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.