just another one of nature's pimples

Last weekend was my first official backpacking trip. Trish's as well, and we brought our friend Mike along as our official guide. There were some slight hitches in the plan. It's late august and the trails are still snow covered! But luckily the friendly ranger directed us to the high divide trail at excelsior pass and excelsior peak. I couldn't help but laugh when mike took a long look at baker and said "just another one of nature's pimples".

On the way up

the divide

ahhh... shuksan

amazing flowers...

camp

the view into the north cascades

full moon

morning sun on baker

the trail back down

The wrong trail was the right trail

My personal opinion is that the Teanaway valley in Eastern Washington is the undiscovered jewel of the cascades. Natasha and I headed over there last weekend for some sun, hiking and v for vacation style relaxation! The hiking was sublime although a misjudgement at a fork in the trail lead us away from our intended destination. Luckily, our trail lead us to a little slice of heaven in a valley below bean peak. Happy hour at the river across from our home away from home completed the amazing day!

Our home away from home

hitting the trail

The meadow

Paintbrush-- my favorite

So happy

Bathing beauty