1) Charmingly or exquisitely beautiful
2) Having a beauty that appeals to the heart
3) Delightful, highly pleasing
It's not an adjective I use much, maybe never while hiking. The mountains are "amazing" or "breathtaking"...but lovely? That's a word that describes a different sort of chord. But as we hiked the hills of the Twin Peaks trail, we must have said "lovely" a dozen times. Those heart strings that appeal to "delight" and "charm" were being plucked in way that no other hike has. It was a wild flower fantasy come to life. And though 95% of the folks on the trail with us were on bikes, every single one of us had the cheesiest grin that shined out like a kid whose lap is full of puppies. Though Heidi and I felt a little like trespassers - invading what was clearly a biker's heaven that us hikers have never heard of. But everyone was so kind and cheerful, I mean, this was the best day ever! As one lady passed us on her bike, she explained that her husband was probably wondering what was taking her so long. "I'll just tell him I was going the speed of flowers," she said with the same ear to ear grin we were all wearing.Can't stop smiling! |
Steep is always hard - but better with flowers :) |
This looks like a good place to pee, haha |
I'm coming Heidi! ;) |
As soon as there was a different trail we could veer off on that didn't involve a biker's death wish, we quickly did so before one came through and landed on our heads. Maybe there are rules about "bikers only" areas we were unaware of?
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TWIN PEAKS:
1) Bring a good map or reliable app - unless you are prepared to die, because you could be out there for days. And they are building even more trails!
2) Bring a 4-wheel drive. The bad section of road to the trail head isn't long, but you'll be glad you have one.
3) Don't wear head phones and pay close attention to where the bikers are, then get out the their way quickly. This is clearly their turf.
4) Heat exhaustion is real, and heat stroke can be deadly. Bring lots of water and if you start feeling nauseous or dizzy, find shade and take a break with food and water. (Which we did and Heidi was all good to go.) I know I fared better because of my umbrella, so seriously think about using one! (Plus they make for a cute picture!!)
BONUS THING TO KNOW:If you want to see some wildflowers but don't feel like driving any further than Leavenworth, there is a strange little "trail" (abandoned road, really) just off Hwy 2 between milepost 92 and 93 called "Tumwater Botanical Area." In my mind, "Botanical Area" means "gardens" but this is most certainly not the case. Don't get your hopes up for anything too "lovely" - though you will see flowers and get a decent work out in. Or you can just go a half mile up and back down like us ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment