Thor, Bear dog, and I simply HAD to return to the mountains this summer, despite some mobility issues. Another Geezer Adventure.
According to Thor, Bear dog is about the same age in dog years as our own early 70s. We are all getting gimpy — much sooner than I expected — but we still feel the call of the wild. I finally said, “We ARE going up to Mt. Baker this week, and we’ll just go as far as we can.” We chose the Bagley Lakes trail on the skirts of Mt. Baker (the native Koma Kulshan), a pretty low-key hike. Even two years ago, we would have scoffed at the thought of this “light appetizer” hike presenting a challenge, but we have learned that we need to go with the flow of our bodies. We made it around the loop! And we were “Being. Here. Now” in the glorious mountain air with the lush greenery feeding our souls.
First, the steep mountain road winding above the ski lodge on the skirts of Mt. Shuksan.
The start of the trail still offers a glimpse of Mt. Shuksan.
Across the first lake, we see Table Mountain.
It was invigorating to breathe the fresh mountain air — with deep gratitude for being spared in our area from the terrible heat and wildfires all over the globe. Everything on the mountain is still fresh and lush green.
Some of the columnar andesite found all over these mountains, product of the volcanic flows and cooling. Trail builders often use them for stairsteps. Because of permanent nerve damage in his right calf and foot, Thor has to use poles for balance and wear an orthopedic device that provides a push-off for walking. The uneven, rocky sections pose a challenge for him, but he is a god! And he still does all the driving — my hero!
Bear took his first dip and long drink of the brisk creek flowing between the lakes.
Monkey flowers, among a host of other wild blooms.
Due to nerve pain from cervical stenosis, persisting after two surgeries since December, I’ve been very limited in walking, as the jarring (as well as keyboard time) sets off the pain. The hike was painful, but well worth it to spend a day in the alpine beauty.
A old stone bridge, which I believe was built by the CCC workers during the Depression. We have a lot of Forest Service buildings in this area built by the CCC guys. We need a program like that again!
Bear dog’s second dip in the farthest lake.
After a picnic by the lake, we headed around the other side of the loop.
More columnar andesite forming a natural wall:
Trickles of melting snow were still supporting lush moss and ferns.
We made it back to the first lake, and it was time for my ritual skinny-dip in the mountain chill, as Bear dog kept watch. When you swim in that clear mountain snowmelt on a hot summer day, you know you’re alive!
*****
You will find The Rambling Writer’s blog posts here every Saturday. Sara’s latest novel from Book View Café is Pause, partly a love story to her beloved native wild places of the Pacific Northwest. It is a First Place winner of the Chanticleer Somerset Award and an International Pulpwood Queens Book Club selection. “A must-read novel about friendship, love, and killer hot flashes.” (Mindy Klasky). Sign up for her quarterly email newsletter at www.sarastamey.com
