Another real favorite

Sunlight and shadow

 Melanie and I went on what is fast becoming another favorite hike of ours, the Chanterelle trail near Lake Whatcom. There are two places we can go from this trailhead, this trail and the one that follows the north shore of Lake Whatcom. But this one, to the viewpoint above the lake, is the one we took today.

Viewpoint overlooking Lake Whatcom

One of the nice parts of the Chanterelle hike is coming to this viewpoint at 2.5 miles, with the possibility of continuing upwards for another 2.5 miles (which we didn't do today because it was more than I wanted to do). Mel and I did venture up the trail from the viewpoint for around a quarter-mile, giving us another half-mile of distance before returning the way we had come. 

Last night the temperature dropped to below freezing, so we weren't in any hurry for an early start. There was little wind, so we were quite comfortable and extremely glad to be outdoors in the forest together. The other Trailblazers have taken on a lengthy and arduous hike today; I read where they were going and was glad I have a friend willing to take it easier on Thursdays, with me setting the pace.

Deep and dark tunnel ahead

As we started back to the viewpoint from the extended part of the trail, I saw what seemed to be a mysterious shady tunnel, but it was just a trick of the light. We entered and found ourselves back at the overlook. There weren't many possibilities for photos today, none that I haven't already shared many times here.

Mossy trees with licorice ferns

One thing nobody can deny: in regards to our Pacific Northwestern forests, there is no shortage of moss, giving us greenery year round. All the tiny buds on the trees are beginning to emerge as spring continues its advance, and I am looking forward to seeing the days grow longer and longer. Spring is less than two weeks away, March 20. But first we must go through the annoying changing of the clocks, where we lose the hour we "gained" in the fall. That happens this coming Sunday. I'm hoping this nonsense will stop one day, when somebody in power decides we've had enough.

We ended up hiking 1,100 feet up and down, and covered a little more than five miles before all was said and done. We saw a few other hikers, not many, but I suspect that before the day is over, more people will come out to enjoy the day. I sure hope so, and also hope that their mood is improved as much as mine was by again enjoying a forest bath. We were both reluctant to leave the trail, but since I'm older and not in as good shape as Mel, I am glad to be feeling like I still have some energy to spend for the rest of the day.

I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees. —Henry David Thoreau

:-)