Thursday, September 30, 2021

Rainy day today

Golden leaves

All plans that the Senior Trailblazers had made for the day were scrapped when we saw the weather forecast: rain, rain, and more rain. As our fearless leader has said before, "why drive for an hour to hike in the rain when we have perfectly good rain right here?" One group decided to stay local and hike up the Chanterelle trail, which is mostly tree covered, while the other one also stayed local but carpooled to Blanchard Mountain to head up to Lily and Lizard Lakes.

(NB: I don't know what happened to cause this glitch, but after trying to fix it, I've given up.)

Lake Padden on a grey and rainy day


Mel and I took off in yet another different direction: we went to Lake Padden, since Mel's still nursing a sore foot, while I was happy to go anywhere at all, as long as I could share the raindrops with a good friend. We went twice around the lake, for a hike of 5.2 miles, and by the time we finished, most of the rain had stopped from being a soaker to just light raindrops, which felt great in comparison.

Mel looking bright and cheery


There wasn't lots to photograph today, so I got this one of Mel, and she reciprocated by taking one of me. She also captured our Yellow Brick Road for the day: the trail around the lake.

It's still raining in this one


One of the things that is nice about this trail is that even when it's wet, it's quite passable, and I was quite surprised to see that the parking lot was almost full. There was a middle-aged tourist who was taking pictures of kids playing in the rain, and he remarked that this was very different from his home, where they would be sitting inside in front of the TV. Yes, we can't let a little thing like rain keep us from exercising, or we'd never get outdoors!

Trees and ferns


I love the beautiful old trees around the lake, as well as the abundant ferns and vistas that my lovely hometown offers to anyone who gets out in all weather. I am also proud of the large number of rain jackets I've amassed since I moved here. And I am not happy about wearing rain pants, but I've managed to wear out a couple pair in fourteen years of hiking.

Now that's a root system


I noticed this amazing set of roots under this handsome old tree as we walked. You can also see that plenty of detritus has fallen under the tree to coat the roots. Most of the trees are evergreens, but there is always other bits of debris to nourish them. And lately, lots of rain.

Now I am home, with nowhere else to go, all my exercise behind me for the day, and a cozy and warm place to enjoy the rest of it. Not bad for a day when we have received close to an inch of rain already, wouldn't you say?

:-)

16 comments:

  1. You look great in that vibrant purple outfit!

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  2. Well done you.
    And thanks for sharing the beauty of your walk.

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  3. I just came in from picking some flowers in the garden for a new bouquet now that the rain has let up. My pants legs are soaked though from brushing up against soaked plants to get to the flowers. I spent a bunch of time getting appointments made once I had secured the necessary referrals or documents. The podiatrist, the flu shots and the Covid booster are all scheduled, spaced out to avoid overload.
    My exercise was my PT workout and a bit of grocery shopping. I'm not much of a rain walker, but I admire people like you who are.

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  4. When I was younger , I loved walking in the rain . Now If we have a few drops of rain I stay in the house. So you remind me of the song. "Just a walkin in the rain"

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  5. Beautiful. I love the moody, yet subtle shade of grey around the lake. And two beautiful friends!!
    Around here, we got rain too yesterday. ...3-4 inches.

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  6. The rain doesn’t stop you, that’s for sure. Your trail looks so inviting. Hope Mel feels better soon.

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  7. Still smiling over your leaders "perfectly good rain" comment. So glad you got out regardless and had a nice hike.

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  8. I like your outfit and Mel's outfit. Very colorful. I am glad that you got your exercise and had a good time with your friend.

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  9. I saw the 'glitch' this morning when no pics appeared, but apparently you fixed it or it worked itself out now. I don't mind rain... a gentle warm summer rain. Used to like thunderstorms, now we worry about tornadoes. But love how green things look on your walks.

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    1. Ps...Rian had in her blog post that you recommended a book Dali Llamas (auto correct keeps changing the spelling) Cat. I read the first few pages on Google Reads just now...I'm hooked! Will get this at the store tomorrow.

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  10. Ha, ha. I'm glad I can enjoy your walk from the warm and dry comfort of my own home!

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  11. Even the rain doesn't stop you! I admire your perseverance and commitment. I would just turn into a couch potato.

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  12. I always say I'm not so sweet that I would melt:) WE may get rain tonight and that would be great! That is a marvelous root system on that tree...it is a survivor!

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  13. Rain is my least favourite weather for walking. It gets on my glasses so I can't see. I can't appreciate my surroundings. I admire you for your resolve to walk whatever the weather. You both look like rays of sunshine in your colourful rain jackets.

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  14. We are fans of old trees too. You two are definitely the most intrepid of hikers. It’s been rainy over here too, but that’s what happens during our “fall/winter” season.

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