Hikers: Jen, Janet & Moi
Date: Saturday, June 18, 2011
Weather: Much wetter than the meteorologists led us to believe
I meet up with Jen & Janet out in Maple Falls. Our original plan was to hike the Goat Mountain trail (in the same vicinity of Hannegan), but with the obvious low level clouds and precipitation, we accepted the fact that views would be minimal, if at all.
We also accepted the fact that a walk along the Hannegan road would suffice in these conditions. Jen had already done some research and knew that snow along the Hannegan road was preventing people from driving all the way to the trail head.
Since this would be my first time out that direction, I was excited to visit this area - even if was just a road walk.
On the way up Hannegan Road, we took a short detour to the Nooksack Cirque trail head (another new spot for me). The Nooksack Cirque trail used to start with a bridge, but the bridge is gone so it's necessary to cross on a couple of downed trees, a couple times. It's a risky task, and can prove to be even more risky when you return later in the day if the water level rises, as it generally does.
Eventually, we passed the Goat Mountain trail head and shortly thereafter we parked at a wide spot in the road and started hiking. And picture taking.
Saw a woodpecker with red feathers. Just like Woody. This is what he looks like if I wasn't wearing contacts.
Crossed a solid mass of snow and debris left over from winter avalanches.
Enjoyed the beauty of the crystal clear Nooksack River.
There is a new outhouse at the trail head.
It was pouring buckets by the time we arrived at the trail head, so we had lunch in the sturdy shelter while we waited for the rain to slow down.
Once it did, we ventured up the actual trail for about 100 yards or so, took a picture of a cool rock with a stripe and a picture of the rocky hill above us.
No bears today. It seems the majority of trip reports from hikers heading to Hannegan Pass along this trail include bear sightings (the primary reason that I've not done this hike yet) but they were probably at the annual Bear Solstice Party instead of foraging for food in the rain. Probably it was a potluck.
Lots of False Hellabore or Corn Lily's (Lillies?) were popping up all over the place. Love these plants!
Returned to the vehicle without incident. Back to Jen's house a short while later where we transferred stuff from one car to the other and then headed out for a second hike with others up at Heather Meadows. That report will be coming in the next few days.
Stay tuned...
Happy Trails!
~E
David let me know that it probably is a red bellied sapsucker, not a woodpecker.
ReplyDeleteProbably his name is still Woody though.
Actually, a Red Breasted Sapsucker.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am talking to myself.
ReplyDeleteAgain.