The snow hadn't completely melted in the mountains and yet in the valley summer had arrived in full force. The road was pock marked with holes and small washed out cracks.  Downed trees has been sawed but not much else had been done to clear the way to the trailhead.  In fact the trailhead was only accessible by a mile walk past the large snow mass still covering the road that was in the shadows on the north facing slope.  The spring flowers had quickly soaked up the sun, pushed their way skyward and burst into bloom.  The valley below stretched away  under a gauzy blanket of cloud that was quickly disappearing with the heat of the summer sun. The trail wound its way along the west facing slope of Sauk Mountain, in and out of the shade, rising higher and higher, offering spectacular views of the Skagit River and quick peaks of Mount Baker.  Our annual trek up to the top always fills me with delight and this day was no different.  Once we crested the ridge, we found our way blocked by more snow and so we scrambled over snow fields and boulders until we found the perfect flat shaded area with a view. Our own private little retreat for as long as lunch lasts and a quick nap then the trail once again greeted us as we made our way down the mountain and back to our vehicle.  Another hike in the books and yet always enjoyable and satisfying.