Fragrance Lake on a beautiful day

View of Puget Sound from Overlook

Today, Melanie and I revisited one of our favorites, Fragrance Lake, on a simply perfect, beautiful day. We went up the Fragrance Lake trail, with a side excursion to the Overlook, a short .2 miles from the trail. Once we got to the lake, we started down the Two Dollar trail, made a complete loop around the lake and returned via the service road. It made for a 6.5-ish mile loop, with somewhere around 1,400 feet of elevation gain and loss.

Gate at top of trail

We didn't hurry, but I did take time for a few breathers on the way up. I got my second Covid booster shot two days ago, and I didn't know if I might be tired from it or not, so I was careful not to overexert myself. I felt fine for most of the day. And when I looked up from the trail as it leveled out, I was quite impressed with the tree growing out of that stump and had to share it with you. I don't know how long it has taken to get so large, but one day, as it continues to feed off the "nurse stump," it might grow to be full size! Nature is amazing.

Fragrance Lake

When we reached the lake, it was smooth as glass, as you can see here. The mild temperature and lack of wind kept us from needing much in terms of hats, gloves, and coats. We stuck them into our backpacks and just enjoyed our lovely environment. We did see quite a few people for a Thursday, but they were outside like us, taking in the gorgeousness that is Fragrance Lake.

Partial boardwalk around the lake

As we made our way around the lake, we took our usual side trip to the Two Dollar trail, going part-way down until we took a turnoff that would take us to our lunch spot. This is becoming our "usual" journey to make sure we get in at least six miles, which we did today.

We stopped here for lunch

We had climbed up enough distance to see the lake below us on the left. We stopped long enough to enjoy a quick lunch, and Mel pulled out some delicious chocolate for the two of us to savor. I smiled when I saw this picture, one of the few that was actually straight: most times I must fix the angle, since most of my shots tip one direction or the other. You can see we had plenty of shade from the unaccustomed sun.

Waterfall

On the way back, we passed by the waterfall that varies so much from day to day. It was still flowing, but not as full or as hard as the last time we visited. Still, it was sure pretty to my eyes.

And then we had returned to the car, both much renewed from our time outdoors. I was in a particularly gloomy mood, from the news of the war, and a talk with my sister yesterday when I learned of some difficult times going on with family. I really needed to have a reset, and today's hike was just the thing. In perfect weather, with a good friend to share it with, trees in bloom and birds singing, I am now feeling quite a bit better. I heartily recommend it!

:-)