I actually had planned to add more to that, but the escapism worked, and I'm calm now.
I accomplished a number of things here, some were unforeseen. First, I'm in significantly better shape than I thought. On the bike ride in (the first 12 miles of forest road), I felt like crap which I assumed was because of the heavy pack on the ancient bike. I discovered on the way out that the entire road is like a 1% grade, which you can't see going up, but I basically coasted all the way back to the car, which is why I'm home earlier than I expected (also because I got bored). Left home at about 6:30 after teaching the kids martial arts in Edmonds, and was on the trail by around 8:15ish.
I got to my first camp at Downey Creek, set up in the fading light (about 9:30, good ol' solstice), and since EVERY campsite along this road and trail had fire pits, I decided I would treat myself for the first time in ages.
Tuesday was a long haul, starting with actually getting to the trailhead. Sulphur creek is an old, dead car camping site.
Like, seriously?!?
You could totally make it!
Then on the trail. So, one of the things I (re)learned was that I hate repetitive forest hikes that don't actually go anywhere. The other thing is that from this trail, there are trails that DO actually go cool places.... when the snow isn't trying to kill you. Lots of cool waterfalls though:
I'd be impressed if they shot that from far away.....but I doubt it.
Oddly, I immediately thought of my friend Shelly, who isn't actually obsessed, but always seems interested in bones of all ages.
I should have taken a picture from down below, this bridge is pretty high up actually. Also, it's a suspension bridge, so it wobbles when you go across it...
So, I hiked probably 4 miles beyond the bridge (which I'm told is the 6 mile mark) with a number of detours, backtracks, and side trips, I eventually gave up trying to find a campsite, hiked back, and set up at the horse camp by the bridge.
Both the trail AND the road were being worked on, WHILE I was there. Interesting.
Anyway, woke up at 9 or so and headed out after breakfast. My original plan was to take it easy, get out to the halfway point and camp again. However, I was kinda bored and making damned good time, by the time I started riding the bike, I got hit the realization that it was literally all downhill to the car.... so away I went.
But while I was hiking and getting bored, I started taking pictures of the trail.
To my knowledge, there is no place untouched by logging, but there were sections of this trail that might have been...I may have to look it up.
To me, ferns are a happy plant. They're so soft and pleasant, no thorns or hard edges. So many varieties, from the huge mesozioc ones in Hawaii, to the cute mini ones here. I love ferns.
On your right, there is a banded metamorphic mess, typical of the cascades. In the river is a mess of valcanics, you know, from the volcano. (This river is actually the main lahar path from glacier peak, which could be another reason there are no ancient trees here)
On the way out I actually walked around the Sulphur Creek campground while eating lunch.... definitely been a while since this place has had traffic.
This is actually on the road in. Theres a detour around the side. I just found the obviousness of the sign humorous.
So, I made such good time, that I decided to go for a cruise. Lake Diablo called my name. Stopped by the overlook, the sign said high wind warning, but shit....it was like a hurricane up there! Daayyyum.
Anyway, loooootta miles on these old bones. Until next time children....
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