Grand Canyon NP - September 27-29, 2017

The South Rim was the first stop on the Birthday Groups 2017 Red Rock Tour. It was crowded but the weather was great. I never tire of the views here.

 Smokey's the good looking one in the middle

Blue Lake - October 11, 2017

The Larch were prime and the weather quite cold and clear which validated our last minute decision to  come here as opposed to Ruby Creek.

Sugarloaf Lookout - September 23, 2017

It was a spur of the moment decision to drive up to the lookout and exercise the RAV on some rougher roads. The views to Waterville and the Columbia Plateau were great.

The remnants of and old burn create an eerie landscape.

Driving to the top of Chumstick Mtn. was a challenge. The Rav isn't the 4 Runner but it did well.

Carne Mountain - September 20, 2017

It was the last full day of summer but it didn't much feel like it. A fresh dusting of snow had fallen the night before and scattered snowflakes were falling at the elevations above 6000 feet. Virtually all the flowers were gone. This was the first time for me on this trail. It was quite lovely and worth the effort even if I did turn around before attaining the summit.

 Chiwawa Ridge

 Buck Mountain

 Phelps Ridge

 Phelps Ridge, Spider Gap is the notch center-left

 Carne Mountain

 The Larch were plentiful above the basin but had not yet begun to turn.

Cascade Pass - September 13, 2017

I never tire of this hike. It deserves its reputation as a classic.

Pelton Basin from the Pass

 Sahale Peak above Doubtful Lake

 Phil and I shared a perfectly adequate lunch spot.

Stehekin Valley

Heading down, reluctantly