Eightmile Lake Trail, Leavenworth Washington

Half a year ago, we took another drive up the very bumpy, rutty road to the Eightmile Lake Trail. I think after this hike I was pretty much set on this being my last trip up this semi-terrible road for the year. I am simply amazed by the amount of traffic up and down this road and with very little road work done to it. Nothing like getting your teeth rattled out of your head. Not sure if it was this trip or the one before, but I felt very sorry for some folks that busted their oil pan going up the hill. Never a good thing. I still think I need to buy me a beater vehicle to get me to trail heads on rough roads, and tight parking areas, so if I get a few scratches and dents it wont cause me heart failure. Early to the trail head has always been my theory during the spring, and summer, and fall. There's something about getting up the trail early before the droves of folks show up, quiet, peaceful and great spots close to the lake, and if your lucky the little peeps show up to see who's brought them some treats. Eightmile Lake Trail is a nice stroll up and down little mounds through out the valley floor. Our timing was perfect for catching the ferns just coming up, the lupine was lovely, so much color. Very pretty trail, makes for a nice hike with kids, not to tough. I imagine this area is very hot during the summer, a little exposed.

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Cutthroat Trail.......Snowshoeing North Cascades Highway

I have a confession to make, I have been having some winter blues. Not sure if they can be officially called winter blues due to we have had little to no winter. I have been very impatiently waiting for the snow to arrive, it comes, blows through, makes the ground white, then its gone. The last few days we have been sitting at temperatures in the 40's. What is up with winter. One thing I can say for sure is I am very thankful for the few trips we made up highway 20 before the silver star gate was closed. Our trip to Cutthroat Trail was back in November, when we had visions of winter coming to the valley very soon. The snow was nice and fluffy and deep. Pleasant day to get out and enjoy it, one of those days where your not sure if the clouds where going to allow the blue sky to show it self or not. We parked right off the highway with a couple of other cars and Snowshoed up the road to the trail head. Wasn't very long and more hikers, cross country skiers, and furry

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Carlton Complex Wildfire, Pateros Washington

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Lost In The Right Direction

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