Mt. Baker

Up at the Mt. Baker ski area, there are hikes out of bounds. Sometimes this isn't a safe thing to do, I mean folks get killed in avalanches. This is me. I'm doing my first shoeshoe climb up to Artist Point. Which was some trek, even a good friend of mine who hikes a lot said, "Wow, you went to Artist Point?"

I never turn down a challenge, although later, my body complains. But really, that goes away and then I'm left with these incredible pictures of snowy trees, or alpine lakes, or memories of climbing to the top of ridges overlooking grand land and lake and sea. What could be better?

This particular day--my birthday in April, not a cloud in the sky. In fact, the crows flew over, eagles too, and made shadows on the snow. It was warm enough to sit and have lunch, strip down to sweater and take in the glorious sun. It rains so much here, don't let anyone tell you differently, that when we get sun, we get out in it.

My next trip will be mid-August, with David, who will be coming back from Arctic where he has been seeing 20-25 polar bear per 10 day cruise. He's been on a number of these cruises this summer working as a naturalist and guide. We're going to the Nooksack River. Camping and hiking. Can't wait and the weather has been fabulous. Well, hopefully it will stay for that weekend. I'm guessing it will.

More later. Have fun exploring your world.

Nan