The Marten Creek trail is an unmaintained, often overlooked gem. When Andy and I visited on a Sunday early in January, we nearly had the trail to ourselves. It hadn't snowed in a while, and the snow had a hard, slippery crust that made our snowshoes unnecessary, but we still had a lovely time hiking through the quiet, snow covered woods.
Read moreReturn of the Larch
Going on a fall larch hike might be my new favorite tradition. We've gone two years now, so I can call that a tradition, right? This year we took our first trip to the North Cascades National Park, and hit the Heather Pass - Maple Pass trail. The drive is long, so we had to get up at a time that shouldn't exist to make it to the trailhead at a reasonable hour. I think this is the price you must pay to be in the presence of the larch in all its golden fall glory.
Read moreMinotaur Lake
Jewel colored Minotaur shining from between the trees
I had grand plans for this past weekend. Andy and I would leave work early Friday to drive to Mt Baker and spend the weekend at a perfect new campsite we would find. We'd roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire, and go for at least one hike on Baker's colorful fall slopes. The forecast mentioned a small chance of rain Friday afternoon, but by the next morning and through the weekend there would be clear skies. Instead, it was rainy and cold from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. After a sleepless night and a morning spent huddled in our tent, we packed up early and headed home Saturday. So much for my plans.
Still wanting to get out for a hike, I spent Saturday night trying to choose a trail closer to home. In my disappointment over missing out on Mt Baker, I couldn't really get excited about anything, but settled on Lake Valhalla. We got a late start Sunday, and as we approached the Smithbrook road trailhead, we saw cars overflowing the lot at least a quarter mile in each direction. The trail would be packed! We decided at the last minute to continue down the road to Minotaur Lake, a shorter, much steeper trail that I've wanted to hike for a couple years. I am so glad we made that decision!
Read moreLake Serene
Lake Serene on a sunny August morning
Somehow, even though I've been hiking since I was 9, I have never been for more than a short walk in the woods on my own. Certainly nothing I'd consider a solo hike. Working as an artist, I frequently find myself not working during the summer. When I'm working and things are particularly stressful, I dream of the next time I'll be between contracts, free to hike whenever I want, but when the time comes, I'm full of reasons not to go. I once even made it as far as my car with a fully loaded pack and trail picked out, only to come up with some excuse and retreat to the comfort of my living room. I no longer remember where I planned to go, or how I talked myself out of it, but I frequently think back on that moment with disappointment.
Read moreAlpine Dreams
Afternoon reflections in Lake Ann
This past weekend, Andy I finally made it out for our first backpacking trip together. We'd had plans fall through for several trips so far this summer. Once, in June, because we realized we weren't prepared, then again twice because of weather - thunderstorms in the Cascades caused by the crazy heat wave we've had for most of the summer. With all these cancelled plans, I didn't quite believe we'd be going until we were actually on the trail.
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