1. TRAIL MAGIC!
Its somewhat common for people who have hiked before, or just really nice people who live near the trail to provide food/treats for the hikers (especially nice when you're on the trial for a long time). sometimes people do cook outs, or set out with food at trail crossings...and sometimes people leave coolers with cold drinks in the woods....that's what we found. Thanks to the nice people who left me a pepsi :) it was thoroughly enjoyed!2. Rhododendron Blooms!
Along the trail there are lots and lots of rhododendron bushes. sometimes you walk through tunnels of the bushes. I've always wanted to see them in bloom (just seemed like it would be stunning), but i've never hiked in the right place at the right time. We were a little early, but got to hike through this section with pink flowers everywhere! i loved it...and i wasn't disappointed at all!
There are no pictures of #3, cause its still alluding me...most of you will probably think i'm crazy - but i really want to see a bear while i'm hiking. i even hiked in the Smoky Mountains and haven't seen a bear in the wild yet. And as a disclaimer, its not like i want to pet the bear or anything...a nice view of a bear at a safe distance is all i'm looking for. We were definitely in bear territory - and heard a few stories about bear incidents (including a bear that came into camp in the middle of the night and put some holes in nalgene bottles - that takes a lot of jaw strength!)...but i'm still waiting for that bear sighting...someday my bear will come.
The bonus wildlife sighting was a copperhead snake. he did startle me - just chillin in the middle of the trail like that. and we saw a turtle too :)
it was a great weekend on the trail. we had great weather, a few incredible views...and met some really cool people too. one night we had a great conversation about carbon footprints, fair trade, and the like (we really do have great luck when it comes to meeting people at shelters).
Along the trail there are lots and lots of rhododendron bushes. sometimes you walk through tunnels of the bushes. I've always wanted to see them in bloom (just seemed like it would be stunning), but i've never hiked in the right place at the right time. We were a little early, but got to hike through this section with pink flowers everywhere! i loved it...and i wasn't disappointed at all!
There are no pictures of #3, cause its still alluding me...most of you will probably think i'm crazy - but i really want to see a bear while i'm hiking. i even hiked in the Smoky Mountains and haven't seen a bear in the wild yet. And as a disclaimer, its not like i want to pet the bear or anything...a nice view of a bear at a safe distance is all i'm looking for. We were definitely in bear territory - and heard a few stories about bear incidents (including a bear that came into camp in the middle of the night and put some holes in nalgene bottles - that takes a lot of jaw strength!)...but i'm still waiting for that bear sighting...someday my bear will come.
The bonus wildlife sighting was a copperhead snake. he did startle me - just chillin in the middle of the trail like that. and we saw a turtle too :)it was a great weekend on the trail. we had great weather, a few incredible views...and met some really cool people too. one night we had a great conversation about carbon footprints, fair trade, and the like (we really do have great luck when it comes to meeting people at shelters).
In addition to all this great stuff it was just a good rest for me. funny how walking 30 miles is rest - but it is. i continue to say that the woods are good for my soul. the stillness, the space, good conversation with merilee...all exactly what i needed. i've been pretty excited about when i'd get into the woods...looking forward to this time and really it was all that i expected it to be.
If you want to see more pics of the weekend check them out at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=116372&id=574368454&l=2c01163b42 (you don't need to have a facebook account to view the album)
If you want to see more pics of the weekend check them out at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=116372&id=574368454&l=2c01163b42 (you don't need to have a facebook account to view the album)
2 comments:
Yeah for trail angels! And Rhododendrans. Beautiful world we live in.
Mel, you want bears? You need to hike in the Olympic rain forest. Jake saw 8 the last time he went! Laurie B.
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