Beljica Meadows/Goat Lake/Gobbler's Knob Hike
7-24-10
Knowing this was going to be a difficult, hot and probably a buggy hike, we set off earlier than usual--around 7:30. We reached the trailhead after a rocky rough drive on 8 miles of Forest Service road, happy to finally be there! We passed the always beautiful Beljica Meadows, and just beyond the junction to Lk Christine, we met up with a volunteer trail crew from the Forest Service cutting up downed trees that were blocking the trail. Kudos to them for clearing the path! Shortly after we took a rest break at Goat Lake, which was a calm and serene place for a cool drink and energy snack. Some fishermen there were catching-and-releasing some good-size trout in the lake. Then preparing for the daunting task ahead, we hiked up the trail for the last 1 1/2 miles to Gobbler's Knob, where a lookout is located. Once there, we were thrilled to see the lookout was renovated and could sit on the balcony in the shade to enjoy our highly anticipated trail lunches! About an hour was spent enjoying the breeze, taking pictures and admiring the view. Heading back down the trail was hard on the knees but eventually we enjoyed the forest canopy and shade. The bugs were very hungry a the meadows on the return trip and stopping for anything was very daring! Once we enjoyed homemade iced tea at the parking lot, we meandered back down the rocky road to the main highway to Ashford where we dined at the Highlander Restaurant before our drive home.
Summerland
8-14-10
This is truly one of our favorites! We have been invited back year after year (by its naturally enticing forces) and plan to return when this time comes 'round again! We started early for the reasons of limited parking, a very hot day forecasted, and getting to the meadows by lunchtime. Heading up in the morning coolness was very nice under the shady canopy. By the time we reached the crossing of Fryingpan Creek, it was beginning to heat up. We anticipated a slow go up the final switchbacks to the shelter in Summerland, but as we set our paces, it wasn't so bad. We enjoyed lunch at the beautiful crossroads point where the trail continues up towards Panhandle Gap, and settled down for a bit before continuing up to the 'gap'. The meadows were alive with penstemon, avalanche lilies, and glorious patches of mountain heather. Other flower varieties were present and sometimes easy to miss as we hiked pass them. We met up with a fellow on the trail up who was carrying a very heavy pack and 1/2 snowboards (imagine an entire snowboard sliced in half and each piece was held in place on both sides of his pack, along with poles and ski boots)! Apparently has was going to attempt to ski down a glacier and "did not plan to fall", so we hope he had a safe and adventurous trip! We did not make it to Panhandle Gap as that was another 1300' up from the shelter, but we did attempt the trek up the rocky facade to a beautiful river crossing about a mile past our lunch spot. After resting amongst beautiful 'mini meadows' and soaking up some rays (but not crushing the delicate growth!), we headed back down to discover a momma bear and her cub amidst the pines tearing off tree bark and finding insects I presume. We could not get a good shot of them with the cameras, but witnessing this in person was the thrill of the entire day! I did manage to snap a picture of one of the trees they had previously enjoyed tearing up!
Ice cream and a cool resting spot was the fantastic finale of the day at Wapiti Woolies, our mainstay stopping point to and from that side of the mountain. A wonderful day to treasure and remember!
Oregon Coast Retreat
August 20-23, 2010
Since it's not easy to sum up 4 days of adventure, we'll put them down in simple one-word terms: (or two, or three!)
Adventures, Walking, Crossword Puzzles, Conversations, Sunsets, Outdoor Market, Mo's, Kites, Antique Shopping, Sand, Waves, Mist, Fog, Cold, Beauty, Vastness, Chinese Food, Creating Memories, Camaraderie, Unique Features By The Shore, Good Coffee, Peacefulness, Relaxation, Laughing, Resting, Sleeping In, Ocean Breeze
Mt St Helens-Windy Ridge
9-04-10
The vastness of the destruction from 1980 has always been a tremendous aspect to comprehend, and probably for anyone who sets foot near or on Mt St Helens now. They say the area will be like it was in 200 years. Well since I'm not expecting to live that long, I will enjoy seeing the slow and encouraging changes from year to year. Vegetation continues to grow and sprout. On this particular day, we set off to Windy Ridge, parking the car and walking beyond on a deserted logging road. The wind was chilly and sharp, but soon we found respite in the shadow of a hill and roadside brush. 2.25 miles later we are in awe of the mountain and it's closeness. The dome seemed to be RIGHT THERE, silent and peaceful (for now!). We were about 1.5 miles from the base of the dome. Needless to say it was an exciting place to be, and yet we felt so small! Lunch was enjoyed with a fantastic view of Mt St Helens, the dome, and the surrounding landscape. Earlier views of Spirit Lake were especially wonderful and mysterious. There is still a flotilla of logs covering about 2/5 of the lake-mostly on the north/east edge. Continuing on towards the Columbia Gorge in the afternoon, we enjoy a few stops in Hood River and a splendid dinner at the 3 Rivers Grill-(the 3 rivers being Hood, Columbia and White Salmon). An incredibly adventurous day! 4 hikers today.
Big Creek Trail Hike
9-18-10
Being in the Olympic Rain Shadow, this hike was sure to please, whether it was going to rain or not. It turned out to be absolutely beautiful with plenty of iconic Olympic forest with its mossy trees, grasses and ferns, many stream/creek crossings, including magnificent raging Big Creek and it's beautiful setting amidst the landscape. The bridges on this hike were well-built and worth taking pictures of! We did this counter-clockwise, which is the rule of thumb for an easier trek on loop hikes, it seems! As we returned to our cars and started for home, sure enough, the rain started coming down! Good timing, indeed! 5 hikers today.
Reflection/Snow/Bench Lakes
9-25-10
This was a two-hike day, and with the promise of spectacular weather, we started out pretty determined! The forecast and Mount Rainier did not disappoint! We started out on the Reflection Lakes/High Lakes trail loop, admired some awesome views and colorful huckleberry patches, and took a quick break at Box Canyon before proceeding on the second hike of the day: Snow & Bench Lakes. This 2.2 mile RT hike was even more colorful and breathtaking! The eye-popping beauty of the lakes and deep autumn hues of the vegetation was something magnificent, as there is something always inspiring and memorable here in the great park named after the mountain which sits in the center of it. Heading home, we make a dinner stop at Applebees and enjoy camaraderie and memorable moments of our hiking adventure! 4 hikers today.
Duckabush River Hike
10-02-10
Yet another awesome hike in the Olympic Rain Shadow! We've been concentrating a lot of our energies in 2010 in this region, and each time, we have been fortunate to be hiking in delightful weather conditions. Today was an ideal autumn jaunt not only over Little Hump, but up to (and past!) Big Hump--1.5 grueling uphill miles! Lunch was enjoyed by the swift and beautiful Duckabush River. The word Duckabush means "river of sawed-toothed salmon", but we didn't see any of those, at least not this time! We were thinking it was where we were to "duck behind a bush" but the wildlife was pretty absent today. Nevertheless, the maples and mosses were pleasing and plentiful, and the river's enticing roar made for a wonderful hike in the forest! 7 hikers today.
Fall Olympic Hiking Weekend
October 16/17, 2010
With 20 people present (including me), this was one of the most memorable OHWs that come to mind (and it's hard to choose a 'favorite'!), but the weather cooperated the entire weekend, which is rare. Our Saturday hike took place on the Olympic Discovery Trail in Blyn. This was a beautiful fall walk to Sequim Bay State Park, ending on the docks for a lunch break in Sequim Bay. Once we corralled in Port Angeles we did a quick stop along Lake Crescent for some stone-skipping, group pictures and all around fun! Dinner was served that evening in Forks at the OSI--Homemade Chili and Buttermilk Cornbread! The camaraderie continued late into the night with live poetry readings on corners in town..and a late night walk down to the Calawah River--enjoying the moon glistening on the rushing waters..beautiful! Sunday morning hailed the traditional French Toast and sides..a warm greeting to another day promising adventure and beautiful weather--this time to Third Beach. Just a few miles from Forks is the La Push area, where we started our short hike to the crescent-shaped beach. The afternoon was spent looking for beach treasures and enjoying our lunch in the sun. Each carpool decided to do their own thing, except 7 of us continued on to the Lake Quinault area for a short old-growth hike and rest inside the beautiful lodge.
3rd Annual Fall Frolic
10-30-10
This was one fantastic fall frolic! Despite the drizzle, chill and rain, we had a fantastic time of adventure and camaraderie! First, we headed to the Woodard Bay Preserve near Henderson Inlet. This hike was followed by a trip to the Olympia Farmer's Market, where one could find beautiful produce, hot peppers in a myriad of colors, instruments, fresh baked goods, iron sculptures, dried beans, good smelling soaps and live music! We nibbled on our cinnamon cake donuts and sipped spiced cider throughout the day. Delicious! Lunch was enjoyed at the Iron Rabbit on the west side. The service was superb and the food, incredible! This is definately our spot for lunch next year! Our next hike took place at the Tumwater Falls & Canyon. The wild splashing currents and spray made for an exciting jaunt through the canyon, viewing the falls and locks, then back up again. Finally we made our last stop at the Medicine Creek Winery. Little did we know there was a Halloween Party going on, but we decided to stay, and what a great decision that was! Guests were dressed up in the finest garb, great music and laughter filled the air and made for a great finale to the afternoon! Check out the Fall Frolic slideshow to see some of this ghoulish celebrating! :-)
Federation Forest Hike
11-06-10
This hike was a total surprise! Not only did the weather cooperate, but the majestic forest was exhilerating! The deep, mossy barks, the fresh undergrowth..it was truly amazing! There are several miles of trails in the park, but we did the outside 'loop' trail. We could see glimpses of the lower flanks of the mountains, and continuously heard the wild White River. It was flowing pretty swift, due to the snowmelt from warming temperatures. The groves of cedars and deciduous trees lined the waterways and creeks. Muddy in spots, the trails were well-maintained and easy to maneuver on. The big surprise on the "Hobbit Trail" stretch was finding a small (yet, very busy-looking) 'Hobbit Hill' in the middle of the forest! One has to stumble upon it without knowing it exists to really appreciate it! Little doorways into the tree stumps, hobbits and trolls hiding amidst the mossy logs and undergrowth, real and artificial mushrooms and wonderful signs depicting that this was really a home for hobbits! After the hike, we headed over to Greenwater, where we relaxed and browsed at Wapiti Woolies, while sipping hot cocoa & coffee and enjoying the always inviting and heart-warming camaraderie! This is autumn's finest hour!
Gold Creek Basin Snowshoe
1-08-11
The gloomy weather forecast did not stop our first snowshoe of 2011! In fact, the gloominess gave way to a beautiful blue sky and a wintry wonderland of incredible, peaceful scenery! After purchasing our Sno-Park permits in North Bend, we headed up to the Gold Creek Basin area just east of Snoqualmie Pass. Only sputterings of light snow accommodated our journey. 8 of us followed the well-marked, snowmobile-less trail for about 1.5 miles and came to rest for lunch at a beautiful lake. (Picture below) After returning to the car and finally seeing the snow really beginning to fall (what timing!), we sipped hot cocoa and made the decision to head to the wee town of Snoqualmie for dinner at Woodmen Lodge. A wonderful end to our day in the snow!
Urban Discovery Walk
1-15-11
Covering the North Slope and UPS Campus of Tacoma, this was a great walk! The rain let up for the duration of the walk and started again once again when we were finished and inside enjoying lunch! Great timing! The Colliers hosted lunch and were gracious hosts! Our route started at the Colliers residence on N "M" St, continuing to the UPS Campus, then on N Puget Sound to N 24th, over to the Garfield Gulch area, back to N 21st and back up to the Colliers on 9th. Another great urban discovery walk to explore the interesting city of Tacoma. 5 walked.
Grays Harbor Wildlife Refuge
& Lk Quinault
1-22-11
Perhaps the most interesting part of this refuge was how close in proximity it was to an airport (small one, that is). Mostly a migration refuge, we did see a few sparrows, eagles, hawks and a deer. The boardwalk that took us to the saltwater marsh and tideline was a little slick, but made for a direct route to the sanctuary's habitats. After our refuge walk, we headed up 101 to the Lake Quinault area, always a favorite place of mine, and many others, i'm sure. This wasn't a particularly busy day at the lodge or on the trails. The slow season was in full swing. We enjoyed lunch inside the warm and toasty lodge, thanks to a fully-stocked fireplace. Wandering to the lake afterwards gave us a beautiful glimpse of the placid and calming effect of the water. Unfortunately, the lakeshore trail was cut short due to logs and other debris covering the trail from a recent "surge" from snowmelt and rain. So we went on to the Quinault Rainforest Nature Trail for our hike in the woods. The sun's rays came through the tall and majestic trees, hitting us with just a smidgen of late-day warmth, but enough for great pictures and appreciation for a rain-less day!
Sequalitchew Canyon Hike
1-29-11
I previously would never have known there was even a woodsy, fern-laden canyon in the DuPont area, but it does exist! It starts at the City Hall parking lot and meanders on a gravel road, through/around some grassy patches, scotch broom and small trees..then giving way to a paved trail and into a canyon of grand shrubbery and firs. It begins its slight descent and continues for a mile or more towards the shores of Puget Sound. The further you hike, the higher the canyon walls become. This is a lush canyon with trees covered in ferns and wonderful mossy maples. We follow Sequalitchew Creek all the way on this hike. This old railroad grade makes for an easy hike year-round. Towards the end of the trail, crossing under the RR tracks through a tunnel, we arrive in grand style with a lovely view of Puget Sound and surrounding islands. Many beautiful shells and agates can be found. Unique rocks are also worth checking out (and taking home!). Since this is such a short hike, a pack lunch isn't necessary. Instead we found McNamara's Eatery in downtown DuPont for some delicious Irish fare. It was fantastic!
