Sure Sign of Winter

Phelps Creek Trail, 11/16/08, 7 miles, 1000 elevation

Brrrr! We went east today. East of the mountains to the Chiwawa River near Lake Wenatchee. Neither of us had done much hiking here and since it wasn't a brilliant day on the west-side of the mountains, we figured it would be a perfect day to explore over there. Let me tell you though, we hit snow before we even got to the trail-head.

Snowshoes had been left behind since our elevation last week had been higher with no snow - who'd have believed we'd run into snow here? We decided to see how far we could get without snowshoes. I really had hoped we could get all the way to Spider Meadow but no such luck.

It was a pleasant hike and we got as far as Leroy Creek before needing to turn around. We were hiking in six inches of snow and the bridge over the creek had been pulled out. If we crossed in our regular hiking boots we might have a problem keeping my feet warm. Michael thought he might have a problem staying warm too. And we knew Zillah would be shivering all over the place. So we decided to head back to the car after a quick lunch under a large tree dripping melting snow onto our heads.

I had really wanted to see the valley and snow-covered meadows, but there's always next year.

Autumn Solitude, Part II

West Cady Ridge, 11/8/08, 8 miles, 2200 elevation

Talk about solitude. Michael & I took Zillah to West Cady Ridge in the new Wild Sky Wilderness and saw not another person - except for the two people in their car at the trail-head possibly wondering if they were going to brave the weather. I've mentioned this before, if you want solitude on a popular Washington trail, head out after September with the threat of rain.

On this day there was no threat. No the rain was a reality, but being prepared we zipped on our rain gear and started out on the trail. So wet was the day, a stream rushed down the hillside in the trail just after we passed the wilderness boundary. A little rain nor a little trail mud were going to deter us. A friend had mentioned this was on of his favorite hikes and we were bound and determined to discover why.

Steadily we climbed up the hill through thick forest with salal and ferns for undergrowth giving lush autumn nourishment to the dozens of varieties of mushrooms growing along the trail. We soon came to forest without much undergrowth and meandered on a traverse, climbing slowly and gently. Several bridges along this section were rather treacherous having twisted during their slow rot. Then the climb became steeper again but we were soon catching glimpses of the fabulous view - or what we could only image was the fabulous view. Clouds clung to the mountainsides obscuring everything in a grey blanket.

The rain had stopped and we found an outcropping for a quick lunch. We didn't want to stay long for fear of catching a chill. The sun peaked through the clouds every now and then, teasing us with a hope of warmth and mountain views, but quickly hid again behind the clouds. We noticed Zillah was shivering so packed up the lunch to head back down the hill. In my mind, I could understand why our friend would love this hike, but I am hoping to see it again soon when the views don't have to be imagined. Except then, we won't have the absolute solitude we experienced on this trip.

Blustery Days

Snow Lake, 11/1/08, 7 miles, 1300 elevation

If you are a Seattleite looking for a little hiking solitude during the summer, Snow Lake is not the place to go. However, if you want to go hiking with about 500 or more new found friends, Snow Lake is where you will find them. Michael & I found the solitude secret to hiking the Snow Lake trail with only 30 relative strangers.

Friends had often extolled the wonders of the Snow Lake trail - relatively short, not very steep, and in no time at all you are in the beauty of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. But the reputation of being a hiker super-highway left me just a little turned off by the whole thing. I'm afraid of getting hiker-herpes on Mt Si, what could I get on the way to Snow Lake? A bit of solitude on an otherwise blustery day.

We took Zillah along with us and left the Alpental parking lot early. The amount of cars left in the lot prepared us for the worst, but we soon realized those cars must be there for the lodge and had nothing to do with our day on the trail. The rain held off through most of our hike into the lake and the sun even showed itself while we adventured along a side trail to the Source Lake overlook. But once we got over the saddle to the Snow Lake valley, the wind blasted us with a winter chill as it rushed through the valley and over the lake. Hurray for fleece. But poor little Zillah started shivering as we ate lunch by the lake. Time to get her some cold weather gear.

As we felt the first few drops hit or faces, we gathered up our layers and quickly gained the saddle to cross to the other side to block the wind. It wasn't too long after that the rain became heavier. Zillah thankfully let us towel her off when we got back to the car. Pretty Snow Lake even as cold as the wind became, had given us warm welcome.

Fall into Autumn

Punchbowl Falls, 10/25/08, 4 miles, 300 elevation

What a wonderful weekend. I was able to spend 3 days with a very good friend and about 20 other of her friends to celebrate the 70th anniversary of her birth and continued good health along the Columbia River. We had hoped for glorious fall color and although the colors weren't as far along as we had hoped, they were nothing to guffaw at.

We are all photo-geeks so we spent each day exploring the waterfalls and apple orchards in the gorge and the Hood River valley. I think came away with almost 300 shots - gotta love the digital age.

The one hike a few of us took was along Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls. The trail continues further to Tunnel Falls - that famous cascade where the trail cuts under the waterfall along the cliff. We didn't have the time to go that far, but it's on my list.

The trail hugs the cliff even in the first 2 miles to Punchbowl Falls, with a few ramblings through the woods as it slowly climbs to a vantage point over-looking the falls. Before the vantage point, a side trail takes off down the hill. This will take you to the falls and a sweet little waterfall below punchbowl. Most photo-geeks lament about the log that has fallen across the chasm leading into the falls for it blocks a perfect view. I instead playing with the log - after all, nature is nature and you must work with what she gives you.

We all met afterward for dinner and birthday cake in Hood River and made plans on where to go on our friend's 80th birthday.

Autumn Solitude

Grand Park - Mt Rainier, 10/18/08, 8.6 miles, 1600 elevation

I have mentioned before that Grand Park on the north side of Mt Rainier is one of my favorite places. And the hike up to the park past Lake Eleanor is a pleasant stroll through the forest and meadows. During the spring, flowers cover the meadows. The last time we made our way up to Grand Park we were thwarted by snows. This time the autumn sun smiled upon us through cloud breaks and trees. As we passed into the lower meadow, the clouds parted around the mountain to remind me why I love this hike so much - the grand volcano's presence is always felt, like a watchful parent.

But the lower meadow only teases you as to the views above. Grand Park is a mile long flat meadow stretching out below Mount Fremont. The views of the mountain are unobscured. And on a glorious day, it shines like a beacon in the sky. There were a few flowers still hanging on, but autumn is in full swing on the mountain. The Gray Jays fluttered about as we reached the meadow but left us alone as we continued up the meadow to or lunch spot in full view of Mt Rainier. Until lunch not a single person hiked past us. Our only company was each other and the looming mountain ahead.

I love Grand Park for it's beauty and quiet solitude. Not many people seem to know about the trail past Lake Eleanor and the trail from Sunrise is too long for most casual hikers. So a hike here is guaranteed to bring you quiet reprise no matter what time of year.

Washington's Yosemite

Methow Valley Exploration 10/10/08-10/13/08

Normally, Michael and I take our vacation the week prior to Columbus Day. We load up the car and set out to explore the western US and Canada, but not this year. Instead we took a week to finish off the Wonderland Trail. So when my travel bug hit just as the calendar rolled from Sept to Oct we set off to explore a portion of Washington we had only driven through and always wanted to see more of - The Methow Valley.

Friends had been telling me for years the wonders of the Methow and I believed them. I just never got a chance to hike or ski or camp in this marvelous place. Michael was so excited to get going that the car was packed by the time I got home Friday night and we decided to drive all night until we reached Winthrop. Luckily, Pearrygin State Park was still open and we set up camp in the moonlight along the banks of the lake. Although we didn't get to sleep until well after 1am, I was up at sunrise to catch the 1st glimmer of the day on the lake.

For the rest of the 3 day weekend, we drove along forest roads to scenic viewpoints and trails to be noted at a later date. We drove through stands of burned out trees from the 30-mile fire and stopped by the memorial honoring the fire fighters who tragically died fighting the blaze. We watched as hunters drove past looking for deer and then deer walk across the road as they passed. Above all, we admired the land of the Methow and Chewuch rivers.

On the Edge of Seasons

Beverly Creek/Tooth Saddle, 10/5/08, 9 miles, 2800 elevation

I was on the hunt for Larches, the oddity of the coniferous tree family. Their needles turn golden in the fall and are shed by winter and the trees seem to glisten on east slope hillsides shining brightly against the dark greens of the rest of the coniferous forest. I wanted to capture that quintessential image and although that image didn't materialize this trip (or this year) the hike up to Tooth Saddle will remain a highlight of this year's hiking season.

Snows had already fallen by the time our merry little band of Mountaineer hikers left for the Teanaway, but that wouldn't deter us from alpine views and autumn color. The trail along Beverly Creek is an easy saunter slowly gaining altitude through forest and talus fields. Autumn leaves filtered the sunlight to a ruddy glow on the occasion it made an appearance from behind the clouds. We stopped for a short break before climbing to the ridge and joining the County Line trail for a wonderful traverse with views of the Enchantments across the valley.

Along the way to our next climb, pockets of snow still lingered amongst the shrubs and fallen logs. But the sky by now had cleared to shine blue on the mountains surrounding the valley. Here also we found our first larches, some a greenish gold, a few a dazzling gold. Soon we were up in the saddle just below the tooth and watching as dark clouds rolled over the Enchantments bringing with them flurries that fluttered all around us. As soon as the snow brushed us the flurries were gone and we made our final push up to Tooth Saddle.

We were heavily rewarded by sparkling views all around but it was the Enchantments and their crown Mt Stuart that snatched our breathe. Well, maybe it was also the bitter wind blowing through the saddle. Our larch hunt may not have been very fruitful, our quest for views bountifully rewarding.

National Public Lands Day

Mt Pilchuck Work Party, 9/27/08

As Discover Your Northwest, the organization I work for, expands and tries on new hats we come across opportunities too good to pass up. One such opportunity is partnering with the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to develop a series of volunteer events in needful areas. Not necessarily trail maintenance and repair (as this past weekend's was) but eradicating invasive plant species, building picnic tables and birdhouses, or anything else the forest finds a need to do. We affectionately call the series of events Earth Day Every Day.

This weekend, we sponsored an event at Mt Pilchuck to repair some trail damage. A portion of the trail has been the drainage of melting snows and hikers trying to avoid getting their made-for-the-mud expensive boots dirty have walked around making new trails. This can get me onto a soapbox, but I'll spare you from that at the moment.

Our workday, was a blast! We lopped brush from the trails around the picnic area. Did you know Mt Pilchuck has a picnic area - just off to the right at the start of the trail - check it out. We moved rocks along the muddiest parts of the trail for stepping stones. We applied erosion control matting and posted signs to warn hikers that this was a habitat rehabilitation area. Two of us gathered seeds to germinate in the greenhouse for transplanting later. It was a good day and we all left the trail feeling good about all the work we had accomplished.

For more information on volunteer events visit the Discover Your Northwest website at http://www.discovernw.org/get_involved.htm

What not to do with the Stomach Flu

Cascade River Rd, 9/20/08, 6 miles, 1500 elevation

There I was, in the midst of low-lying clouds and autumn colors, hunched over my arms holding my stomach as if I hugged harder I could hold the few contents of my stomach in place. "Oh please, not here" I thought. I couldn't imagine coming across someone else's sick along a trail (or in this case roadside) while hiking and had no desire to subject anyone to mine. And it was a matter of pride. I had been wanting to hike to Cascade Pass for several years and here was my opportunity. I was NOT going to let a little thing like a frail body subjected to a stomach bug ruin my outing. Plus this was to be my graduation hike for the Mountaineers' Conditioning Hike Series.

I had been dealing with my stomach bug for 2 weeks prior to the hike, which I kept reminding my sick stomach was scheduled long before it felt ill. But on Friday I was feeling better - maybe not 100% but better and looked forward to this fabled journey to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. We got to the rendezvous point to meet the rest of the group and found out that the road had been closed 3 miles from the trailhead, so our hike would not reach Sahale Arm but would be able to make Cascade Pass. Either that or we could hike another trail in the area. As the clouds drifted through the valley, we decided to do the road walk then continue up to Cascade Pass and decide from there to go on or turn back.

Autumn was just touching the leaves of the forest as our group started up the Cascade River Road. The clouds hanging low on the hillsides. I had warned our leader that I would taking it slow, but even I was surprised how leaden my feet were. Sweat was dripping off my brow at our first break and we hadn't even started climbing yet. At a mile and a half the stomach cramps started and my feet were more sluggish - I was constantly wiping the sweat off my face. By mile 2, I knew what Michael had known an half mile back, I was finished. Both he and the leader agreed to allow me to continue at least to the actual trailhead to discuss our carpooling options before heading back down the hill.

By mile 2 1/2 I was doubled over praying I could make to the pit-toilet at the trailhead. I finally met up with Michael, who hurried ahead to talk to the group, and the rest of our companions and apologized for being so slow. After hugs and goodbyes all around, Michael and I watched as the group disappeared into the trees and clouds. I did stop by the toitie, but luckily my sickness urges had subsided. Michael grabbed my cold hand and we walked side-by-side back to our car.

On the way down, I began to notice the colors in the growth next to the road and the spiderwebs strung with dew. I was disappointed that I had to turn back on this trip, but relieved that at least I had Michael to walk home with.

3 Days for Boobs

Susan G Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day.

For the last couple of years, I have followed my sister on her journey to try and end breast cancer. Her journey involves walking 60 miles over 3 days in the Seattle area, raising funds to go towards research an prevention of this devastating disease.

I usually follow her and her teammates around with my camera recording their efforts, their joys, their pains and feel somewhat touched by the event and those who dedicate so much to it's cause. This year I joined the crew as the photographer, to create images of the event that may be used in future marketing materials. It was 3 long days of exhaustive work, something I would do again if given the opportunity.

And for any who would like to help with the eradication of breast cancer, please check out events and opportunities during Breast Cancer awareness month of October.

Westside, Part V

Wonderland Trail, 8/26-30, 32 miles

Maybe we should have called this the "wetside" of the Wonderland. After several years of failed attempts on the westside of Rainier, we finally made it to Lake Mowich. Two years ago, we trekked from Longmire to Klapatche Park. Our plan had been to go all the way to Lake Mowich, but were chased off the mountain by snow still lingering in the trees and clinging on the slopes. Last year we were thwarted by the floods the winter before. So this year we planned to head up the Westside Road and hike into Klapatche Park from there to continue along our northward route.

Because of continued road repair, our trip started in the Glacier View Wilderness outside the park. It was a beautiful day as we made our way past Goat Lake and over Gobbler's Knob to Lake George. Amazingly, we were the only campers at the lake so we decided to take over the shelter and a good thing too. The weather began to turn and before the sun was completely down it started raining. It continued to rain off and on for the next 3 days. We were soaked, our gear was soaked, and our mood was soggy. I remembered stories from a friend who had attempted to hike the Wonderland but hiked out after he opened a ramen package and it was already wet.

As the rains settled in the 4th night, and after talking to the ranger who informed us that the freezing level would be dropping over the weekend, Michael & I came to the decision to call my sister for a pick-up at Lake Mowich. We had hoped to hike over to the Carbon River and back in a loop on days 6 & 7, but the fact that I was already sleeping in the emergency blanket in side the sleeping bag made it clear that wee should have come prepared for winter camping instead.

But that's not to say it was all misery. A break in the rain at Klapatche Park let us wander around the flower garden around Aurora Lake. We spotted moving white dots on the cliff face over the North Puyallup River and surmised they were Mountain Goats. During a patch of sun, I stepped over a fresh pile of purple bear poo only to have Michael stop me dead in my tracks by saying "Bear! On your right." She was just 30 feet away grazing on the plentiful berries and paying us no mind. And the relief as we finally gazed at Lake Mowich knowing we had finished our task.

And then there was this hill . . .

Tatoosh Lakes, 8/24/08, 5 miles, 2700 elevation

This may sound blasphemous to some, but sometimes I really don't like Ira Spring or Harvey Manning (God rest their souls). These two icons of northwest hiking wrote the book on writing hiking guides and luckily there are a few hiking guide authors who have thrown away that book. Short and/or flat hikes were generally ignored by this writing team as were realistic descriptions and hiking times. In a nutshell, here is the description for Tatoosh Peak out of "100 Hikes in the South Cascades and Olympics": rapidly climb a hill, star walking through meadows, climb 3 short switchbacks, and easily follow the trail to the peak and beautiful views. Oh come on! By the time we got past the 3 short switchbacks even the dog was tired - so much so that she missed the deer standing in the meadow 100 feet away!

With our big backpacking trip just days away, Michael & I figured we could do a little warm-up hike to Tatoosh. I had wanted to do this hike the week before, but with the heat that struck us that week and my reaction to it, we decided to postpone this hike and rest in some A/C on my birthday. Add were we glad we waited. Even with cloud cover and cooler temps, it didn't take long before sweat was dripping of the both of us.

We climbed steeply through the forest along 15 switchbacks and met a pair of llamas along the way. Zillah was immediately intrigued by these strange creatures but didn't bark or growl. We felt like such proud parents as we watched the llamas pass and we continued uphill. As we finished the switchbacks we hoped for a little break in the climb but got no such reward - the hill was unrelenting. The flower-filled meadows came into view and still we climbed. The 3 short switchbacks were short and sweet and gave Zillah her 1st chance at water (we crossed a stream all 3 times). We stopped for a rest while the deer looked down at us, Zillah obliviously panting at our feet.

As we finally reached the junction with Tatoosh Lakes, we decided that the storm that had been brewing all morning would likely hit us while we took in the views from Tatoosh Peak. Michael, having grown up in Colorado, has an aversion to being on mountaintops when storms roll in and my thigh muscles were screaming. So we cut the trip short by heading over the hill to the lakes and rested a bit there with Mt Rainier watching over us.

My description of the trail? Tough climb through the woods and meadows, but worth every step to get those views and to see the abundant flowers. You might even get to see something new along the way.

Attack of the Grasshoppers

Harry's Ridge, 8/16/08, 7 miles, 1000 elevation

Summer (in the eyes of most of the nation) arrived this weekend. I, on the other hand, had been enjoying the cooler temps of the typical northwest summer. But as the temps rose this past week, my ability to function as a normal human being decreased. I'm a Seattle girl - I don't like hot - and anything above 80 is hot. The temps at Mt St Helens were in the mid-90s.

But I wanted to go on this CHS hike, my buddy Steve raved about the beauty on Coldwater Peak. So I packed extra liquids and a couple of neck-coolers and my ventilated sun hat and met the rest of the group at Johnston Ridge. By the time we traversed Devil's Elbow, my body was feeling the heat, and without any shade I knew it would only get worse. Michael noticed it before I did, it's a good thing he watches me closely in hot weather and cold. He's saved my temps on more than one occasion when I thought I was doing fine. While standing in a small grove of willows trying to rest in whatever shade we could get, he had me drink some electrolytes and put on a neck -cooler. It helped for a little while.

Again we were in the direct sun, climbing up a small hill that I just had no ability to climb. Each footstep was harder to make until I had to rest on a bridge while the others in the group continued on. I drank more after the urge to vomit subsided and then followed the group up the hill. But still, each step was a task my body wouldn't cooperate committing. We finally found shade beneath a tree for lunch as the group ate lunch on the ridge above Spirit Lake with Mt St Helens looking on and Mt Adams a hill on the horizon.

After a discussion with Steve, Michael & I said good-bye to the rest of the group. Continuing on, for me, would prove harmful if not deadly. We watched them as they rapidly ascended the next hill - a steeper, more barren climb. I wanted so much to continue on, but knew in reality that with this heat there was no way I could. Michael & I turned back to wait for them at the trail-head. As the day wore on and the temperature increased, I could feel my body try to shut down. Frequent rests to suck down more liquid and allow my body to readjust along with the sheer determination to power through to the car are the only things that got me there.

The rest of the group came out about an hour or so after we made it out. They never did reach Coldwater Peak - they all voted to leave the hike for a day with a more mellow disposition. And where does the title come from you ask? On our way back, each step sent a cloud of grasshoppers leaping through the air. Michael at one point said, "It is really telling of a place where the only living creatures are a plague of locusts."

In the Clouds, Naturally

Eunice Lake, 8/10/08, 5.5 miles, 500 Elevation

My first official trip as hike leader for the naturalist class. Luckily it was a short hike and I had a co-leader.

My small band of naturalist students met me at Lake Mowich where, in the midst of August, snow was still piled up next to the road and snow banks still lined the shoreline. But our way through the woods was snow free if a little cold. Being naturalists, we stopped often along the way to examine this plant or discuss that one. However, with the winter still clinging to Mt Rainier the plants weren't as plentiful as I had hoped.

We came back into the snow and entered low-lying clouds at the lake, but that wasn't going to deter us from a casual lunch. And for my first official trip, it went rather well.

Sweat and Flowers

Marmot Pass, 8/2/08, 10.5 miles, 3500 elevation

Is that yet another variety of Paintbrush? How many had I seen by now? I was looking down at a pale pink Indian Paintbrush in the meadows below Marmot Pass. Already I had spotted a Common Paintbrush and Scarlett Paintbrush and possibly another one or two. And that wasn't counting the myriad other wildflowers along the trek up to Marmot Pass. Along the way there were Twinflowers, Tiger Lilies, Red Columbine, Fireweed, False Solomon's Seal, Penstemon, Nootka Roses - the list goes on and on. But it was the variety of Paintbrushes that stood out on this trip.

It's a long hill to climb to Marmot Pass and even on this chilled and cloudy summer day, we were all sweating to make the top. The forest gave us glimpses of the chaos nature can bring when thrashed with a storm. As we quickly climbed through the forest along the Quilcene River, deadfall littered each bank and the forest floor. Flowers peeked out from around stumps and greenery. As the way became steeper, the forest started opening up to grander views topped by low hanging clouds. I could only imagine the splendor we'd have seen if the sky had been clear - the view was beautiful as it was.

We came across a meadow filled with color, followed by another one and another. Soon we reached the meadow below the pass filled with pinks and yellows - all I wanted to do was stop and spend an hour or more shooting. But the color didn't stop there. All along the final climb to the pass were more varieties of flowers and more colors until we reached our destination looking to the interior of the Olympic Mountains. The clouds thinned a bit and the views for lunch makes me want to return, again and again.

The Reason for it All

Kendall Katwalk, 7/26/08, 14.6 miles, 3100 elevation

Every now and then, everything comes together for the perfect hike - weather, trail, companionship, views. We got that this past weekend when we hiked up from Snoqualmie Pass to Kendall Katwalk and Ridge and Gravel lakes beyond.

We started out climbing steadily through the forest admiring the lush green and forest wildflowers. After crossing a few streams, we came out to meadows clinging to the slopes between large rocks and boulders. Rosy Spirea, Paintbrush, Lupine and Penstemon dotted the meadows. We looked down upon I-90, a grey ribbon threading its way through the mountains and over the pass. Red Mountain stood out against the blue and green of the surrounding scenery.

But it was after rounding the ridge where the real views came into sight. Kendall Peak looked down upon us as we traversed through wildflowers and snow not yet ready to melt away. It took no time before wee were at the catwalk - a trail carved out of the cliff face and views looking into the heart of the Cascades. Beyond the catwalk, the stubborn snow came in greater frequency. I could have sat on a rock overlooking the snow patches and the views all day, it was so peaceful and beautiful.

The lakes, by the time we got to them, were still mostly covered in ice and we had little time to enjoy them before heading back out. This by far is my favorite hike of the season.

Hot, Dry, and Dusty

Koppen Mtn Loop Attempt, 7/20/08, 10 miles, 2000 elevation

Admittedly, we shouldn't have been over east of the mountains after July 4th. The heat is just too much for. However, the hike we signed up for was actually near Mt Rainier - a much cooler destination, temperature-wise. But our original destination had to change due to impassable road conditions. So we found ourselves on the eastside of the mountains, hiking in the middle of July. I'm a westside girl, anything above 78 degrees and I'd rather sit in the A/C contributing to global warming.

Here I found myself in the Teanaway. I had been told there would be great views. I had been told there would be wildflowers. I had been told there would be water along the way. The reality of the situation was there were water and flowers along the 1st mile but beyond that, heat and dust dominated our day. We had a few good views, but along with those views came treacherous trails along precipitous traverses.

Some time after lunch, as we scrambled up rocks and talus, we the leaders stopped to discuss our options. One of our member was not in the least pleased in the trail conditions -especially the heights and requested he be allowed to turn back. A few offered to turn back with him as the rest let it be known that they would like to continue on the loop.

In the end wee stayed together as a group and turned back. It was on the way back that the heat finally took it's toll on my system. I started to get a bit incoherent, my feet didn't want to work, and my electrolyte drink seemed so far away in my pack. Luckily Michael was able to get me revitalized before the final push to the cars.

Then as a final slap in the face, the burger joint we stopped at in CleElum for milkshakes didn't accept debit cards and with no cash what were we to do?

Gorge Games 2008

7/18/08

A stiff wind courses through the Columbia River Gorge making it a great place for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Combine that with Mt Hood and the Mt Hood National Forest covering the hills and you have the Eden of outdoor sports. And what comes with sports? Competitive sporting events, such as the 3-day Gorge Games that combine the different sports enjoyed in the area to one adrenaline filled event.

This year I had the pleasure of participating somewhat in the Gorge Games by judging their 24-hour photo race where photographers head out to document the best the games have to offer. I was there for a couple of hours before I had to judge and watched a kiteboarding race. The athletes tacked their way through the course and the wind - a mass of rope, boards and spray.

And while they raced, a group practiced their aerobatics on the side. It was a fun day that I hope to repeat next year.

All in NW Hiker's Day

White River Area, 7/13/08, 9 miles, 1000 elevation

Wildflowers and Snow. Waterfalls and Meadows. Forests and Frogs. A Lake and a River. A lost route. Two trails. Eight Friends. And one very large mountain. Yep. It's all in a NW Hiker's Day. At least in July of 2008. The snows that had hindered us on most trip planning had struck again as we attempted to hike into Grand Park on the north side of Mt Rainier.

I love Grand Park with its great unforested expanses of wildflower meadows that lead your feet and your attention to the hulking massive of Mt Rainier. It's a fantastical place that is a favorite of many hikers I know (including myself) and several naturalist friends. So when they offered it in the Mountaineer's Conditioning Hike Series, we signed up. However, this year nature had other plans - the trail reports coming from the National Park Service did not bode well. The report for the week prior to our trip stated the trail was still 100% under snow. But we decided to attempt it anyway.

Several hours later after spending half our time unsuccessfully route-finding in large snow fields insulated by the forest and tramping through the ankle-deep mud of the lower meadow, we sat on the banks of Lake Eleanor contemplating our next move. After all, we had only accomplished a small portion of our desired mileage and elevation. And it was still early enough in the afternoon to get some more trail under our feet. We settled on Skookumchuck Flats along the White River to the falls. Although that wouldn't add elevation to our day, we would be able to get in another 5 miles.

I had often thought about hiking along the White River past the falls but had yet to check the trail off the list. It's a nice trail frequented by mountain bikers out for a rolling pedal through the woods. But we met few on the trail this afternoon as we easily passed over the meadows through thick stands of Douglas Fir and twin-flowers. I left the trail much happier than when we left the Grand Park trail earlier - we were able to hike with a faster trek and I was able to feel the burn in my calves and hips as I stretched before heading off to dinner. But smiled a bit about hiking in the northwest and how sometimes you just have to stay flexible and have an alternate plan in mind.

Can't I Stay Here, Forever?

Esmerelda Basin, 7/6/08, 7 miles,

The valley stretched out before me, green tones for miles, ending with the still snowy mountain rising up from the forest green to balance together the earth and sky. Somewhere behind me, Michael was curled up in the shade of a few alpine-sparse trees taking a nap on this perfect day. Zillah trotted around the pass searching out new and different smells looking up every now and then to make sure I haven't left her.

Here would be our turn-around point - Fortune Cookie Pass - but I had no desire to return. The valley and mountains beyond called to me. The barely-visible trail leading up to the peak through the snow banks whispered my name and promises of an even more enticing view from above. Yet even those calls to my inner thoughts couldn't move me. At the pass I was happy, standing in the sun and wind. This view was the view I had been hoping for all summer and the snows had kept me from for so long. It was a view of open air where a person could see for miles without obstruction from a vantage point that is tundra-like in its sparseness of vegetation. And my soul had ached for it throughout the wintry June on the wet-side.

As Michael rumbled awake, stretching out the kinks and knots, I hoped he would want to sit for the afternoon on the fallen tree overlooking the valley. Zillah bounded up to him as he sat next to me and commented on the chill wind. I paid the wind no mind; I called Michael a wimp. But I knew it was time to leave. To head back down the talus field to the flower-filled meadows below, past the waterfalls and pine trees, to the car waiting below to take us home again.

But couldn't I just stay here?

Well Worth a Sprinkle, or Two

De Rouex Creek, 7/5/08, 8.2 miles,

4th of July weekend and wee had 3 days to play, but with snow still hanging out in all of primary choices on the westside of the mountains we decided that heading east would be the better of the bargain. There are a couple of trails in the Teanaway we wanted to explore and with a base camp somewhere along the river, we could easily head to each.

First on the list was DeRouex Creek. I had been up this trail previously with the Mountaineer's Naturalist Class and wanted to head further into the mountains than the naturalists had gotten. With spotty clouds overhead Michael, Zillah and I crossed the North Fork of the Teanaway and started out on the day's adventure. Almost immediately the wildflowers lined the trail - Lomatium, Jeffrey's Shooting Star, Red Columbine, Vanilla Leaf and Violets.

As we climbed higher, we came across Penstemon, Arnica, Liuna, and Asters in greaterr abundance. And then the trees opened up to meadow with more Shooting Stars and our first Avalanche Lilies, but the clouds that had been building throughout the morning started to let loose in spurts. We were prepared and threw on our rain coats before continuing on up to Gallagher Head Lake. Along the way we saw more Columbine, Arnica, Shooting Stars, Lupine and Avalanche Lilies.

There were only a few people at the lake when we reached its shores and clouds obscured the peaks enough that all we got were teasing glimpses of what stood beyond. However, there is an old jeep road leading up to the lake and some 4-wheelers had played too often and too close to the shore and deep ruts had been created and left for the rest of the world to look upon in disgust.

A Vision of Blue

Lolo Pass, ID

The assignment was to head out to Lolo Pass on the Montana/Idaho border to document our first annual half-marathon and 5K fun run. The race is the brain-child of our Manager at the Visitor Center who often runs the forest service roads around the pass. She at times would admire the view of the Bitteroots and think that here would be a beautiful place to run a race. So she made it happen and NWIA flew me out to cover the event.

The day of the race was beautiful and hot; the racers were excited to get moving. And soon the musket was fired and they were off. The winner of the 5K crossed the finish line just 20 minutes after he started. Then the wait was on for the rest of the racers to return. I decided to walk to Packer Meadow just a mile up the road and with the promise of Camas filling the meadow.

I was rewarded with a sea of blue as the flowers covered the vast meadow. I was there to photograph runners, which I did, but kept getting distracted by the flowers that surrounded me. The Camas kept calling me further into the meadow and I found it hard to resist. The only thing that chased me off the meadow was the sun beating down. I eventually had to take refuge in my air-conditioned car, but will forever have visions of blue in the mountains of Idaho.

Rangers Lie

Glacier Lake, 6/21/08, 4.5 miles, 800 elevation

Every year Michael & I travel south to Randle. Sandwiched between Mt Rainier and Mt St Helens, Randle was my uncle's favorite vacation spot and at times the family vacation became an epic adventure filled with friends and family. The family vacation was one of the traditions we kept intact after he died years ago. So every year, during the same weekend in June family and friends still gather together to fish, boat, hike, sightsee, and just sit around exchanging BS.

Michael & I are the hikers of the family, my sis will often join us and this year another friend and our cousin joined us. Now first, we had talked with the ranger at the Cowlitz Station to find out, in this late snow year, what trails are open for a nice little day-hike. The second thing to understand is the cousin does one hike a year and that is generally the extent of her exercise.

The trail, we were told, follows along a creek for about 2 miles and is a nice stroll through the forest. Yeah, right. Normally, this hike wouldn't have been a problem, but with our cousin along for the walk it became a fearful trek. We were all concerned for her well-being as she trudged 1st down one hill and then up the next. I could imagine her cursing me under her breathe as she slowly moved her feet up the hill as it grew steeper and steeper as we progressed.

But we finally made it to the lake and my cousin turned to me and said, "I forgive you." After that, we trundled back down the hill. Back in camp, the family listened while she told them the reason why they should never go hiking with us - at least not on a new trail.

Two Lakes in a Day

Fragrance and Lost Lakes, 6/15/08, 10 Miles, 1700 Elevation

On the way to Bellingham, between I-5 and the Puget Sound, stands a mountain. Not a great mountain by any measure in Washington, but a significant hill none the less. large enough in size to house two little lakes and a 10-mile hike between the two. So on this day, a bright day over Washington, the CHS hikers made their way up the mountain to first Fragrance Lake then to Lost Lake.

Fragrance Lake is a small-ish lake set in a divot in the sandstone hill. The interesting thing about this area, is that there is a vein of sandstone that runs along the Puget Sound from the Northwest to the Southeast through Chuckanut Mountain. Sandstone is not seen in Washington very much - if you want to see it up-close and personal come to Chuckanut Mountain. The cliffs that surround Fragrance Lake show this vein nicely.

After leaving Fragrance Lake we climbed up over a hill to a long trough cut into the mountain cradling Lost Lake. We sat above the lake for lunch with views from one end to the other. Across the lake stood a snag that none of us took much notice of until someone pointed out movement on one of the branches - a bald eagle sat there perfectly camouflaged against the dark forest behind.

So although this little mountain doesn't look like much compared to the greater mountains in the cascades, its flanks still hold the beauty we expect to see in what wee'd consider "true wilderness."

In June, a Little Snow will Fall

Stuart Lake, 6/7/08, 8 miles, 1500 elevation

Snow was forecast for the Cascade passes for the 1st weekend in June. Snow! In June! Unbelievable! But our CHS hike leader was one jump ahead of the forecast by planning a hike to Lake Stuart in eastern Washington. We could go farther and higher as the snow was rapidly melting from the mountainous areas outside of Leavenworth. Lake Stuart would be our destination.

Even as we started out, we noticed that the snow had not been long from even the trailhead. Ferns and shrubs were just beginning to spring back from the oppressive weight of the winter snows. But there along the trail sprouting happily in preparation of blossoms were Queen's Cup leaves. A short way further tender pink Lady Slippers gleamed in the filtered sunlight.

The trail follows the creek all the way to the lake and we stopped for a short breathe where the trail crosses it on a nice sturdy bridge. Later we stopped again at the trail junction with Colchuck Lake. We seemed to be going at a more casual pace this trip and were able to enjoy each other's company more than on a few of the other trips I had been on.

It was just beyond the junction when the forest opened up into a wide meadow with Dragontail Peak and breaking clouds just beyond. Cameras were pulled out so we could each capture this lovely scene before continuing on. Snow still clinging to winter and the trail slowed our progress just before we reached Stuart Lake and our lunch spot. And it was here that our day became interesting.

Although we had been hiking in the sun for most of the way, in the lake basin clouds gathered and a cold stiff wind swept off the lake. It felt like winter. Just as we finished up lunch and were pulling out our remaining layers to bundle up more, the snow started fluttering down around us. It was definitely time to head back. Then, sure enough, 1/4 mile down the trail the clouds broke apart and we had to peel off the layers as we heated up.

I think the latest I had ever been snowed upon was the year I spent my birthday (August) on the top of Mt Evans in Colorado (a 14er). While this definitely won't be the latest, it will be a trip I won't easily forget - and not just because of the weather.

Nature's Garden

Westberg Trail, 5/31/08, 6 miles, 2050 elevation

Chased to the eastside of the mountains by snow clinging to mid-elevation trails, our CHS group found a place to stretch our legs and see some beauty in the hills near Thorp along Manastash Ridge. The description from our leader was that it was a steady climb for 2 1/2 miles where we'd be able to find our "forever" pace. However, even in the late spring the temps in Eastern Washington can be a force to be reckoned with especially for a cool weather gal like me.

Climbing the Westberg Trail through the sagebrush and balsamroot, left us unprotected from the sun. The heat sapped my strength and stamina - a "forever" pace was not in my ability this day. It was all I could do to climb a bit before resting and sucking down some more water.

At least with every stop there was the beauty that Karen had promised. Balsamoot covered the hills in gold, speckled with the purple of Lupine. Lomatium peaked out as did penstemon, asters and Bitteroots. When we finally reached the top of the hill, each one of us exhausted from the beating sun and heat, a view beyond compare greeted us. The Stuarts, still blanketed in snow rose to the blue sky far across the valley.

We had lunch there at the top of the hill, drinking in the view amongst nature's flower garden, before exploring more of the ridge. The views continued to gain beauty and inspiration and we finally decided to return to our cars - sadly leaving this place of wildflowers and mountain views.

All of the Colors of the Earth

John Day Fossil Beds, 5/23-5/26/08

Memorial Day Weekend found me leading a group of Mountaineer Photo Geeks to the Painted Hills in Eastern Oregon. The Painted Hills are one of three units that make up the John Day Fossil Beds national Monument. Located along the John Day River, the monument contains the highest concentration of mammalian fossils in North America. In fact several species were discovered among the fossil beds since their discovery in the 1800's.

Each unit is special in it's own right, but admittedly the Painted Hills unit is the most spectacular to behold. The claystone that make up the hills contain several different mineral deposits that create yellow, gold and red bands across the hills with black spots. As the are clay erosion takes its toll as rivulets of water carry the particles of clay away to make smooth mounds and contours of what's left behind.

The best viewing is in the afternoon when the sun has that late afternoon glow and the hills light up against the dark background of green hills and forests. But I had also heard the morning can be pretty spectacular too, so our first morning we watched as the sun rose behind clouds only to peak out once in a while to tease us with the saturated colors of the hills. We came back for the afternoon sun and were not displeased to find the clouds had mostly burned off - and the hills aglow with the afternoon sun.

Another day of colors and curves and I was ready to head home - overly saturated myself with the wonder.