The parking lot was full as to be expected on a weekend but not a week day. We made our way around and found a spot from a camper that had just left. shouldering our gear we headed out for our second attempt at this this hike. It had been one week and already we could tell the difference in the wild flowers. It was probably the peak of their season. They were lush and full and breathtaking. Each bend and curve showcased more and more blooms. The cloud cover was low and so what might have been impressive views turned to sneak peaks and tempting  fleeting glimpses. The trail while not difficult did continue to rise. side shoots were closed due to restoration of the fauna and as much as I would have liked we did not stray from our main objective the fire lookout cabin.  The cabin itself dates back to 1932 and there is a short ladder to climb to the wrap around deck with sweeping views of the Mount Baker Wilderness and Mount Baker itself.  Unfortunately we could only guess at what an imposing view Mount Baker normally would be since it was completely socked in. However we were able to see the spectacular view of the Skagit River Valley as well as the Bell Pass Trail which connects to Elbow Lake Trail and a different trail head.  Would be fun to meet another group going the opposite way and switch vehicles.  Food for thought.









 

One evening my husband and daughter went paddling while I stayed behind. I needed a little time alone to be refreshed.  they had a marvelous time. when I saw the video that my daughter took while kayaking with a seal that popped up behind her I knew that I had missed out and yet I knew that they had needed that bonding time together without me interfering.  The following week my husband took me out on the kayaks to see if we could find the seals which apparently aren't all that difficult to spot. The congregate on the docks at Drayton Harbor. We bobbed along, listening to them bark and snuff, watching them watch us. They would slip into the water and then raise their heads out as far as possible to see what we were doing.  Every now and then they would pop up beside us or behind us.  If their attention was on another boat and then they caught us watching us, they would quickly duck under to safety.  There was definitely a place for the young pups and the older seals. The older ones could flip themselves up onto the floating docks about a 2 feet out of the water. Then they would lumber and scoot around so that they had a quick entrance back into the water. They would roll onto their side to sleep, clean their flippers, or look around. A little bickering here or there, massive bodies moving out of the way or not, it was all a production. I sat in my kayak amazed that I hadn't experienced this before and we've lived here almost 20 years. Of course I didn't take my camera but vowed that next time I wasn't gong to leave it at home.  And so a week later we were out there again on another beautiful Pacific Northwest Evening with my backup camera in hand. This second evening on the water was considerably warmer and had been for a good portion of the week.  That meant we could smell the seals long before hearing them or seeing them. That smell coupled with bobbing up and down while trying to take sharp crisp photos did a number on my stomach. It was a calm evening and in the protected harbor, it was flat. I however have no stomach for the water what so ever unfortunately.  I felt the uneasiness long into the night even after arriving home. And yet, I am already planning another visit on the water with my camera.  














 

We arrived at the tail head in an absolute down pour and decided to wait it out in the truck before venturing out on the trail. With our packs covered and our rain gear on we put our boots on the muddy trail. We past a marsh and pond quickly making our way into the forest with huckleberry bushes and heather on each side dripping a bit of water onto our legs. As we neared rocky creek crossings they were marked by cairns, we could hear the whistles of marmots. We scanned the area as we moved through it but saw nothing on the way up. Eventually we came to a split in the trail. One way lead to Railroad grade trail and summiter's camps, the other to Park Butte Lookout and Bell Pass. Just as we were to climb to another trail junction with Bell Pass Trail, Isaac became ill and instead we turned around to head home.  Though we hadn't made it to the lookout, it was worth the effort of just getting out of the house.  This hike will be here another day. Sometime I hope to stay in the cabin at the top.