Sept. hike done already?

Yep, motivation to not be hiking in December plus nice weather got us out of the house and on the trails.

We went back to one of my favorite places to Hike, Mount Rainier. We picked the Skyline Loop trail which I have not been on since I was 16. Back then the hike was pretty easy. I went with my Sophomore Biology class from Toutle Lake High School. All I remember is how awesome the views where and the two chubby girls that kept slowing us down. But anyway back to this hike.

One thing I didn't remember was the hills. 1,400 ft up to the Nisqually Glacier and then right back down the Paradise Lodge. I was so tired after the first hill I didn't really try to get that great of pictures. It was more of a point, shoot, try not to pass out approach. And, Susan kept me moving. She didn't allow many breaks even after we got to the top and could sit there and listen to the glacier crackle.

So my pictures suck. I didn't realize until halfway through the hike that my ISO was set wrong. I had my camera set so I was adjusting the wrong setting when taking pictures and then my memory card filled up. In all it was a bad picture trip and a wonderful challenging hike.

So sorry the pictures suck but here's the best I could find.

Almost to the top

From 2008_09_07

A nice little mountain stream that ran through a alpine meadow...it was beautiful

From 2008_09_07

I believe this is called a marmot. I was taking this picture while standing no more then 6 feet from him.

From 2008_09_07

Spruce Hen, dumb as a box of rocks. It actually walked between me and Susan to get to the other side of the trail. I could reach out and touch it in the picture.

From 2008_09_07

Can you spot the bear? There really is a black bear on this hill side. I need a better lens for my camera.

From 2008_09_07

We also came across a deer that was a little to fast for me to get a picture of, some really cool wild birds that I have no idea what they are called and some noisy mountain chipmunks.

I'd have to say if you are going to do any hike in Washington this is one that should be on the top of your list. Absolutely beautiful.

~Tow