Lake 22 and more

Well I did another hike, this time a solo hike to Lake 22. I have included a slideshow of this hike, as well as, my day hike with Brian to Heather Lake.

I started early in the morning, hoping to beat any traffic on the road . I knew if I were able to climb to the lake then I would want to spend a while there, maybe play with some rocks and build something, swim in the lake, and then probably smoke my cigar. It is dependent on whether there was still a lot of snow up there or not. Due to a very harsh winter and a lot of late snowfall, I just wasn't sure.

I had the entire trail to myself all morning and I ran up along the mountainside. The trail was very slick and wet, with a lot of tiny waterfalls pouring down the mountain. It seemed very likely there would still be a lot of snow at the lake.

When I crested and saw the lake for the first time, it took my breath away because of all the ice still in the waters, like little ice cubes in a giant cup of water. I walked to the waters edge and put my fingers in and found it would be too cold for a dip.

I could talk about this trip some more but really the photos are all you need.

Summer

So I am gearing up for yet another marathon (how many is that now??? who cares how many. I just love running.) The air is getting warmer so I am stripping down the layers and am soaking up the sun. I have noticed more people on the trails; it is like the sleepy city of Seattle is waking up after a long, cold winter.

I have been checking out the Evergreen Trail Run Series website hoping there are some dates that work with my calendar, allowing me to participate in some of these events. So far no luck. Either I am working or I already have plans so it is a little frustrating. Luckily, with Pacific Northwest trail running, there are always events to be had. There may be a few dates in August that work for me so in the meantime I will just keep on running.

I am really excited to visit some of my favorite day trail runs that have been closed due to the winter's snow. Come June, most of the trails are starting their annual thawing out process. I desperately want to see Mt. Pilchuck, Heather Lake, and Lake 22 again. My gear is all packed, all I need to do is run to the store, grab some mixed nuts, cheese, salami, baguette, and jump in my car and go.

Camping Weekend Gold Basin

Before I really write anything you should look at the photos because they will do so much of a better job than I can in describing what took place.
(http://picasaweb.google.com/105068785704661864798/GoldBasinCampingWeekend618620201002#)

Ok, so this past weekend Angela, Jason, Ian, Sylvie and I went on our camping trip. Sarah was hoping to go as well but sadly wasn't able to find the time.
It is somewhat difficult to write about this trip because it was simply just soooo amazing and breathtaking. Not only did we have an amazing campsite, good company, wonderfully prepared and slightly gourmet meals, and the views....wow the views, but it was utterly serene and peaceful. We slept by a winding river, the Stillaguamish, that would put me to sleep each night. The first day the sun radiated off of the rocks, baking your exposed and sun kissed skin. Next time I am bringing floaties or an inter-tube.
The hikes we went on winded through old growth forests, where remnants of ancient stumps remain with new trees growing among the decay. In several of the stumps you could still see the loggers' notches that were carved for support as they would cut away, cutting into the past while preparing for their own, and often uncertain, futures. At times it was sad to see this, but I have to understand that these people were creating their own new starts, using these humongous trees to build their log cabins and shelters. Seeing these stumps made me think of our past, and my past, and how I have come a long long way in certain respects. It also gave me a glimmer of hope for my uncertain future.
I really don't know where I am going, will I stay in Seattle or will I move to Portland if a library job opens up. These are the sorts of things that were running through my mind as I hiked on these trails, past the streams, past the waterfalls, over the moss covered bridges, up the mountains, around the lakes, into the ice caves, and back to my campsite where a fire would warm up my hands and a "Brass Monkey" would fill my stomach. (Thanks to Jason and Angela via Andy....a Brass Monkey is 3/4 beer-Rainier or PBR- and 1/4 orange juice....try it for it is disturbingly delicious).
I always love camping with Angela and Jason. Their excitement only adds fuel to my own and I cannot think of a time when I didn't have fun with them. Jason, in particular, really shines when he is playing his ukulele or guitar by the fire. Angela is a super trooper, storming up the mountain with a full backpack and no complaints. You can tell she is a Koroshec, for her endurance and strength are pretty evident. She is a strong woman, both mentally and physically, and now that Angela and Jason are together they form some sort of super couple. I am lucky to have them both in my life.
I wish Ian and Sylvie could have spent more time with us, but timing was a factor. When they arrived it was just starting to drizzle, which turned into rain and we had to put up tarps, with the rain preventing us from playing in the river. Like Angela and Jason, Sylvie and Ian are one of those power couples, who balances each other out so perfectly and are truly a delight to know and spend time with. I have really come to love trail running with Ian and it will be hard once he leaves for Africa to not miss that.
This past weekend has really made me appreciate those few key people I have in my life. When you surround yourself around good quality people it is hard not to strive for greatness and through them and with them you can achieve that.