Djan. How nice to celebrate all together and it certainly lifted the rain, didn't it.

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  15. The huge branches would be a road stopper for me, but what a fun time with great friends. Happy Birthday to Al! :)

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  16. Admire you all getting out there in the bad weather but even more so as you tried to blaze a trail through the rubble. How nice that the intrepid 4 showed up to celebrate with Al on his birthday.

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  17. Despite the challenges, you all look happy!

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  18. And someone's birthday despite the weather! How great.

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  19. ha. you had quite the adventure trying to find your way through all those trees eh> smiles....the day is finally turning nice hear...after rain and sleet...so i think i am about to get out in it

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