Summer Hiking

This weekend we were able to enjoy a beautiful hike through the mountains near our home. It was a hike we had never attempted and it was rated difficult. We think maybe because the elevation gain was over 1000 feet and the distance was 7.2 miles roundtrip. After talking to a number of people we decided to do it and what a great decision! We started at an elevation of about 3200 feet and thus ended at about 4300 feet. At home, we awoke to clouds and cool weather. Not knowing what to expect at the higher elevation we dressed in layers and prepared for anything. The drive although close in distance took us nearly an hour on a gravel road, well maintained but bumpy, steep and a bit narrow, especially in spots where another car was approaching from the other direction! Always a bit harrowing, but we have been on worse roads. As we gained elevation the sun began peaking through the clouds (or perhaps it was just fog?) with the promise of sunshine and warmer weather. However, when we reached the trailhead, we still found it to be chilly.
The best thing about being out in the mountains preparing for a hike was that our dear friends were with us. I think at least once a year we have a tried to take a hike in the spring with them and in the best of years we have been able to take two-one in both spring and fall.! It is hard to manage everyone's schedules so we are a bit behind this year. I was so happy that our schedules had coincided enough for all of us to be together. Our girls are often together, but it is very infrequent that all of us can be together focused on our time together and enjoying one another's company for an extended period. I was looking forward to a great day of "catching up"!
We had two additional friends along-another girlfriend to round out our girls to an even number of 6 AND our dog, Griffin. This would be his first LOOOOOOOOOONG hike. We started our hike about 1030 and found it to be a gentle but persistent uphill grade. We were really zooming along which we often do in our effort to get there, not knowing how long to the destination. However, some of us began to fall behind and, regretfully, in our hurry, I think we missed some of the beautiful scenery. The sun was out and was warming us up signicantly, the clouds were clearing and the Rhody's (Rhododendrons) were in full bloom. At our normal elevation they had peaked weeks before so we got to enjoy them twice!

Later on in the morning, we happened upon part of our crew that had stopped to take a break amidst the rhody's and the moss. See their mustaches and beards?


Our destination? An old plane crash sight of a B-17 from the 1950'sas well as some mine exploration. However, we knew that in order to reach it, there was a significant uphill climb at the end. We had been told the distance was only about 4/10 of a mile. After doing it, I have my doubts that it was only 4/10. It felt much longer! Around 1145 or so, we ran into someone we know. Isn't that amazing? Even what is more amazing is that on a previous hike a year or two ago, we had done the same thing! They assured us that we were almost there. The trail had gotten less uphill but had had some pleasant interludes of levelness interspersed with some climbing so we were ready to get there and enjoy it. Unfortunately, we also had a bit of time crunch with evening committments. We began the uphill climb, sometimes nearly vertical with slippery slate underfoot. Griffin had done really well for most of the hike, but was more difficult to control on the steep and narrow grade. Everyone had gone on ahead although my friend was still in my sight. Farmer Girl was behind me and ready to turn around and Bob with Griffin and The Scribbler brought up the rear. I think we may have given up if not for the man who passed up heading down who told us it was just right around the corner! Three of these four were the first to arrive. They were playing on a plane wing, I believe. This was a gourgeous valley where the sun graced us and warmed us. The mountains were topped with snow too.
My friend and I sat on this wing eating our lunch, trying not to snag our clothes on the sharp edged ripped metal. The funny thing is we both brought leftover homemade pizza. She had made Pioneer Woman's Potato and Leek pizza (if I get to eat some of it without making it myself does that count as trying that recipe? :)). It was very good=she shared with me. Our pizza was just our basic regular pizza that we make all the time. :) I shared my Oatmeal Crispies with them though. YUM. It was so nice in this valley and we were so reluctant to leave. We promised ourselves that we would do it again with more time to spare AND without the dog who, although he did great, did hold us up a bit in some instances.


The other couple who we had met on the trail took our picture. We don't often get the entire group because we are often the only ones there so that was a neat blessing.
Reluctantly, we left our valley at 130 with a deadline of 4 for reaching home. The trail home was much easier, especially once we passed the steep portion. After that, the rest was a piece of cake and almost all downhill. We were a bit later than hoped. We were so sore! and Griffin just laid in the van exhausted. Too funny.

It was a lovely time and I look forward to another time there when we can be more leisurely and less worried about what to expect at the end of the trail. We didn't get to explore the caves or the leftover bits of a previous mining town. Maybe next time......However, it was a great way to spend a day with dear and special friends and a great way to enjoy a summer weekend! Thanks, dear and special friends! Your friendship is a blessing to us in so many ways.

Ellie~