1 post tagged “july 4”
We went to Tolmie Peak today. The mountain was her usual spectacular self, as viewed from the access road just outside the park:
Most of the trail as we approached Eunice Lake was still under 4-6 ft of snow. Trailhead at Paul Peak:
Mowich Lake was clear and still, with a frosting of conifer pollen.
Avalanche lilies (Erythronium montanum) were everywhere.
The grey jays are curious, fearless, and unscrupulous.
When Mike wasn't looking, one landed in his hand and swiped FOUR peanuts all at once. You can see the bird cramming them all into his mouth.
Cool waterfall that wasn't there lase August. Okay so you have to look sideways, I'm too tired to flip it.
Then, after a climb involving I think 4 long but steep switchbacks, we broke out of the forest into a meadow and Eunice Lake.
Our destination was the ranger's cabin at Tolmie Peak. Waaaaaayyyy up there...........
Across about a mile more of snowfield, and then a 900 ft climb in just under a mile of really steep switchbacks. Most of this snow was 4-5 ft deep; some deeper. We knew there were mini snow caves beneath as we could see water running out, so were just hoping the snow would hold. Two rangers had passed us wile I was taking photos, so we figured that to follow their footprints would be ok.
Our destination was this ranger cabin.
And finally, we reached the peak and the cabin. I think this was the toughest hike I've ever done. The snow was exhausting to walk on.
Mt. Rainier, from the ranger station.
Mt. St. Helens, to the SE:
I think this is Glacier Peak.
And Mt. Baker, although I might have the two photos reversed. And I'm not sure that one is even Glacier Peak.
Our house is out there somewhere. The Olympic Mountains are just visible in the background. I'm sure it's 200 miles to the Olympics from here; about 24 as the Great Bald Eagle flies, to our house.
to get back down here:
Meanwhile, the fireworks locally have settled to a few random pops.
Goodnight.
