Thursday, June 20, 2019

Lime Kiln Trail - June 19, 2019

This was our first time on this trail. The historical aspect of this hike makes it interesting. It was fun trying to imagine the steam engines puffing through this canyon high above the Stilly. The rail excursion to the old Lodge at Big Four must have been a real adventure.



The trail followed the old Railroad grade for the last couple of miles above the river.



Relics from bygone logging operations could be seen scattered around.





The water was low enough to allow access to a cobble beach.
  

 More relics of a bygone era.






Banks Lake Archipelago - June 3, 2019

I have been drawn to these islands since I first saw them last November when I paused at the lake after hiking Northrup Canyon. They are Ice Age floods exhumed granitic rock which form a magical labyrinth just north of Steamboat Rock. The contrast with the surrounding basalt cliffs is striking.
Kay and I were joined by good friends Michael & Kathy who were as entranced by this unique environment as we were.








Steamboat Rock in the distance.

 Kay and I loved the fragrance that accompanied the visual beauty of this bay.



Castle Rock rises in the distance.











Steamboat Rock loomed above us as we rounded the lower end of the archipelago.


 The complete set of pics from our adventure can be found at the following link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pzVp85FwRGHAzbxS7



Saturday, May 11, 2019

Silver Falls National Recreation Trail - May 3, 2019

Fire has drastically altered the landscape around the falls compared to our first visit here five years ago. Considerable damage to the infrastructure occurred. Much has been repaired but there is still much to do. Nevertheless it was gorgeous, the day beautiful, and we were able to share it with friends.

There was considerable damage to railings.





new bridge








Another new bridge


Entiat River and Box Canyon.



Sunday, May 5, 2019

Upper Skagit Bay - April 29, 2019

I joined Bob for my first paddle of the year on this beautiful day. We paddled from Ala Spit to Hope Island to investigate camping spots and then down to the Whole in the Wall near LaConner and back.
 The north bay on Hope Island


 The south entrance to the Swinomish Channel

 Bob passing McGlinn Island

 Finding a short-cut