New Year's Eve delight

New hiker Belinda on Blanchard Mountain

erers, twenty of us, drove from the Senior Center to Blanchard Mountain, to enjoy a six-plus-mile hike from the Upper Trailhead to Samish Overlook and back. One of the reasons we had so many hikers was the incredible break in the weather! Although it rained on and off for most of the day yesterday, this lovely day broke clear and cold, with rain not projected to come back until this evening. Of course, this might mean some people won't ring in the new year outdoors, but then again, wonders never cease in this part of the world. It's possible we might see some auroras, if the sky is visible tonight, but the mild and dry weather we had today was just spectacular.

Emerging from the forest 

We walked the trailhead in two groups, to help keep everybody together, and took the trail toward Lily Lake until we got to the turnoff to Samish Overlook. We expected some mud on the trail, but it wasn't awful at all, and we had to keep taking off layers as the day progressed. It was perfect weather, not too cold, not too muddy, with lots and lots of sunshine.

Chatting at the Overlook

Once we got to Samish Overlook, we joined the other group for extended visiting and taking the chance for a snack before continuing back the way we came. After last week's slog, this couldn't have been more different. And the view from the Overlook is not to be missed. I took this picture of Belinda, showing off her amazing hair.

Looking out at Samish Bay

There were still low clouds in the bay, but it just added to the beauty. I know you have seen a few shots of me lately (on my other blog), but Don took this one of me and I am going to share it anyway. I was definitely in my happy place, feeling good about the hike and the weather and... well, just about everything.

Just the best day

On the way back, I hiked with the other group and had a chance to visit with some other dear friends on the final hike of the year. Starting next week, we will have two hikes to choose from on Tuesdays, to help keep the numbers manageable, with one longer and one less challenging. What could be better than to have more hikes?

Waterfall

I didn't have a chanced to take a picture of the waterfall on the way out, so I decided I'd better show you what it looks like today. I've seen it completely dry, and other times when there was even more water. We've had a lot of rain lately, but not any sort of record, I guess. 

I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to end the year with a very memorable hike. Here's to many more ahead in the coming year! Wishing everyone a very Happy, Safe, and Hopeful new year. 

:-)