Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Why Is It So Bright Outside?

Landogoshen! We had sunshine all day today. Can you believe it? The weather forecasters said it was going to happen, and it did. The day dawned bright and sunny so it didn't take us long to look at each other and say, "Let's go!”

We drove to one of our favorite hiking trails and were a little surprised to find ourselves the only car in the large parking lot. Well, it was a smidge on the cool side (mid 40s) and there was a breeze . . . but the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and we were rarin' to go for our first hike of the spring.





We had expected the hike to be muddy and wet but . . . this much snow? It was a surprise to find so much of it still on the trail.





There are several gorgeous overlooks as one climbs higher and higher on the trail. This looks down on a little lake far below. (You can see it to the right middle of the picture.)





Another shot of the lake, still frozen.





There were spots where the snow was actually still three feet deep. Yikes! And let me tell you, it made for some tough hiking! (Anybody got snowshoes?)





"The sun, the sun, it's blinding me!" Another overlook we came upon was a large outcropping of south-facing rock. After taking this picture, Roy stretched out next to me and we both took a 30-minute snooze in the sun. Decadent, huh? Yeah, and it felt soooo good.





As soon as we roused ourselves and started hiking again, we rounded a curve and there was this beautiful deer in the middle of the trail. Not the greatest picture but considering I had to get my camera out of my pocket and then put on my glasses so I could see well enough to take the picture . . . I think it's amazing I got the shot.





Can a cairn contain material other than stones and still technically be called a cairn? By the side of the trail, we found (what I'll take the liberty of calling) a cairn carefully constructed of stones, birch bark, pine cones, twigs, cedar branches and dried weeds. Somebody else had enjoyed hiking this beautiful trail and left a thank you to Nature in the form of this memento.



Great sun, great company, great exercise, great trail . . . and only two sets of wet boots and socks.



8 comments:

MaineCelt said...

What a beautiful, beautiful hike! Your post reminds me that it's been far too long since the last time I went hiking beyond the borders of my own land. When I was growing up in the Pacific Northwest, we made frequent trips into the Cascades and the Olympics, two mountain ranges with stunning vistas and excellent hiking. Now I live in anther state famous for outdoor recreation, and do I take advantage of it? Hardly ever! I need to figure out how to change this!

P.S. I loved the non-cairn cairn. Heart-shaped stones, red twigs, and all the rest--what a touching and lovely arrangement!

Mama Pea said...

MaineCelt - When one lives on a homestead/farm trying to be halfway self-sufficient and where there is always too much to occupy one's hours, it's easy to get stuck in the rut of rarely 'leaving home.' It's a continual struggle for us and we STILL " . . . need to figure out how to change this!" Let's all encourage each other to take time to hike the trails, smell the roses, build the cairns.

Claire said...

I am SO happy that you got to take a nice break together! I'm living vicariously...and looking forward to our trip up in May!

Mama Pea said...

Hi, Claire! Glad to hear you're coming up. Don't forget to bring boots . . . you'll probably still encounter snow, especially at your place.

Claire said...

If we can GET to our place!! By the sound of your dear daughter's blog, wash outs are to be expected. BTW, wanted to say bonne anniversaire to you! Hope you have a good one. 25 is great, especially the second time!

Mama Pea said...

Claire - Thank you, Sweetie, for the kind wishes. 25? Heck, I don't even REMEMBER 25!

RuthieJ said...

Thanks for taking us along on your hike--I especially enjoyed the nap on the sun-warmed rock!
I love the colors in the little "cairn" you photographed--I need to figure out how to transfer those into a fair isle patterned sweater or vest!

Mama Pea said...

Ruthie - I have no doubt you have the talent to transfer the "cairn" colors into a knitted garment. You go, girl!