[Sadie's Driver]

bugs,bugs,bugs Woke up to rain! Heard there might be some, but didn't believe it. Sadie was focused on Red Mountain today. Rain might change the itinerary. bugs, bugs, bugs Promised Kid #2 and her friend - they drove ALL the way from New Hampshire - that they would get a hike, too. Sadie was ready. 7:00 a.m. start time (Kid2 is NOT a morning person). bugs bugs bugs. Hiker Jim joined - said something about 7500' in 4 days looking to score almost 30 miles. So, we agreed to head to the pass and see what the weather looked like before deciding. There were clouds - not threatening, but we wondered if the summit of Red would be clouded. Pressed on towards Easton and decided on Bald Mountain. Traffic was very, very light. bugs bugs bugs We got to the trailhead and nary a car in sight. It was about 8:30 a.m. bugs bugs bugs

Start of the trail to Easton Ridge trail and Bald Mtn.

Due to the fact that there was a whole battalion of mosquitoes just ready to eat our juicy bodies, we wasted no time at the car and getting on the trail. The first stop was Silver Creek at the bridge - this would be the last water for the four-legged friends - at least free-flowing water.

Silver Creek Bridge - the only water on the trail

bugs, bugs, bugs In fact, we wasted no time making our way up the trail. Deet-Deet-Deet-a-Deet-Deet-Deet.

Heading up the trail

Those young 'ens just about ran up that trail. Kid2 and Mike with dog Clover, were all about moving fast and swift up that trail. Thought they could out-run those bugs, bugs, bugs. Although the weather report was for 73 in Easton, it was easily 73 by 10:00 a.m. In fact, it was in the high 80s by the time we got back to the car! We found lots of flowers still in bloom (many I didn't take pictures of, but a few I did).

Tiger Lily

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Lupine

Penstemmon

Columbine

Bear Grass

Scarlett Gilia

We found some spots to gawk at the views and the doggies could take a quick rest in the shade.

Kid 2 with Mike, Clover and Sadie

The Big "R" from the trail

Lake Kachess

Kid #2 and friend Mike with Raininer in the background

On we hiked (at a good clip, mind you).

Definitely heading UP the trail

We reached the "T" - where you can decide to go to Thomas or on to Bald - we opted for Bald - better views. The ridge we were on was up and down, but fairly moderate (welcome after the steep stuff we had just come up).

On to the Domerie Divide Trail and Bald Mtn.

Lots of flowers along the way - they are still in good shape - some past their prime, some just in bloom - two more weeks and they will be history. We continued on up Domerie Divide Trail and could see Bald in peek-a-boo views.

Bald from the trail

Finally, we were on the south side of Bald and found a way-trail that would lead us up the last 200' to the top.

Last jaunt up to Bald Mtn.

Lovely.

Lake Cle Elum and Stuart Range

A light breeze. bugs, bugs, bugs Once on top, we had a lovely little picnic - deet-deet-deet-a-deet-deet-deet

Mike and Katie with Sadie and Clover on top of Bald

Clover resting on the mountain top

The group on top of Bald

The dogs drank just about all of our water and had a bite to eat too. They very all about the views as well. Mike (kid friend from NH) loved the 360 - he wasn't in New Hampster anymore!

Summit Sadie bags another one (Bald Mtn.)

Plaque on the Mountain

KT with her friends on Bald Mtn.

Stayed for as long as we could, without becoming a meal for our flying friends. Did I mention there were bugs on this trail? Down we headed.

Heading back down the trail

Fields of flowers

It was hot. It was steep. It was slippery. Kid2 managed to slip a few times - thank goodness for those poles. Finally got back down to Silver Creek. Doggy heaven. People heaven too.

The best part of the trip - a dip in a cool creek for the hot dog!

The end of the trip - back at Silver Creek

Bugs had subsided some, due to the heat. Toasty in the car. Thank goodness for that cold Diet Coke that the Driver manages to include on each trip. All agreed that a stop at Lake Easton was in order. Cool our tootsies and Sadie could chase sticks.

Hiker Jim and Sadie chillin' at Lake Easton

The kids chillin' at Lake Easton

The clouds became ominous and thunder followed. Good thing we weren't still on the ridge. Headed back to Seattle with little traffic. Back on Queen Anne before 3:00 p.m. Stats: 3000+ gain; 9 miles or so; 4.5 hours car to car!!!!! (and that included a break for lunch!) Nice trip on a lovely 4th of July. We probably could have done Red Mtn. after all - but this was a nice trip. Sadie enjoyed her trail buddy. Did I mention the bugs, bugs, bugs? Be prepared.