Emergence
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, North Bend, Washington
After six long weeks of not being able to hike, I finally got back on the trail yesterday. The trail was short and flat, but there was a beautiful forest, a mellifluous river, and a roaring waterfall along the way (which I will post photos of soon), and I was incredibly happy just to have my hiking boots back on the dirt - and mud!
There was also some unexpected sunshine. We are in the midst of an historically wet and cool Spring here, setting rainfall records weekly and monthly, and though it is nearly summer on the calendar, it has often felt like late winter never really left. So when I was driving to the trailhead and the clouds and fog lifted, revealing the surrounding mountain peaks, it was a glorious feeling. The clouds eventually cleared to bright blue skies, to which my eyes were transfixed as if in disbelief.
The whole afternoon felt like a joyful celebration for me. Days like this are such a gift, and one whose absence for awhile has made me treasure it all the more.
Emergence
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, North Bend, Washington
After six long weeks of not being able to hike, I finally got back on the trail yesterday. The trail was short and flat, but there was a beautiful forest, a mellifluous river, and a roaring waterfall along the way (which I will post photos of soon), and I was incredibly happy just to have my hiking boots back on the dirt - and mud!
There was also some unexpected sunshine. We are in the midst of an historically wet and cool Spring here, setting rainfall records weekly and monthly, and though it is nearly summer on the calendar, it has often felt like late winter never really left. So when I was driving to the trailhead and the clouds and fog lifted, revealing the surrounding mountain peaks, it was a glorious feeling. The clouds eventually cleared to bright blue skies, to which my eyes were transfixed as if in disbelief.
The whole afternoon felt like a joyful celebration for me. Days like this are such a gift, and one whose absence for awhile has made me treasure it all the more.