Winchester Mtn. - October 21, 2015

This is one of my favorite hikes. The views are stunning from the start and get better as you go up. It is also short so the effort is minimal. The road to the trail head is a challenge but for me it's part of the "charm". There were a number in the group who hadn't done it before and seeing their response added to the joy of the day.

 Tomyhoi Lake is nestled between Tomyhoi Peak on the left and Larrabee and the border peaks on the right.

 We explored the upper portion of the Silesia Creek Trail to get a few more miles.

 The "sketchy" part wasn't bad this year.

 Mt. Shuksan is framed by the twin summits of Goat Mtn.

 The view from the dining room couldn't have been better.

 Twin Lakes and the Skagit Range

The Pleiades from Skagway Pass

Blue Lake - October 14, 2015

We thought we should take advantage of a favorable forecast in order to have a last chance to experience the larch this year. Needles were falling everywhere and they were a bit past their prime. Still, as you can see,we were not disappointed.  

 This was a first for Kay and she really enjoyed it.

 Kay and Terry share a moment in the sun.

 Tom O. looking for the best  route on our little bushwhack.

Esmerelda Basin - October 11, 2015

The Teanaway has always held a special attraction to me so it was good to get back there after a long absence. It was the perfect autumn day and it didn't disappoint even if we didn't encounter any larch.

Kay approaching Fortune Creek Pass.

Ingalls Peak

Ancient Lakes - October 8, 2015

This is the second time I've done this hike. I like it because it is so different from denser vegetation we're accustomed to on the west side. This coulee is a two mile alcove cut into the basalt cliffs by cataclysmic ice age floods. The lakes were "refreshed" in recent decades as a result of the Columbia basin irrigation project.

Kay approaches the biggest lake.

 Where are the buffalo?

Chuckanut Bay - October 5, 2015

I never get tired of paddling amid the weather sculpted sandstone of Chuckanut Bay. Something new always catches the eye.

 Kay and I rafted up for a pleasantly warm lunch in the sun.