White Salmon Ridge - March 12, 2021

 It was exactly a year and a day ago that I last snowshoed here. It was the last group snowshoe I organized. Those in our carpool that day were wondering out loud if it was wise for us to be together in a car with the growing concerns about COVID. It was just a few days later that the governor imposed the "stay at home stay safe order". So it was with some joy that the first time I shared a car ride with a non-family member in months was to return here and enjoy the beauty of the North Cascades.

Mt. Shuksan makes it's own weather.

Brian decides its time to remove a layer.

Mt. Sefrit and Nooksack Ridge

Ron descends through the trees.

Brian enjoys comfortable temperatures for lunch.

Gray Jay

Mt. Ruth

The jays were not happy with our lack of provision.

Mt. Sefrit

The dynamic duo: each twice vaccinated but still playing it safe.

Ron greets Frosty with a high five.

Kukutali Preserve - March 11, 2021

 One could feel spring in the air on this fine afternoon. Kay and I lazed on the midden beach at the end of Flagstaff Island and enjoyed watching the oyster catchers.

Skagit Island in the distance

There's a fine driftwood collection on the tombolo joining Kiket and Flagstaff Islands.

Glacier erratic?

The flowering current was another harbinger of spring.

Ancient Lakes - February 24, 2021

Kay and I were enjoying the Leavenworth snow but chose a midweek changeup to experience some desert steppe environment.

This area is over-used and abused but it doesn't seem to diminish its wild timeless beauty

Washington Park - February 13, 2021

Washington Park is a magical place in all seasons. To visit in snow is a rare opportunity however. I suspect we've experienced the park in snow maybe three times in 15 years. The place was magically transformed.

Sunset Beach

The Loop Road was closed to cars and we encountered few walkers.

 

Rosario Strait