It was kind of a no brainer to return to the Pacific northwest. Not only was it my first real adventure, it became my overall favorite due to the multiple climates in one region. Returning also allowed me the convenience of having any idea of where Im going and being able to revisit places that interested me last time.
Seems familiar? Kicked off the same. At least this time I reserved my rental ahead of time so I didnt get stuck with a vehicle I didnt want. Except this time I picked a vehicle I didnt want, unknowingly. The Dodge Dart. A wad of crap. Completely gutless, I was redlining while ascending mountain passes just to maintain speed. To make matters worse, everything rattled. Allow me to elaborate.
The banana fixed the roof vibrations. Folded receipts made great shims to wedge into the vibrating suspects. Every time one was fixed another one would start. Eventually it became futile and I gave up. The vehicle did get me to where I needed to be, so ultimately it worked. In the future Ill be avoiding Dodge.
First destination was Bridal Veil falls. I was determined to focus more on hiking than driving on this trip.
Hiking allowed me to relax, even if my body was being taxed. Enjoy the greenery. My first choice of trails proved to be challenging and hopefully worth it.
As I hiked higher and higher, the forest opened up a bit to let me see where I was going. To the clouds I go.
Into the clouds. Temperature dropped a bit. It was comfortable and not overbearing. It was nice to be able to look down to where I came from. There was still a good bit to go to reach the ultimate destination.
Glacial blue water peeked out from the forest. Another large temperature drop occurred. A glacier lake tucked into a basin among snow capped peaks awaited.
The day was still young and you could watch the cloud slowly rise off the lake. It was like slowly unwrapping a gift. I know theres something awesome hidden but all I could do was wait.
Mt Index decides to say hello. Glacial water is cold albeit beautiful. There was no rush. There was nowhere that I had to be.
Water this blue has to taste good.
My favorite shot thus far and probably the trip favorite too. Eventually the time came to move on.
Trees that fall into the lake ended up here, the creek that flowed out of the lake and eventually made its way to Bridal Veil falls where the trail originally began.
Back down the mountain. I wasnt done with this area. Across the valley was a fire tower that offered me a view of where I just was.
Fire towers are usually fenced off in NY. Here you can actually use them, kinda nice, although the graffiti artists find their way onto it.
Mt Index itself. The clouds now above the peak. The entire last hike is visible in this shot. The lake is tucked in the basin just below Mt Index.
These views never get old.
Not vertigo friendly.
Just a casual meal among peaks.
As things warm up, some decks offered misters. At first I thought it would be annoying but it was really nice.
The next day required a more relaxing type of hiking. This is prior to 7am at Icicle creek. A little different than creeks back home.
Kinda makes me want to learn whitewater kayaking. Add that to the list.
Washington is known for its wildflowers. Lupins galore!
No trail is complete without some peaks.
An old pipeline bridge with the pipe cut in half to allow foot traffic.
The creek opened up into a river that had memorials for people who have died here.
Cant have too many waterfalls. Washington is known for its negatively named natural features. These falls may have been Misery falls, or Dispute falls. Cant remember. Another day was winding down.
The moon coming up in the rolling hills of the Columbia river valley.
The opposing sunset.
It was road trip day. Although I wanted to hike a lot, some driving needed to be done. On the way to Mt St Helens, Mt Rainier just looms on the horizon, doing whatever the hell it wants.
The forests of Mt St Helens. So neatly stacked. Even. Didnt even look real. The pattern of the trees resembled the optical illusion pictures of a pattern where if you stare at it long enough you could see a sailboat. I saw a sailboat.
I was warned that a million photos would be taken. And there were. I imagine I could spend some time here.
The protected landscape surrounding the volcano. New growth is natural here so this is all thats returned after the eruption. Kinda barren. Kinda cool.
Didnt take long to get out on the trails. Which apparently requires a permit. No permit was acquired.
Well that made it pretty clear which trail I was taking! Cant really tell in the pictures but one step off the edge meant you werent coming back. There was a lot more here that I didnt have time for so, perhaps Ill be back. Again.
Got to get closer.
As close as I could get for the day. The clouds stuck around the volcano, oddly looking like steam.
A great contrast of colors.
Spirit Lake. Really wanted to get out there.
Nearby Coldwater lake with the volcano looming not too far away.
A total change of scenery for the next day, where the mountains meet the desert. Large rocks stuck out of the hillsides above the apple orchards of Wenatchee.
Although brief, it was a good warm up for my legs to get through the day. One of my best hikes yet was awaiting.
High above the Icicle creek lay another glacier lake. To get there took you through a past forest fire and fields of flowers. It was a perfect combination of moderately challenging and scenery.
A storm passed through fairly quick. I really like the weather out here. Unpredictable.
Interesting burn damage.
The valley opened up to a rocky lake. It was a bouldering paradise.
So nice.
The wildlife was rather friendly.
Another storm was rolling in with patches of heavy rain and lightning so my return trip was more brisk. While en route to the trail head I acquired a case of the hiccups. I hate hiccups. The uncontrollable muscle spasms. Hate. So I stopped mid trail and held my breath to rid myself of the bastard. A few seconds later everything was black and I could feel myself rolling. You know the dreams where you feel like you are falling? That was it. I woke up, standing on my feet but hunched over. I didnt know where I was. Or what just happened. I fell asleep. I fell asleep while hiking. I had a dream. But. I cant remember the dream. It felt like five minutes passed. The trail became familiar slowly. I was just standing up there. Now Im here. Hands and knees muddy. Wait. I passed out from holding my breath to rid myself of hiccups. Ha! At 5000 feet, with your heart rate already elevated from hiking, holding your breath is not advisable. I took a moment to let my body reset and feel grateful that I did not do this on a more perilous trail. Lightning was still striking on the horizon. Still the best hike so far.
Before departing, I wanted to touch the ocean. Supposedly one of the better beaches, I wasnt too impressed. Maybe Im spoiled back home for beaches. Sure it was nice but it was not barefoot splash in the waves kind of nice.
Especially when theres hidden cars in the beach.
My parting shot. Two bald eagles just hanging out. Another trip done with, lessons learned, memories made and the desire to never stop moving forward.
