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Cascade bike ride in Snoqualmie Valley

31 miles with Friday Riders. Misty showers but good company on a 10mph ride.

Day hike on Scott Paul trail at Mt Baker

A 5.5 mile hike to the huckleberries viewpoint. Glorious late summer weather with signs of rain in past few days. It's been at least 4 years since I was last on this trail. Huckleberry picking was a welcome highlight. So special to share this trail with L. A first for her; for me another chance to turn my memories to a new purpose on this lovely trail. Boletes will come soon.

Tailgate dinner at 8pm

So glad I'd brought this in my little blue cooler. Leftovers never tasted more delicious.

Katwalking

It was 2,800' of total elevation gain, 300' from up and down on the boulder fields below, but it's as gorgeous as I remember. It's bittersweet as I've not been here since June 2015, when I was in a different sadder state of mind, and told myself I couldn't go back, so never again. But, well, that was then and this is now. It's steep and exhausting and just over 13 miles for a dayhike that's just a bit too much for me. But I did it anyway.

When I finally get here (2pm) I want to keep going

Cooking with gas

Achieved the feeling of the pacific crest. Years ago I remember the snow drifts that caused concern in June.

Lunch spot below Kendall Peak

It was 1pm, I'd taken the ascent painfully slowly, compared to all the trail runners and friendly PCT through hikers, so I rested in the shade at the north end of Kendall gardens before the last switchbacks to the shoulder. What's not to like, even with smoke. Looking towards the next valley over with Melakwa Lake.

Fruit of the forest

It's staining purple so I left the bolete behind. But this is a promise of fall. The first late summer flush is out, now collapsing with mold.

Last all season water

I've not been here since June 2015, but the creek is as refreshing as always. On my descent I filtered water for the last 3 exhausting miles out.

Smoky hot dayhike to Kendall Katwalk

Left home as early as I could (6:30ish) to drive to the
PCT th off the Alpental road. Hazy from forest fires and parking lot covered in broken glass. Trail head thieves at work last night so I did what my neighbor jeep did. Left my car obviously unlocked and took anything valuable with me. Lovely shaded ascent with Guye Peak to the left and Red Mountain above Commonwealth Basin. Still a few flowers, but it's turning to huckleberry season.

Day hike with Alison and Pam to Mirror Lake on the PCT

Great to see with you ladies but it was 10 miles not 7.5 for me! Nice orchids and remnant late summer flowers. Fun to return to the Mt Catherine Loop after so many years of no ski.