Barkley to Big Rock Garden

Terry and sculpture named "Hope"

Today fourteen Senior Trailblazers gathered to walk around five or six miles from Barkley Village to the Big Rock Garden and return. We are so fortunate to have this wonderful sculpture garden, with so many wonderful trees and bushes from all over the world to enjoy as well. We were last here in the spring, and today we saw beautiful maple leaves turning every possible color.

Brilliant maple

We all expected rain to keep us from completing the entire walk, but we were graced instead with dry weather and mild temperatures. We walked up and down around a thousand feet in our six miles, but it wasn't difficult and seemed quite perfect, actually, as we chatted and enjoyed the scenery as well as the company.

The group, plus me behind the camera

Here we all are, having a wonderful time in the beautiful lush environment of our trail, and at this time we are all nice and dry and happy to be out and about. By the time we started back towards our starting point, we felt a few sprinkles, but nothing much. However, just like last week, by the time we got to the cars, there was more rain coming down, making me wonder if we are just lucky or if somebody Up There is looking out for us. Whatever the reason for our dry walk, I'll take it! We enjoyed being out and about for yet another beautiful day in Bellingham.

:-)

Lovely day on Hertz/Connector trail

Today's Happy Wanderers

Only seven Happy Wanderers showed up today, when our original hike was changed because of construction, and instead we headed over to the Hertz trail and took a rather challenging trip up the Connector trail to the new overlook and back. The entire trip was somewhere over six and under seven miles, but there is quite a bit of elevation gain in a short distance.

Mushrooms along the trail

One of our hikers was happy to see these mushrooms, which she decided to harvest on the way back down. And she did indeed do that. Most of us are afraid of wild mushrooms, but not Leann. She loves these parasol mushrooms and never misses a chance to take them home.

The new connector trail beginning

We hiked for two miles along the Hertz trail, until we came to this connector trail, which most of us have been on before. It goes up to the Chanterelle trail, making an 11-mile loop now available to those of us who enjoy these trails. 

On the stairs

One of the interesting features of this new trail is a series of 347 steps taking us up, ever up, towards the overlook. A passerby took this of the group on the way up to the overlook. We did count the steps, and once before I got this total, so I think it might be accurate. I know my legs felt a little bit stressed by the time we got to the overlook.

At the top of the steps, our leader Persis

We walked the .1 mile to the overlook, and enjoyed a quick early lunch while we rested before beginning our descent. I got this wonderful photo of Whatcom Lake below us.

A glorious view

One of the reasons we didn't have more takers for today's hike was, I believe, that the day was supposed to bring a fair amount of rain. However, we didn't have so much as a raindrop as we went on our out-and-back excursion.

We even saw a bit of filtered sun

However, once we reached the cars and piled in for our return trip home, the rain began, first as a sprinkle, and then before we got to the Senior Center, a deluge. Once again, we lucked completely out with the rain. I am sorry we didn't have a larger group, but for my part it was simply perfect. I was very glad I went out with the Trailblazers today.

;-)

Hovander Park in Ferndale

Some of today's large group

On a day when it was projected to rain in the afternoon but be mostly dry in the morning, 25 Happy Wanderers met at the Hovander Homestead Park main entrance to walk around the flat area of almost 350 acres.

I had been here before, with my friend Melanie, but today we were treated to an in-depth explanation of the history of the area. Terry (in yellow jacket) lived on the farm for seven years with her now-deceased husband. She was able to tell us what it was like to be there year-round, and some amusing anecdotes as we passed by different stations on the farm. From that link above:

Hovander Homestead Park preserves the rich history of pioneer farming and offers recreational opportunities for all ages in every season. The park encompasses nearly 350 acres, including over a mile of river frontage. Accessible sidewalks provide access to the historic Hovander House, playground, restrooms, Group Picnic Shelter, and the Hovander River Trail.

We walked from the red barn house, out into places that once were populated with farm animals. But today we saw some geese and chickens but not much else. We walked along the trails from the big barn to Hovander House, where we had access to a tower, fragrance gardens, and a look inside what was once a schoolhouse.

From the top of the tower

Most of us climbed the fifty-foot tower to get a view of the surrounding area, including Tennant Lake and the wetlands, and in the distance we could see Mt Baker as well.

Outside the fragrance garden

We walked along the boardwalk that snakes its way through the wetlands, and Terry told us of many times she walked on those narrow planks when they were wet and treacherous. We were very lucky that the rain stayed away.

Vietnam Memorial

Terry showed us the Vietnam Memorial in the park, with the names of all the Whatcom County heroes who died in that war. It's almost along the Nooksack River, so we did walk down to the water's edge and saw a few people fishing, and one person who caught a large fish, maybe a salmon.

Wandering through the dahlias

Many of us wandered over to the extensive dahlia gardens, where dahlias of every size and shape are in magnificent display, since this is the time when they are blooming. I was mesmerized by the beautiful flowers, those pretty fall flowers, and I confess I took way too many photos of them.

A favorite variety

Before we left, Terry pointed out a place where the high-water marks are displayed from two earlier floods, one in 2021 and one in 2009. She was living on the premises during the earlier flood, and you can certainly get an idea of what the area must have been like during that time.

Those high-water marks are scary!

It was a truly wonderful way to spend our Tuesday morning, and we managed to keep from getting wet, but it was iffy. You could feel a change in the air temperature, and a few drops fell before we made our way back to our various cars. Some people stayed a little longer, but I was still feeling the effects of my bout with covid and was glad to head back home. We walked around four miles, maybe a little more, but I was ready to get home without using my raincoat. Another lovely walk with the Happy Wanderers.

:-)

Changing things up

This morning's news

Welcome to my final Thursday post here. I did double check to make sure I'm writing this on the correct blog, since last Tuesday I wrote my regular Tuesday blog on my usual Sunday blog. I might blame it on covid brain fog, but it was the fourth time I actually did it within the past month or so. Usually, I correct it by deleting it from the wrong one and posting it again.

Why I am I bothering, you ask? Well, it was enough to get me to ask that question myself, and take some action and make some hard decisions. This is the last Thursday post I will be writing for some time to come, and I'll just stay with the Tuesday blog for this web page. And whatever else I decide to come up with. And, of course, there is nobody keeping score or paying as much attention as me, so I might change my mind again.

It's even harder to deal with the covid illness now that I'm actually feeling like a normal person (well, almost) for the first time since I contracted it last week. As I said on Tuesday, I think I got it while doing my volunteer work last Thursday in the lunchroom. On Sunday, my "T" line was REALLY dark, and today it's lighter but obviously I am still contagious. Most of the truly awful symptoms are gone, but there is still a little congestion and I've had no interest in exercising. That's not usual for me, but today I was thinking that maybe tomorrow I'll go out for a short-ish walk and see how I fare.

On Monday, earlier this week, I could barely stand up without holding onto something and I felt like it might be preferable to just lie in bed and wait until the Grim Reaper came.  And this was a mild case! For the first time, I felt such strong empathy for anybody who went through the worst of this illness, without any vaccinations, without anybody to help them. Today I feel almost normal, although I still haven't put my hearing aids back in. My whole body, head to toe, was sore to the touch. Now that I have neglected to wear them for several days, I'm going to wait until I can venture out into the world again to put them back in. I did check to make sure they would be fine just hanging out on the charger.

Where I wish I was today

This is pretty much what the Chanterelle lookout would be like today, and I've been there many times over the years. I don't think at this moment I have the strength to climb a thousand feet in less than three miles. I'm not even sure I could walk around the block, but tomorrow I'll know more. I miss being with my walking friends, but hopefully I will be coming back to normal within a short while. And trust me, in October I will gladly get my flu shot to possibly stay healthy. This being sick is for the birds!

:-)

My new Thursday routine

Ptarmigan Ridge 2018

Instead of hiking with the Senior Trailblazers, like I did in this picture a few years ago, I worked again as a volunteer in the lunch session at the Senior Center, a strenuous two-and-a-half-hour scenario. I will be doing the same thing again next Thursday, since I won't be going on that hike either. Both today's and next week's are too hard for me these days. But I sure did have a good time on that hike in the fall six years ago. 

I've done all these hikes many times, and I've sure noticed a dropoff in my ability to keep up and make it fun like I did before. Now it's mostly an ordeal, and where's the fun in that? I did get almost 10,000 steps today as I scurried around the lunchroom, pouring coffee here, or helping a disabled person with her tray and finding a place to sit. It's very satisfying, but it's a little tiring, too. Which is fine with me; I wouldn't be happy just sitting and watching other people work.

I came home and ate my own lunch, which we volunteers get without having to pay anything for it. It was lovely, and I am beginning to think that the Tuesday hike will begin to be my weekly long workout. For those interested, my phone, which got a good washing in my laundry, is working just fine. I am truly amazed at how much the phones have improved over the years. I won't be needing to buy another one for awhile.

It's been a good summer around here, never getting terribly hot, and now the first day of fall is coming this Sunday. We won't be expecting any of the heat that many of my friends have had to endure, and now we have my favorite part of the year coming up, when it's not too hot and not too cold. As my eighty-second birthday looms, I am quite happy that I've been blessed with such good health and hope it will continue for a bit longer. 

:-)

A long town walk

On the Sehome Arboretum lookout

Today, the Happy Wanderers went a-wandering in a long town walk. Our leader, Barb, led us all to the bus station, where we took a bus to Lake Padden. I was so happy to learn about this bus route, a new one for me. Sixteen of us exited the bus at the West Entrance and headed down to the bathrooms first of all, and then onto the trail that would take us to the the Lake Padden Gorge. There is an area there that people use as a memorial of sorts, and we looked for the rocks we placed there, but alas they were gone. 

Pretty heart shaped spot

There was this pretty heart-shaped display, probably having taken some of our rocks to make it, and it was nice enough that I didn't mind. After seeing the Gorge, we headed off to some other trail that would take us to the Sehome Arboretum, and the first picture is taken from the top of the tower, the highest place we reached today.

Pencil-straight trees on the trail

After seeing the sights from here, we descended into town, for a walk on the streets that would take us back to town. I was surprised at some of the detours that I didn't know existed, but now I have some more fun places to explore. 

After we walked back to town, making it a bit more than six miles, I split off from the group so that I could catch a bus home. It was a really beautiful way to spend my Tuesday morning with such good friends. Then I got home and headed to our laundry room to get myself some clean clothes. Unfortunately, I accidentally washed my iPhone. I found it in the washer as I was putting everything into the dryer, but I went immediately to my sweet partner to find out how bad the damage to my phone might be.

It is an iPhone12, and it turns out that, other than needing to dry out before I try to plug it in to charge it, it seems to be working okay, but that was quite a scare! It seems to be working, but I cannot be sure until I am able to charge it successfully. Anyway, I am optimistic. Just not a good way to end a really good day, eh?

:-)

Cool Thursday

Warrior Three

 Five years ago, before the Pandemic that caused my favorite yoga studio (Yoga Northwest) to close, I won in a raffle a half-hour private session with Denise, my favorite teacher. She taught me how to do a version of Warrior Three, seen in the picture above, taken back in 2019 at the now defunct studio. It isn't exactly easy to do, or to get into it, but I was determined to learn the pose. As you can see here, I did manage to at least, if not perfectly, get into the correct position. The hanging straps, I thought, added an interesting backdrop. Denise took the picture.

The reason this picture came to mind is because I took a different yoga class today at the Senior Center where I have been attending a class every Monday for awhile. Now that  am no longer hiking regularly on Thursdays, I was also available for the class today. The teacher, however, was a substitute, as our regular teacher is sick with Covid.

It turns out that Dani, the sub, was also a student at Yoga Northwest for years. We chatted about our favorite teachers and how much we still miss the place. She teaches regularly at some place I have never heard of, but I was thrilled to have someone who knew the kind of yoga I practiced for years. And she will soon be teaching twice a week at the Senior Center, starting next month. She supplies poses that are more advanced than Mary, our other teacher, provides. So I figure I'll be changing classes soon. I still enjoy Mary's classes, but I feel much more worked out after today's class than I usually do. It will be nice to have a choice, and there will be many more classes to choose from. The two available classes are always full in no time at all, and you have to sign up weeks in advance. So, I am happy about this new wrinkle in my exercise routine.

 

Trail to Excelsior Peak

Today the Senior Trailblazers are hiking this trail, and I did briefly ponder whether I should go or not, since the temperature has cooled down drastically, and I do think they will have no problem with the seven or eight mile hike with a couple thousand feet of elevation. I probably would have done just fine, but for the first time since I decided to stop going on the Thursday High Country hikes, I didn't feel wistful that I should be there with them. Instead, I had a wonderful yoga class!

I had purchased that hat which makes me a lot like I belong in the French Foreign Legion, to help keep myself cool. It didn't work all that well, but then again, my age is beginning to make me look forward to some new activities. Being an octogenarian is challenging but also interesting. I am intrigued by those new neck fans that I see on Amazon. I will probably try one out next year. Life is good!

:-)

:-)

Whistle Lake

Thanh at Whistle Lake

Today fourteen Happy Wanderers from the Senior Center's hiking club met at the Senior Center for a more than half-hour drive to the Whistle Lake trailhead in Anacortes. We took four cars, so it was quite comfy driving there on a foggy morning with almost chilly temperatures. Thanh was one of the passengers in my car, and hopefully I will now be able to remember her name. It's pronounced "Tahn," so I started calling her "Tahnny" to help me recollect what she is called. I've never been good at remembering names that I don't hear all the time. She's a sweetheart and deserves better. I know she doesn't look it, but she's in her mid-sixties, with grown kids.

Today's leader, Joe, walking ahead

After awhile, the fog began to lift and we had quite a bit of sunshine on this pretty wooded hike. If it weren't such a long drive for around a five-mile trip, it would be visited more often, I suspect. The temperature was perfect, on the cool side but not at all frosty as we ascended and descended around 1,500 feet of elevation.

Pretty mushrooms

Since we've had a little rain in the past few weeks, we were also treated to many different varieties of mushrooms. Nobody wanted to take any home, and we heard some stories about poisonous ones that look completely innocent. Nope, I'm not interested in picking any.

Our lunch spot

We stopped for lunch at a place where we could see the lake. One person was bitten by something, not sure exactly what, but she was given a Benadryl and the wound, which swelled up quite a lot, was slathered with some medication and watched carefully as we headed back. It did go down and hopefully she will be okay. We don't know what bit her.

Enjoying ice cream

At Joe's suggestion, we stopped at the Lopez Island Creamery in Anacortes for some well-deserved treats. This is becoming a definite must-do stop before going back to Bellingham. It doesn't get much better than this: good food, good hike, good company, and lots of camaraderie without even the littlest bit of politics intruding into our day. 

Now, however, it's almost time for the presidential debate, which I will watch and hope for the best, whatever that means. Hope you're having as good a day as I am.

:-)

Slacking off

Lake Ann

Well, many of the Senior Trailblazers are heading to Lake Ann today, one of my favorite hikes of yesteryear. It's an almost nine-mile-long round-trip hike up to this viewpoint and back. I was told the first time I did this one that "it's uphill both ways," and they are right: first you start by descending around a thousand feet in shaded forest, but once you get to the Swift Creek section of the hike, you begin an uphill slog through rocks and full sun until you reach the summit at 4,900 feet of elevation. You've been baking in the sun the whole time going up to the lake, after having left the forest behind at Swift Creek. We are experiencing probably the last really hot part of the summer; it sure was enough to make me look at my pictures and be glad for my friends, but also glad I decided to skip it today.

The lake and Mt Shuksan view

It is a simply beautiful hike, and the views of the back of Mt Shuksan and the Coleman Glacier are also stunning. I didn't swim in the lake, but I did take off my shoes, rolled up my pants, and waded in the water for awhile before we started back. I think I last made this trip before the Pandemic, and now I am not only older but not in as good shape as I was then. And I still remember how much I suffered on the uphill sections.

I planned to take a nice walk this morning after leaving the coffee shop, but by the time I got home and changed into cooler clothes, it was already hot, so I skipped my usual walk. I was going to say that I would "rest on my laurels," but after looking up the meaning of the phrase, I realize that it's more accurate to admit that I'm just slacking off, taking it easy today. I am not going to allow my Apple Watch to admonish me, since I think it's perfectly okay for me to park myself inside while relaxing in an easy chair and enjoying the coolness of the indoors.

But I do hope those young whippersnappers are having a great day. Each time I do this, stay home, it gets a little easier, especially since I had a lovely hike in the wilderness on Tuesday, when the temperatures were at least ten degrees cooler than today's. Tomorrow will be another hot day, but then it is projected to cool off to more normal temperatures, just in time for my Saturday walk with my friend Steve.

Today would have been my first husband's eighty-third birthday, although he's been gone for decades, I still think of him now and then and hope if there's something after this life, he's having a great day, too. In the meantime, I'm basking in my continued ability to feel such gratitude for all my blessings.

;-)

Horseshoe Bend

Sign at trailhead

Years and years ago, I came to this trailhead to hike along the Nooksack River to Horseshoe Bend. Since that time, the original trail, which was shorter, has fallen into the river and a new one built in the same general vicinity. Today, seventeen Happy Wanderers Senior Trailblazers carpooled from the Senior Cdenter up the Mt Baker Highway to this new parking area. It leads us to the new trailhead.

Cindy, today's leader

We started out along the Nooksack on a very well-maintained trail that took us 2.5 miles to a beach where we could have lunch. At first it was easy going, but a bit farther up the trail we encountered steep slopes and a bit of slipperiness. It didn't last long, but I managed to take a spill without injuring myself, fortunately.

Our lunch spot

The water was an interesting color, a little blue-green from the silt that comes from glaciers, I suspect. It was quite a nice little spot for us to rest and have our lunch. Nobody was in a hurry, and since it was still quite early, we spent some time enjoying the mild temperature and the little beach.

Another scene of the beach and Nooksack water

And then, as all things must end eventually, we packed up and headed back the way we had come. It was a little easier on the return, since most of the elevation gain (not much, really, maybe 200 feet) was less slippery on the return. It seemed much too quick a return.

Amazing roots running across this old stump

Never having been on this particular trail before, I was so happy to have found a short but interesting hike to visit in subsequent trips up the highway. And it is a delightful way to be out in the wilderness without going too far afield.

Pretty little mushroom village

I really enjoyed today's outing, and getting to experience a brand-new (to me) trip up the Nooksack to the beach. I would have liked it to be a little longer, but here I am, home and feeling quite rested even after today's adventure.

Huckleberries

Thanks to Thanh, who picked lots of huckleberries for us to enjoy, I learned about these pretty red ones, a little tart and a little sweet, but just delightful. This is only the little bit I hadn't yet eaten. 

Interesting tree and roots

It was another fine trip with my newest group. Many of them will be heading back up to the wilderness on Thursday, but I think I'll skip it, since it's supposed to get hot again and the hike is in full sun. My old bones will find something close by to get my daily exercise, but I'll be interested in how they all do. It is so great to have so much close by to enjoy, so I won't be sitting at home but out and about amongst my local haunts.

:-)

Remembering Watson Lakes

Watson Lakes 2018

I like the fact that I can peruse my pictures and remember my last visit to Watson Lakes, where the Senior Trailblazers are going today. I'm pretty sure I could have done them once again, since it's much cooler today than back when I last hiked up to these beautiful lakes. The long drive and the recollection of lots of bugs made me decide not to go, instead deciding to make a nice local six-mile solo stroll. 

It was cold last night, but this morning dawned clear and beautiful. My friend Steve is returning today from his trip to Hawaii, and I'm hoping I'll see him on Saturday, the beginning of a perfect Labor Day weekend in our part of the country. I read that a few places around the country are getting their hottest and most humid weather of the summer. I, however, am so glad that we were spared the severe weather during most of our summer months. We still have September, when it sometimes does get hot, but mostly it's been mild and delightful.

When you hike to Watson Lakes, there is a turnoff that takes you up to Anderson Butte, which I am sure the group will do today. It gives you a fabulous view of Mt Baker, as you can see here.

Melanie in front of Mt Baker

When I remember the most about this spot was the incredible number of mosquitoes that lurked in the trees and waited until they spied a juicy spot on exposed skin. It was probably one of the buggier places I've visited over the years, but as you can see, the views were amazing. I miss my dear friend Melanie and wish she hadn't moved to Oregon!

Looking back at the many beautiful places I've seen, I realize my good fortune in having chosen the Pacific Northwest for our retirement years. Now that I have all these wonderful memories and pictures, I am feeling quite content to be here in my easy chair, hoping that the Trailblazers are having a wonderful day.

The other day, on our way to Whidbey Island, we chatted about where many of us lived before moving here. It made me realize how many different lives I've lived during my decades of life: mother, wife (with a few different husbands before I met my life partner), secretary, homemaker, professional editor and blogger, not to forget the decades I spent skydiving. When I think of how much things have changed and morphed from one life experience to the next, I cannot help but feel enormous gratitude for all I have been given. 

And now I am reaping the benefits, relaxing in my easy chair and pondering whether I should have a cold beer or a nice glass of wine. Whatever I decide, it will be joined by contentment and a happy smile.

:-)

Bowman Bay and Elsie Mae

Elsie Mae

Elsie Mae is a seven-year-old rare Elephant Seal that was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. It's a rare sighting to see a 1,200-pound creature like her on Whidbey Island. She has returned after a long absence in the deep ocean that surrounds the Salish Sea. Two or three years ago she gave birth to a male seal on this beach, and she returns during the molting season to Whidbey Island. This morning, she was cordoned off by volunteers who have been making sure she isn't bothered by her numerous admirers.

When our hike leader learned about her return, he took sixteen Happy Wanderers to Bowman Bay, where we got to see her in her natural habitat. These volunteers were able to give us much of her resumé (compiled by Joe Hashmall):

This one was named Elsie Mae and around two years ago gave birth to a son (EMerSon --- Elsie Mae Son).  He was the first Elephant Seal that is known to have been born on Fidalgo Island. Elephant seals come to beaches in the summer to molt. They grow a new furry layer and are pretty inactive during the process.  Elsie Mae had finished growing her new coat and was resting before heading out to the Pacific. The Salish Sea is too shallow to harbor the type of food that they eat. They dive down hundreds of feet and eat soft creatures that live on the bottom: bottom dwelling fish, squid, etc.

I also learned that they dive down and can stay underwater for up to two hours before having to breathe again. Although Elsie Mae is only 1,200 pounds, male Elephant Seals can grow to 4,000 pounds or more. The naturalists were very helpful and obviously have become great fans of this seal.

After spending time oohing and aahing over Elsie Mae, we headed to Rosario Point, a short hike from the parking lot. It turned out that Lighthouse Point, where we tried to hike first, is closed due to downed trees and basically unsafe conditions, so it would be Rosario Point instead. 

On the trail heading to Rosario Point

It's very lovely and fairly easy to traverse, so we enjoyed following Joe to the views of the Salish Sea.  One of the sights when you get there is the wooden statue of the Maiden of Deception Pass.

The story of the Maiden

When you reach the statue, you can read her story by following the plaques surrounding the statue.

Read her story here

It's a very impressive statue, and one that is well known to those who live in the area, and those like me who visit and want to know more. And it couldn't be in a more beautiful environment.

View from Rosario Point

Since we didn't get a chance to get to Lighthouse Point, we instead went on a nice hike around Pass Lake. Well, not exactly around it, but in the general area. It was a gentle loop hike that gave us a bit more exercise before heading back home. We also made a stop at the Lopez Island Creamery for some delicious ice cream, which was quite a treat. All in all, a very fine way to spend our Happy Wanderers Tuesday! Thanks to all who helped make it such a good day.

:-)

Under the weather

Rain hat and rain coming down

 I like the idea of the phrase, "under the weather," because it reminds me of all the times, like in the picture above, that I have gone out in the rain, or wind, or even snow, as well as lovely unremarkable trips in good weather. But yesterday, I really was feeling under the weather in the usual meaning of the phrase. 

When I got out of bed, I pondered whether or not I wanted to join the Senior Trailblazers for a trip into the High Country in what looked like rain, or maybe just sprinkles. But once I swung my feet out of bed and onto the carpet, I realized it wouldn't be a good idea. I felt tired and achy, and just the thought of riding (with someone else driving) for that long trip, and then a moderate hike, seemed beyond my current capabilities. Sometimes lately I just don't have much oomph when getting up. I decided to take a bus ride to town and do something easy from the coffee shop.

But even though I did get there, I didn't have much desire to go anywhere. So I took the bus home and worked in a short walk. I thought maybe I'd get some shopping done, but even that didn't sound very appealing. So, I sat in my easy chair and thought I'd write my Thursday post about something, but I couldn't get started. 

So here it is, Friday, and I'm writing a makeup post I didn't write yesterday. I have been relaxing and watching some clips from last night's DNC Convention. Maybe today I'll go shopping, but you know something is amiss when even that sounds tiring!

:-)

New connector trail

Starting the new connector trail

Today, fifteen Senior Trailblazers of the Happy Wanderer variety explored the new trail that now connects two of our favorite hikes, the Chanterelle trail and the Hertz trail. (Apologies to our  leader, Persis, for catching her with her eyes closed.) The entire loop is longer than I think I can handle, 11 miles, but this trail goes from our beloved Hertz trail along the north shore of Lake Whatcom for two miles, before heading up to the new Lake Whatcom overlook, with many new steps on the new trail and a climb of a thousand feet before getting to the new overlook.

Pretty "shelf" mushrooms, one we called the Hat

Although the trail is rather steep, it's only a mile long before reaching the overlook. On the way, we have to climb more than 300 steps to get there. (We counted 325, 338, and 340, depending on who was counting.)

The beginning of the steps

Helpful signage

Once we got to the top of the stairs, we saw this sign that Persis told us would take us to the overlook. You can see how far it is from this spot to any other destinations. We just had a bit more hiking to get to it. And here it is!

A new view of the lake

It is a beautiful spot, and we were so fortunate to have a view, since it had been cloudy and cool all the way up here. And it not only has a nice fence to lean on, but also has two lovely, sturdy benches to sit on and gaze at the view and eat our lunch.

Nice indeed

And then it was time for us to retrace our steps and get back to the Hertz trail. It was a simply perfect day, cool and the rain stayed away until we were back at our cars.

Going back down 

I was a little afraid that the stairs might be harder to navigate going down than up, but I was very happy to use my trekking poles as a substitute for a railing. This is a place I think I'll be visiting often, and at some point I might even try to make the entire loop. Listening to those who have done it, the easiest way is to take the Chanterelle up the five miles to the connector trail, which then goes down to the overlook and eventually to the Hertz trail. The entire day's exertion covered six miles and a thousand feet of elevation up and down. I'm feeling pretty good right now, sitting in my easy chair and realizing I have drunk all my beer and will either have to struggle out the door or just wait for tomorrow. I'm feeling rooted to the spot at the moment.

:-)