 |
| Lower Salal, with roots |
Today, Melanie and I went out to the N. Chuckanut Mountain trailhead to hike up to one of my favorite places, the Lower Salal trail. It's about a mile and a half from the trailhead to the beginning of this lovely trail, which is fun to hike on year round. We see lots of trillium here during the springtime months, but for now, it's just fallen leaves and lots of ferns, which thrive in this environment.
 |
| I'm there for size perspective |
Mel asked me to stand next to this fine old tree, which I've pointed out many times before, but even I was amazed at what a difference it makes to see something that can give you an idea of the size of it. That tiny dot of white is my hair!
 |
| Closeup shot |
We hiked from the Lower Salal trail back down to the Hemlock trail, and then took a side trail up to the Huckleberry viewpoint. There was really nothing to see, except for the two of us, since the low clouds gave us little viewing pleasure.
 |
| Mel at Huckleberry bench |
We stopped here to have some lunch, and Mel brought out her latest cookie creation, my very favorite buckwheat chocolate chip cardamom delights. I ate two, which was quite filling and some of the best of her many different creations. This bench brings back memories of many previous visits, but today it was so nice to share my day with Melanie!
 |
| Me at the Huckleberry bench |
Mel took this picture of me before we began our descent back down to the Hemlock trail, which took us back to the trailhead. We covered 5.91 miles, according to her tracker, and more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain and loss. Now that I am home, warm and cozy, I can also say that it was never all that warm, and if it hadn't been for the fine company, it would have been a lot shorter excursion for me. But she kept me entertained and well fed, so it was a very, very good day.
:-)
That's quite a size perspective! Big old trees.
ReplyDeleteI love that giant tree - and that you continue to have very, very good days. Do you think Mel would share the recipe for those treats?
ReplyDeleteYou sure look content in that last pic, DJan. Nice to see Melanie too, even if she does look a trifle fatigued. 🙂
ReplyDeleteSuch huge trees! No snow...so that is a good thing:)
ReplyDeleteI didn't even notice you in the second photo until I expanded it. Of course, I am on my tablet and may have seen you better had I been on the computer.
ReplyDeleteKay of Musings: I love seeing the photos of you, DJan. You look great and super healthy and hardy too. I envy your ability to do these hikes.
ReplyDeleteKeep moving and if the weather isn't too severe you will be warm.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteYou're always warmer when you walk with a friend.
Yes! You gave the perspective and it was stunning! :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard of rolling stones not collecting moss, but that bench seems to be decorated with some. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI didn’t see you by that tree at first glance. We don’t have them that big here. Another glorious day on the trail. Every such day is a gift! Have a great weekend, Jan.
ReplyDeleteHow nice! 5 miles would have been too much for me even without arthritis, so you did well.
ReplyDeleteGreat to get out and about.
ReplyDeleteI always get a little envious when I see photos of your walks in the woods.
ReplyDeleteThis trail looks rougher than some, lots of toe grabber roots. Glad you had a good day.
You and Mel are mutual treasures.
ReplyDeleteDear DJan, what wonderful friends the two of you are--taking delight in one another's gifts of creativity and curiosity and contentment. Peace from Dee and the cats.
ReplyDeleteThis particular post is a great example of the “click on the image for better view” suggestion. The larger images are amazing. The scale cannot be appreciated in the smaller views, but, with larger, the second image with you by the tree is great!
ReplyDelete