Delightful late summer hike

Samish Bay from the Viewpoint

Anybody who follows my blog knows that this is a current favorite hike for Melanie and me. We've done it several times already this year, and we will probably make a few more trips up to this lovely spot before winter a showing. The short spur trail off from the Fragrance Lake trail takes us to this viewpoint, which always looks a little different. 

Maidenhair ferns along the trail

Although it's late summer and many flowers are gone, we saw a few stands of my favorite fern, the maidenhair. Nearby was a dried-up stream, which must have been the reason this moisture-loving fern is still hanging in there.

Fragrance Lake

The lake was looking especially inviting today, although we didn't stop to wade; however, we saw a towel drying on a branch and probably somebody was out there swimming, but we didn't see them. One fellow hiker made his way to this spot and we chatted for a few minutes before heading the rest of the way around the lake.

Me, rock with tree growing out of it

Melanie took this picture of me standing in front of a giant tree that seems to have established itself on top of a rock. You can tell the size of it all by comparing my size to it. This is the beginning of the Two Dollar trail, that starts about halfway around the .75-mile loop trail around the lake.

Our lunch spot

We climbed up to this pretty spot for our lunch break before heading back down. Instead of returning by the Fragrance Lake trail, we opt to take the service road that leads to the parking lot, giving us a chance to make a loop rather than an out-and-back trip.

Anybody know what flower this is?

I saw several small groups of these pretty purple flowers growing in the midst of a stinging nettle patch. I assumed they must be the flowers of the plant, but upon researching it I find they are not associated with the nettles. Hopefully some reader can enlighten me.

We had a wonderful day and were mostly in the shade so we didn't experience the heat as being too bad. The times we were in full sun, though, made me glad we didn't choose to hike somewhere and have to endure the direct sun. We also had a nice breeze for most of the day. We covered more than six miles (6.3 to be exact) and 1,700 feet up and down. I am pleased that I still have a little oomph left in my knees. I never know how they will behave until I've done it. Feeling pretty darn good!

:-)