September 20 just because

It's the fall equinox tomorrow. So time to enjoy the last flowers of summer.

Day drive to Cascade Pass TH


I've not been in NCNP since pre-pandemic. Great coffee stop in Darrington and unbelievably scenic drive. I'd forgotten how much I like this one. No hiking and a Park service winching up a car that tumbled 300' a week ago off the road (how on earth did this happen? Brake failure? Excess speed? Distracted? They survived which is miraculous.

WWR

Smoky start with bad air quality, but the wine tasting line was welcomed. I always find it a little odd to go "wine tasting" among the concrete parking lots and warehouses of Woodinville. But the vineyards of Washington's AVAs are a long drive east of the mountains so it's an alternative.

Woodinville Wine Ride

Very smoky and poor air quality due to forest fires. A nice mellow 24 mile ride on bike paths and roads with shoulders and Sunday traffic.
A familiar route with a new twist and some decent wine tastes.

19.5 miles to Alki

I've not been on my bike since R2B2 August 20. Bike ride to green wood library really didn't count. Labor Day Sunday and the weather is turning. Still humid. It's fall.

Sunday August 28 last day

Beautiful early morning and time to break camp for the still difficult hike out. My next BCRT will avoid elevation along with distance. I guess it's been a while since I did my last full one with a mixed crew. It's a bit disappointing but maybe not. I don't have to kill my self doing this volunteer gig.

Tree removal

This one uprooted overnight after Saturday's windy cool overcast change of weather.

A splendid view from a new angle

But again it was straight up a steep and narrow trail that needed brushing, berm removal, benching and widening. Friday was a full day and I was lame by the end. Had to do full ibuprofen.
Excess weight is the issue bah

Friday evening alpenglow in camp

Bluff Lake

Very nice, full of frogs and not enough time for me to sit by the lake after brushing as I was extremely tired.

Thursday August 25

BCRT day one to Bluff Lake outside Packwood.
A difficult hike in as it was 800' with heavy tools (looper, pruner, shovel and pickaxe) that were awkward to carry. Plus hot as blazes.