As summer flies by, I'm beginning to notice the sun setting earlier each day, the days growing shorter as fall nears. I'll miss the long, luxurious summer days when they're gone, but it's hard to be sad about the swift approach of fall. For now, I'll be making the most of what's left of summer, spending as much time outdoors as possible. This past week, that included an backpacking trip to Lost Lake outside Greenwater. I have to be specific because there are at least 10 lakes with that name in Washington! This particular Lost Lake was peaceful, relatively uncrowded, and thankfully mosquito free. Nearly all the campsites at the lake were occupied by dusk, but we arrived early in the afternoon, and managed to snag the perfect site, well away from anyone else. We spent the evening reading and watching the resident geese paddle around the lake. This hike had been Andy's choice, and while I would have chosen a destination with more dramatic views or photogenic lakes, I was quite pleasantly surprised by the hike along Greenwater River and up through the forest. On our hike back out, we even saw a river otter napping on a log on nearby Quinn Lake!
Hydnellum peckii: the coolest looking fungus I've ever seen, and while inedible, it's surprisingly completely non-toxic. And that red goo is a natural anti-coagulant! Nature is so amazing.
