Sauk Mountain

I've had Sauk Mountain on my hiking list for over seven years...even longer than Icicle Gorge. (last week's hike) Back then a friend told me she would take her little kids on it (like, really little--barely walking little) and so I figured it was a hike even I could do. (this was before I hiked at all...though, I can't really say seven years later I'm any better at it)  I realize now that my friend is not your ordinary person with ordinary kids.  She's your up at dawn, makes everything from scratch, pioneer type person...and so of course she'd take her toddlers on this hike. Honestly though, after doing it, I can't even imagine taking anyone under 10...but, I'm sort of ordinary that way. ;) So, all that to say, last Saturday (post 4th of July and wonderfully sunny) I thought maybe it was time to finally cross this one off my list as well. When I told my husband I was seriously considering it, he said he'd like to come along--so that sealed the deal.


My husband (the "naughty boyscout" in my July 2011 post) can always be trusted to be prepared by printing out the directions, packing surplus water, making sure the tires in the car are properly inflated...all the things I would have failed to do. (and yes, one of the tires was dangerously low. Lesson #17, check tire pressure before leaving!) Although, this time I was the one to remember the bug spray. (which we didn't even need...figures)


I was extra glad to have Ken along when we pulled onto the mountain road and saw the gigantic sign announcing that a female hiker went missing two years ago and has never been found.  Another woman was mistaken as a bear and shot and killed in 2008...so this is not a hike I would recommend doing alone. 


Reading the trail reports before leaving, we were aware that there was still some snow that would prevent us from driving all the way to the trail head.  I had foolishly thought that now that we had a SUV with four wheel drive, this might not apply to us...but trust me, there is no car that's getting past that snow block for at least a few weeks.

Looking good next to our sporty SUV ;)

We took a little short cut to get to the upper parking area by huffing it straight up. It was at this time I realized I forgot my brand new trekking pole my daughter bought me for my birthday. Dang it, I've been so excited to try it out, and this was the perfect hike to have one!  Oh well, at least we remembered lunch--and so we sat down at the picnic table to eat half of it before starting.  Ken pointed out the hang gliding launch at the end of the lot and told a story about his friend who was in such a hurry to get flying, he forgot to clip in.  Can you even imagine jumping off this (picture below) only to realize you are just dangling from your hang-glider bar? (he lived, but messed up his ankle severely when he crash landed)  It puts knots in my stomach just thinking about it! After eating, I took advantage of the bathroom facility (thank you lesson #14) and we began. 

Ready, set, die!...uh, I mean go!

Cutest outhouse ever, right? Still stinky though.

Right away we came to some big snow patches.  These were not a big deal at first, but the farther up we got, the sketchier it got to cross them.  In fact, we passed a woman coming down with a huge fat lip and quite a few bumps and scrapes.  She told us she had slipped when crossing one, and had barely stopped herself before sliding right off the edge and down the hill.  There's not a lot to stop you from tumbling a very long way if this happened, which is obvious when a rock gets dislodged and comes hurdling down. (it happened twice while we were hiking...kind of freaky because you do NOT want to get nailed with one)  Needless to say, I was a little edgy the rest of the way up...but not as bad as the woman we passed who was just laying down in a grassy spot.  Ken commented, "looks like you found a nice place to rest", but she explained she was not great with heights and had just witnessed the other woman's fall, therefore she decided she'd just lay down for a little while before getting the heck back down.  It's too bad, because the top view is not something to be missed. 

We went along the ridge as far as we dared...easy bouldering which normally wouldn't have affected me, but I'll confess I was flipping out a little.  I was glad when we found a nice flat spot to eat the rest of our lunch...what a glorious view! 

Eating my brownie on Chocolate Day.  Seriously, look it up.

The view from our lunch ledge...see the switchbacks?

Boyscout Ken taking a picture for the nice ladies.

On the way back down I took some pictures of the beautiful wildflowers, though I could tell there were MANY more to bloom soon.  I think I'll come back in a couple weeks to see the show...do you think I'd look funny wearing a helmet? ;)

Just a preview of what's to come!

The Essence of Pleasure is Sponteneity (Germaine Greer)

I know that I have already complained a lot on here about our crappy western Washington weather...but "June gloom" month has been true to form--so brace yourself for some more whining. I think everyone has been gearing up for an awesome summer because May was better than usual. (which was still not great, by the way) That's why I think this June has been particularly depressing, because normally we have low expectations. Why do we do this to ourselves; don't we know by now not to expect any sun until after the 4th of July? It's just so hard not to get your hopes up, because after so much rain everyone is SO ready for it to feel like summer. 


This is why last Thursday, when I saw the forecast of gray clouds and rain for yet another weekend, I decided I was out of here. If summer was not going to come to me, I was going to go to it. So on Friday I packed up the car and headed to Leavenworth for an impromptu camping trip of one night.  


Leavenworth is one of the first towns you come to when heading for the 'other' Washington. (the hot Washington...everyone who lives here knows what I'm talking about) It's about a three hour drive from where I live, which is a little far to drive for just one day. (though I have done it on other occasions when facing the same kind of sun deprivation)

Beautiful wildflowers on the hike

I've had "Icicle Gorge Loop Trail" on my list of hikes to do for years now. Problem is, every time I finally get my butt to Leavenworth, all I feel like doing is sitting on the deck of Los Camperos with a sangria. But this time was serious...this time I was going to drive all the way up Icicle Creek Road, find a campsite and do this hike once and for all.


There are seven campgrounds along Icicle Creek Road, none of which you can make a reservation for. But this trip was all about spontaneity and living in the moment--I was not going to let the fact I couldn't guarantee a campsite stop me. Only, it wasn't just me that was going to be crushed if this throw it together camping trip was a fail...I had both my daughters and two of their friends along for the adventure as well. 


So, when we got to the first campground at 8 miles in and it was completely packed, I'll confess I started to get a little worried. I got a little more worried when the next one was full, and by the time we reached the 5th one with a "no campsites available" sign up, I was pretty desperate. (I thought this was our last chance--I didn't know about the other two campgrounds...more about that later)


I don't have to explain that a 3 hour drive (more like 4 when you count the drive up Icicle Creek) with a packed car that included two preteens who make up songs about pooping (not kidding) is a heluva long drive. The thought of driving all the way back down that road (much of it unpaved) to who knows where to find a place to spend the night...well, it just wasn't an option. On the second drive around the full campground,  I spotted a site that was very large with one little tent on it. Years ago we had let someone in this same predicament share our campsite (at Wallace Falls--another beautiful hike, btw) so I figured I had some good karma coming my way. My 11 year old daughter just about had a heart attack when I stopped to ask (does anything I do not embarrass her?) but THANK GOD I did, because they had no problem with it. In fact, they decided they didn't even really need the site because they were with a large group and could easily fit that little tent in with their friends--so we got it all to ourselves. And it was gorgeous...honestly, I think it was the prettiest campsite I've ever had.

Chatter Creek went right through out campsite

 

When we were all set up, I took a walk around and ended up back at the road. I spotted a lovely bridge crossing Icicle Creek. (some creek, right?)

The mother of all creeks!

I figured I stumbled upon a different hike. (I never saw the Icicle Gorge trail head sign on the way up, and thought we'd look for it the next day)  When I came back and asked the kids, everyone was up for a nice little hike before making dinner, so off we went.  Before even crossing the bridge, look what I found:

And why not just do it now--spontaneity, remember? (maybe you could even call it 'yolo'...but let's not. If you don't know what I'm talking about, take a four hour drive with some tweens--they have a way of keeping us old folks current, whether we like it or not) It's only four miles, and it's a loop; so it's impossible to get lost. (ummm...remember who's talking here)

One of several access points to the trail...the main one is just up the road

creeks everywhere!

So, we get to the end of this hike and find ourselves at a campground. Huh? It's not our campground (though, it's packed as well)...so I figured we must have looped around and back down to the previous campground. But, I know my navigational abilities can't be trusted, so I found a ranger. I'm not even going to try to recreate our conversation...let's just say he couldn't quite wrap his head around how I could be lost. He pointed us back down the road--another 2 miles. Ugh. This didn't seem right...why would we be going down the road? (remember, I didn't know there were more campgrounds past ours...this was campground #6...campground 7 is a horse camp, if anyone is curious. I bet it was full too) But thankfully, I didn't need to learn hiking lesson # 16 the hard way (trust the rangers--they know more than you) because after much debating we all decided to just do what he said--even though everything in me wanted to go up the road instead.

So, albeit unconventionally done, I finally have Icicle Gorge Loop under my belt. Plus, I got my first real weekend of summer sun, when everyone back at home just got a bunch more rain. I'm not positive if spontaneity is actually the essence of pleasure, but I'm sure glad it worked out this time. 

Skagit Bay Estuary

It's amazing the things you never knew existed that are in your own backyard.  I've lived here in Skagit Valley my whole life, but I confess, until very recently I never knew what people were talking about when they mentioned Fir Island. This was basically because there's nothing on Fir Island to see. (Well, almost nothing.) Also, it doesn't look anything like an island-- I mean, look at the picture; do you look at that and think island? Because I now work in a tourist town (La Conner) and deal with tourists who ask "how do I get to Fir Island," I had to look it up...and wonder, "why do you want to go there?"

Last weekend I was introduced to a reason for going to Fir Island--it's a dog paradise!  This was my first hike with Corinne...another dog person. I never thought I would EVER label myself a dog person. Never mind that when I was young I had a dog I carried around in a backpack and treated like it was my baby. When she died, I detached from dogs. I decided dogs were a stupid pain the butt, and why would anyone with four kids want to clean up after a damn dog anyway.

I couldn't believe when 5 years ago I was overcome with the desire to get a dog.  I read everything I could about dogs...I became obsessed with the "Dog Whisperer."  I was going to rescue some poor dog and turn it into the best behaved dog in history. Ha.  

So, after my dog attacked several dogs, I decided she just needed to stay away from other canines. (She doesn't hurt them...she's just extremely dominate. Dog people know what I'm talking about.) Corinne assured me she was willing to chance a dog fight--she wanted to show me the estuary and let the dogs run free.  

Peg and Lexi...BFFs 

When Corinne pulled in to take us to Fir Island, I discovered she was on a whole nother level of dog person. She had a dog limousine. A seat for me, a seat for her, and the whole stinkin' back open for the dogs...plenty of room for a cage fight. This was going to be a fun ride.

I'm so glad Corinne chanced this hike with me and my anti-social dog, because I found out she's not the crazy bitch I thought she was. (Lexi, not Corinne!) The dogs got along reasonably well, and they had an absolute blast running around in the water. It's a beautiful hike to boot--I plan on returning many times. For anyone thinking about checking it out for themselves, just know you have to have a "Discover Pass" to park, and that there is hunting allowed from September to mid March.  Maybe I should train Lexi to be a hunting dog? Maybe not. 

I just love when people will do stupid poses for me...thanks Corinne! 

Padilla Bay Shore Trail

Here is a hike that gives a whole different taste of what the Northwest is all about. Nobody is going to feel like they are on the set of a Twilight movie on this trail!  One piece of advice if you decide to come here (maybe I'll even call this hiking lesson #14)...use the bathroom facility when you start, whether you think you need to or not. ("Wizards of Ooze"...what a name for a port-o-potty company, right?) Trust me, there is NO place to sneak off to take a pee--and a lot of people use this trail, so you are not going to want to chance squatting behind any of the unsubstantial shrubbery; even a male would have a hard time being inconspicuous.

Just some of the runners and dog walkers

This is such an ideal place to get an easy walk in.  Flat...not even so much as a bump.  I've taken my kids here with their bikes when they were little, and I'd recommend it for bike riding if it weren't for the wind. I don't care if you get there and it's calm; there will be wind before you're done. And it's strong--I was making just as good progress walking as some people riding their bikes. Which brings me to a funny story. I had my head phones on, (held together with duct tape...is there anything I own that my kids haven't lost or broken?) and I was really getting into the music.

My barely hanging together headphones

Now, I have to confess...my music is a little less than wholesome. (sorry--but I like good beat) Well, I get a little carried away sometimes and end up singing out loud.  I don't mean to...it just happens. So, without realizing it, I sang out "I'm gonna have you naked by the end of this song"...and then realized a bike rider was right beside me. And like I said--she was going slow.  Neck and neck, right there, for way too long kind of slow. So lesson #15 - learn to keep your mouth shut when hiking with headphones.


Speaking of hiking lessons, I broke # 8. (Don't hike with your camera in hand!) I figured I would have to have a stroke to fall on this trail, and I wanted my camera ready for when I saw a heron. (I just had to see a heron...this is like heron heaven) Guess what?  No herons...until I put my camera away, of course.  I did manage to get an OK picture before he flew off...but those buggers are tough to get close to!

Can you see Mr. Heron?

About half way through my hike (it's approximately 5 miles round trip) I stopped at a bench to eat my snack. Again, it was a bench dedicated to a loved one.  Again, I took a picture...and again, I couldn't find any information on this person.
  

The bench

This bums me out--I love the idea of knowing the story and appreciating the life that these lovely benches are dedicated to.  If I ever dedicate anything to anyone, I'm going to make sure to have a webpage about their life as well.  And when I die, I would love to have something useful dedicated in my honor...maybe even a port-o-potty. (just don't call it wizards of ooze, please ;)

If your going to make a sign, shouldn't you at least come up with a name?

First Hike of 2012!

I was almost feeling like a real hiker last year.  I should have kept going through the winter--maybe bought some snow shoes or something.  I could have gone with the hiking group my friend Cindy belongs to--she's invited me enough times. (I did go once...in the summer, of course)  But because I'm such a wimp and don't like getting cold, here it is spring and I am totally off my game.  I know... I didn't have much game to start with, but now it feels like I'm back to square one.


When I mentioned in my last post that I wanted to hike in Florida, I really was serious. That would have been a much more exciting beginning to 2012--maybe even with pictures of alligators!  But alas, Anacortes will have to do.  Did you know that Anacortes gets about 6 inches less rainfall per year than Mount Vernon? (no fair, right? It's only a half hour away) This makes it a good option for hiking though--and there are a LOT of hiking trials. Enough to make a person like me hopelessly lost; which is why I spent a whole $10 on maps...practically my largest purchase thus far on hiking gear. (unless you count my ipod)


But as I drove into Anacortes and the sun was really shining, I found I was uninspired to hike through forest mazes, and opted to head for Washington Park.  I used to take my kids here often when they were little, and I knew there was some hiking close to the water. (more sun!)

A deer greeted me as I drove into the parking lot

As I hiked along through the bushes, gazing out at the water, I noticed the trail was just paralleling the paved road, (for campers) and finally gave in and just started walking on it instead.  "Sheesh, this doesn't feel much like hiking," I thought, but at least I wasn't having to fight the spider webs.

Hiking?

The 'real' trail

Kids playing by the water...brings back so many memories.

When I came to where the road looped back around, there was a trail that kept going straight. Hooray, some real hiking!  I didn't have a map, and the trail signs were pretty useless in my opinion; so I figured I would just go for as long as I felt comfortable, and then turn around.

This trail was amazing!  Such great views of the water, and I even came to a nice bench to sit and eat my healthy hiking snack. (a rice krispie treat--food for champions)  I figured I should look up the person who the bench was dedicated to when I got home, so I took a picture. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any info...please get back to me if anyone reading this knows her.

This trail was pretty narrow, and in places a little sketchy if you had small kids.  But, I just couldn't stop following it--it was so orange and bright and just seemed to say, "go a little further". (I thought it amusing when I caught myself humming "follow the yellow brick road")

A little like yellow bricks?

The trail finally ended at the cutest little cove.  It seemed like a great place for an otter or mermaid or something to hang out--so I sat down and waited. "God...if there is an otter or seal nearby...could you send it over here?"  I always chuckle at myself when I make these sort of requests to God--it sort of feels like I'm ordering fries with my happy meal.  (can I have a toy too?)  But I think God has a sense of humor, and I figure it never hurts to ask. (no sea creature pics...so the answer was no)

Wait...I think I see a tail.

Getting up to head back, I noticed a sign with actual words on it. "Loop Road"...I saw this sign in the parking lot and thought it was the lame trail that was just next to the road. Humm...seems if I just follow this trail, it should lead back around to the parking lot.  My navigational history told me just to go back the same way I came...but you know how I love a loop.  So I chanced it, and found my way back without a problem. (no thanks to the useless signs) 

Ummm...and this is helpful because....

A sign with directions...what a concept.

So, there you have it...I'm back in the saddle.  Looking at the passing ferries on the way back reminded me of the many trails on the San Juan Islands--Mount Constitution, here I come!

Better save my money...these ferries aren't cheap.

The skies directly over my house.  Why do I live here again?

25 Dates, 255 Apologies, and 5 Romantic Trips In Year 25

  

I made this my Facebook wall.  So corny.

My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary this month. I'm sure my friends and family are sick to death of me bragging about it...but they haven't lived the last five years of our marriage. I'm just amazed and thrilled we got here! I remember hearing the second year of marriage is the hardest, and of course everyone knows about the "7 year itch"...but you kind of figure once you have 20 years under your belt, you're good. Funny how life has a way of throwing you punches you never saw coming.

Sometimes there comes a time in your life when everything you believed and worked for and stood on as solid ground suddenly shifts...and you fall off. (my other blog explains all this) You don't want to leave everything that was safe and sure, but you just can't stand on that ground anymore. And most likely those around you can't come with you, because their ground hasn't shifted. There's nothing more scary, heartbreaking, confusing, and especially lonely, that I have ever experienced. And it's hard not to have resentment; especially toward the one person you really wanted to understand and be beside you.

It's a strange thing that resentment and forgiveness are bedfellows.  You need one to experience the other...how can you forgive unless you've felt hurt? I know there have been much, MUCH greater offenses done to people, (if you can even call 'not understanding' an offense) and situations so painful that forgiveness feels like an impossibility. But I can't compare my life with others; I can only live my own. And for me, the lessons forgiveness teach are worth the pain. Because once you've learned to forgive, you start to experience what grace really is. Grace is freedom, grace is joy...living in grace is experiencing what life can really be. When you give grace, you start to truly understand how much you need it yourself. And then your joy doubles; because not only can you stop expecting others to be perfect, you can finally let go of trying to be perfect yourself, and simply cling to the grace that you know is yours.


I hope to have 25 dates and 5 romantic trips this year, (we've got one down...a trip to Miami for our anniversary) though the "255 apologies" part I could live without. Giving an apology can be difficult, because it requires owning up to a mistake; but I honestly think for me, it's easier than asking for an apology, because that requires a confrontation. Both are important in any truly loving relationship, because giving grace just for the sake of avoiding conflict doesn't really work in the long run. Though what do you do, when for whatever reason, that apology doesn't come? Compassion and understanding for other's shortcomings (because you have them yourself) once again. 

Miami, baby!

Sorry there is no hike to talk about, though I did look to see if there was any good hiking in Miami. (such a shock that there wasn't--so sad we had to settle for laying on the beach with drinks in hand instead.) The weather here in the Great Northwest is starting to improve, so hopefully I'll get out there soon. Maybe I'll get Ken to come with me...do you think that will count as a date? I think if I pack a picnic basket and a bottle of wine I most definitely can.  Time to start planning. 

My kind of hike!