One almost feels guilty writing a trip report these days. It has been quite awhile since I wrote one so here goes. This is the thirteenth walk in the woods since the onset of winter. None of them have been particularly adventurous. Considering there many feet of snow piled up in the high country and none of the approach roads are plowed one must stay to the main roads. The state requires chains on those main roads. This refugee from the Adirondacks does not own such an apparatus, is hiking alone and has zero experience in avalanche hazards, it is prudent to hike low.
So the result was to find many incredible places that would otherwise be ignored. This hike is rather mundane leading through Cedar forest to the salt flats of Puget Sound. As I said it was hike thirteen of the winter early spring. During those explorations I encountered various wildlife and seen some magnificent scenery. Mount Rainier seen looming large above conifers that outline the sound is quite a sight.
Yes we do miss the high peaks and quiet corners of the Adirondacks. So until I can get back into the high country these low forested hikes are soothing. Even better in all 13 I have not encountered another hiker.
To satisfy the peakbagger influence that may be pervasive I did manage to summit a couple dozen incredible peaks during the past summer and fall. I discovered there are countless numbers of them out here I have yet to explore. The best part, not a single list, I have to make my own. This hike was to a place called the Wheeler Wetlands. A simple hike through forest leading to the salt flats on the sound. Only a five mile round trip if you include the side trails which I did. Not exciting I know, but the point is there are beautiful areas to explore that we often ignore.
On the lighter side just last week some knucklehead rode his snowmobile up to the rim of Mt Saint Helens. He got off to view the crater. The cornice gave way and he tumbled a few K into the crater. According to TV reports and the Seattle Post, he is the first to fall into the crater and suffer only a few scrapes. I'm sure those interested could google the post to find the story. So the adventure continues.
So the result was to find many incredible places that would otherwise be ignored. This hike is rather mundane leading through Cedar forest to the salt flats of Puget Sound. As I said it was hike thirteen of the winter early spring. During those explorations I encountered various wildlife and seen some magnificent scenery. Mount Rainier seen looming large above conifers that outline the sound is quite a sight.
Yes we do miss the high peaks and quiet corners of the Adirondacks. So until I can get back into the high country these low forested hikes are soothing. Even better in all 13 I have not encountered another hiker.
To satisfy the peakbagger influence that may be pervasive I did manage to summit a couple dozen incredible peaks during the past summer and fall. I discovered there are countless numbers of them out here I have yet to explore. The best part, not a single list, I have to make my own. This hike was to a place called the Wheeler Wetlands. A simple hike through forest leading to the salt flats on the sound. Only a five mile round trip if you include the side trails which I did. Not exciting I know, but the point is there are beautiful areas to explore that we often ignore.
On the lighter side just last week some knucklehead rode his snowmobile up to the rim of Mt Saint Helens. He got off to view the crater. The cornice gave way and he tumbled a few K into the crater. According to TV reports and the Seattle Post, he is the first to fall into the crater and suffer only a few scrapes. I'm sure those interested could google the post to find the story. So the adventure continues.