 |
| Cordura Centipede |
Sixteen Senior Trailblazers met at the Senior Center for what was scheduled to be an out-and-back hike from Gates Overlook down the Rock Trail and over to Raptor Ridge. Al suggested we try making it a loop, hiking down the Rock Trail and up to Raptor Ridge and coming back via the Hemlock Trail and Chuckanut Ridge, making it a little longer but still do-able. We agreed.
 |
| Heading down the Rock Trail steps |
It was sunny and cold this morning, but we knew it would probably warm up during the day. The group headed down the Rock Trail stairs, which are steep but extremely well constructed. I decided to be the "sweep" today, meaning that I would stay at the very end of the group and make sure that we would all stay together. I'd be the last person, which I figured would make for some good pictures.
 |
| Dappled sun and ferns on the Rock Trail |
Once we were down the Rock Trail, we headed over to Raptor Ridge, a journey of about five miles, but it has been awhile since the last rain, so the trail was in very good condition. Here's another view of our large group navigating a switchback, so you see people going in three different directions.
 |
| We were a BIG group today |
Some people might not be familiar with the term "switchback," but it's in common use when hiking. Instead of a trail going straight up, it bends back and forth up a mountainside, making it less steep both when hiking up or down.
 |
| Stopping for lunch at Raptor Ridge |
It was almost noon when we reached Raptor Ridge, and although there were a few clouds, the sun was still very strong on the rocks, with little to no wind. It was warm and we were ready for a rest. We enjoyed a very nice lunch together before heading back down the trail. The trail back was unremarkable, other than having to climb back up to Chuckanut Ridge before the trail leveled out again. Now that I'm aware of that part, I'll be more ready next time we do this loop.
 |
| A view from Chuckanut Ridge before heading to the cars |
The last time we were on this ridge (last week), all we saw was white mist and fog from this vantage point. What are these people looking at?
 |
| Mt. Baker |
Beautiful Mt. Baker on the skyline, and a lovely vista. We live in such a wonderful place with great hikes and views just a few miles away from town. Although I look forward to hiking in the High Country during the summer months, I also really appreciate all the beauty we have right here. We figured that the hike was somewhere more than nine miles total, but less than ten. Maybe a lot less, but we had GPS instruments that didn't agree with each other. It felt like ten, but maybe next time I'll just pop to the top and wonder why it seemed so long before.
:-)
loved the 'centipede'. and that you have roles of leader, sweep, etc. to keep everyone safe.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, as always. Interesting name: Raptor Ridge. Sounds like something out of Jurassic Park!
ReplyDeleteYou said it right DJan – you live in a wonderful place!
ReplyDeleteit is a beautiful mountain...is raptor trail called that because there were raptors? or it is that the switchbacks look like claws...the perspective shot down the stairs is pretty cool....
ReplyDeleteYou had a large, dedicated group on this hike. Looks like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very interesting and challenging hike! And yes, I've done my share of switchbacks; the trail to the beehive from Lake Agnes at Lake Louise in Banff national Park comes to mind - might have to return there!
ReplyDeleteYou had everything on your side today:lots of trailblazers, beautiful weather and great terrain.
ReplyDeleteYou do live in a beautiful area - and I love that you have found kindred souls to share it with.
ReplyDeleteYes, we do have such wonderful scenery and great trails to hike here in the PNW. Thanks for sharing your latest outing.
ReplyDeleteMt. Baker glowed in the sun in the distance as we made our way to the Mukilteo ferry and then across the sound to Whidbey Island this morning. I didn't walk ten miles, but I did spend five hours weeding and grooming the cabin garden. Uff-duh!
ReplyDeleteLoving this sunny, mild weather!
Looks a great hike.
ReplyDeleteI think that being the "sweep" rewarded you with not only looking out for the group, but you got some great photos as well. Love the ziggy zaggy line of people and of course Mt. Baker always. Have a wonderful day DJan.
ReplyDeleteYour photos make me feel right there in this wonderful place. Nice hike! The names of these places have such great sounds - maybe I'll try to work them into a poem. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteI always smile when I read your posts, DJan. What wonderful scenery and camaraderie!
ReplyDeleteYou had a really nice day for a hike! Looks sunny there too! :)
ReplyDeleteThat did look a big group. Such terrific views you have on your hikes. I am very envious.
ReplyDeleteMy what a large bunch of hikers. You all looked like a colorful centipede on the trail. It was so nice to spy Mt. Baker once more. Seems like it has been a long time since we have seen it also.
ReplyDeleteI know that I've told you before that I love to enlarge your pics... makes me feel right there with you guys on the trail. Beautiful! Especially love that third pic. May have to make that one into a screen saver! And when everyone is sitting on the edge eating lunch, doesn't it make you nervous that someone could slip...??
ReplyDeleteThe reward for the hike is the beautiful vista. What a treat.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I noticed about your post was the line of people in the first picture, and noted to myself that you were behind them all... Because I like to stop and take pictures, I prefer to let people pass and almost always find myself at the rear when in a group. :)
ReplyDeleteYou got some great ones, I particularly love the look of Rock Trail.
Every time I hike vicariously with you, I feel like I can take a deep breath and smell the pine trees. Wow! Gorgeous!
ReplyDelete