Pre-trip Notes

It has been almost a year to the day since Stacey and I hiked the Hannegan Pass Trail just outside North Cascades National Park.  We had hiked from the Mount Baker Wilderness into the Park over Hannegan Pass to specifically hike through snow without the luxury of following a trail to practice for our Continental Divide Trail Odyssey.  However, this year, the trail is actually about two weeks ahead in terms of snow melt progress compared to the same time last year.  It was absolutely beautiful and I should have just kept on hiking deeper into the wilderness.  The cascades and the Pacific Northwest Trail are indeed ready for travel. 

I must have seen about three dozen species of flowering plants exposing themselves to a bright lit world.  I ran into a person who said that it looked like the wildflowers were about to bloom.  I didn't quite understand her point of view.  :)  I personally must have seen about a million flowering plants today alone.  The energy out there was intense.  I made friends with pikas and two bears up close, and even got to see and hear a yellow warbler a couple of times.  Juncos and pine siskins kept me company for most of the trip.  I heard and saw three different types of thrushes, and even the ubiquitous Robin was Enjoying this summeresque day.  The Blue Grouse continuously announced its presence while a tribe of Gray Jays checked me out to see if an easy meal could be had.

Stacey and I will begin our 1200 mile Pacific Northwest Trail Journey sometime this Sunday or Monday starting at Lake Ozette in Olympic National Park, my old home where I used to conduct research on Sea Otters.  We will be sure to keep you all posted on our Trek to Montana where we will be ending in Glacier National Park probably sometime in August.

Have a great summer everyone!

Wayfaring bern and Enchanted stace