My husband and I with our adventure dog Scoutina hiked the Scott Paul loop yesterday. It was overcast with no hope of seeing Mt. Baker at the high point of the hike but we enjoyed it immensely anyway. The low clouds presented a totally different experience for us in the high country. The bonus for us was lower level creek crossings and cooler temps for our dog. Yay!!
One of the reasons I hiked this trail this week was because I had hoped to re-join the Group 2 Senior Trailblazers., I even went and paid the big bucks for the Senior Center membership (a requirement to be a part of the Senior Trailblazers). Group 2 was my group of choice when I used to hike with them a few years ago. Now this would still be my group of choice because Group 1 is too fast for me and Group 3 has too many people attending their hikes for my comfort level. I'm not such a group hiker and that one is just a bit much for me although it seems to meet the needs of those that enjoy a social experience while hiking. Our hike yesterday brought back the reality of my skills. I haven't done much mountain/high country hiking this year, and we realized I'm still probably too slow on the uphills (with a pack that has the required amount of water "for me" to be drank on a hot day) to be with a group now. So my joining of the group will be delayed until I have more experience back on the hills.
I did hike this trail several time before, 3 of those times were with the trailblazers.
Before the start photos at the trailhead.
Scott Paul trail junction.
Wonderful tall trees.
Droplets of water were on the leaves of the plants.
Lots of Bracken fungus on the trees.
This was our view most of the day. Very low clouds.
Our usual lunch break meadow had no views or logs to sit on, so we kept journeying up the trail to find a nice log to sit on for lunch.
I was happy to see there were still a few wildflowers in bloom as well as some tasty berries.
Our first creek crossing was uneventful due to the cooler day with less snow melt.
We saw and heard several Marmots along the trail.
A nice heart rock.
Making our way along the moraine. I love this section.
Next creek crossing.
The swinging bridge was up. It's a bit wiggly but not bad.
Our dog Scoutina successfully crossed her first swinging bridge with my husbands gentle words of encouragement and positive reinforcement. He is attached to her with a waist leash and was holding onto her harness throughout the crossing.
Another bridge crossing. There was one more minor bridgeless stream crossing after this.
The last meadow of the hike
Some color in the meadow and by this time it was drizzling out.
After photo. I thoroughly enjoyed my day on this trail.
A deer at the parking lot.
Trail rated: moderate/hard
Total miles hiked: 9.2
Total ascent: 1945 feet
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I welcome your comments.