Thursday, November 5, 2020

Gentle Lake Padden hike

 

Leaf-strewn trail

Today eight Trailblazers met at Lake Padden in order to have an easy "out" if the projected rain was to start early. It looked like it might hold off until noon or so, but just in case, we were all ready for it. We broke up into two groups, since the limit these days is five. I went with Joy and Dave, and the three of us took off for the trails behind the lake. The others went around the lake and then eventually went back there, too. We never saw them after we split up.

Big leaf maple leaves

Much of the trails behind the lake, which include horse trails, had recent fallen leaves from yesterday's wind. It was lovely to see, and before long I realized that I had left behind the stress of the news behind me. We talked and enjoy each other's company.

Trail among the trees

While waiting as Joy made an equipment adjustment, I noticed that you can see the trail extending along between the trees at this particular spot. We never saw the sun all day, but it was quite pleasant and (happily) dry. The trail in spots was very muddy and in places pretty much of a bog. We needed to navigate those spots carefully to keep our boots from submerging. We did fine, though.

Golden light

Even though we had no sun, some of the leaves were so brilliant that they lit up the trail all by themselves. We really enjoyed our traipse through the forest, and we had no real problems, but there was also not much other than the leaves and the trail itself to photograph. 

Lake Padden

And then we made our way from the trails back to the 2.6-mile loop around the lake. We hoped to see our fellow cohorts, but we didn't see them anywhere. Altogether, we ended up walking around six miles, enjoying the company and the season itself. And now it's time to settle back into the long election process and hope for it to be over soon.

:-)

15 comments:

  1. Oh so gorgeous! I do love the season! What a wonderful hike. And yes, I wish the counting of votes was behind us so we can move on.

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  2. So pretty with the leaves on the trees and on the trails too.
    I got out of the house today to go to massage therapy and was pleasantly surprised to see all of the goldenness along the freeway even though I was looking through daytime darkness and rain. Tomorrow is supposed to be dry, and we must get out and about. It's so beautiful around here!

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  3. Sure was a scenic excursion, DJan--so very nice to see, and I'm glad you were able to get away from things for awhile.

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  4. Oh...it looks like a wonderful hike. Love the photos and the images your described. What a great way to put all the stress of the world behind.

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  5. I felt better just tagging along with you for a minute. What a wonderful break from the madness of the day.

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  6. I good hike is good for many things like...forget about an election. You had a very nice day.

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  7. That looks truly lovely and I am so very glad that you found respite (and perfect company) there. I am sending oceans of good wishes to you and your country.

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  8. That is one pretty yellow tree! I remember how large those Big Leaf Maple leaves are! You had another good hike.
    Yes the election goes on and on and on...:(

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  9. What a wonderful escape from the waiting to hear. ;)

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  10. You had many spots of colour in addition to that one big colourful; spot that you showed us. Maybe we'll get the election results today.

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  11. Interesting to see the leaves light up the trail.

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  12. That 2nd pic is my favorite, DJan. Love to see Fall leaves on the ground.

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  13. Sounds like yet another wonderful walk in the woods!

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  14. Nice ... I feel like I'm getting to know Lake Padden thru your blog!

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