[Elvis]

Took a day off work to enjoy a sunny day on the trail.

Unfortunately, I went to the wrong trail.

All fog, no sun.

Did manage to reach the lake this time, but couldn't see anything.

Enjoyed the small stuff and saw an owl flying around.

No snow at the TH... no snow on the trail until you are about 10 minutes from the lake.  About 6-10 inches, icy-topped snow at the lake.  Had Stabilicers and snow shoes, didn't use either.  I guess that makes this an Endurance trip.

Mt. Pilchuck gate is still open, even though the FS website indicates the gate would close on 12/1.

Pilchuck road has a new entrance, nicely paved, with a house right on the Mtn Loop Highway.  How is it that people can build houses out there? 

No one else was on the trail today.  Nice and quiet. 


Edit:  If anyone happens to find a black Nextel phone at the lake...this undated sign was hanging on the registration box.  It's not mine.

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Sedro-Woolley:  Where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage.
"Ill habits gather unseen degrees, as brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas."  ~John Dryden
My Trip List

[GeoTom]

[Quark]

Liar.  That owl's not flying around, he's just sitting there.

IMG_0695 is a bodacious photo.  Damn, the moss is glowing!

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"The next couple of miles smelt like burnt turkey and kept reminding me of thanksgivings with my ex-wife. "

chris-mbhc, NWHiker's Bulwer-Lytton contestant for 2011

[Sabahsboy]

Remarkable that you could get so near lake before walking on snow/ice.  North facing and forest chilled....amazing!  Similarly, the photos.  I like the shot with spider web and dew droplets.  Superb.

[Elvis]

Thanks everyone.

GeoTom - It appears (based on current signage) that the current construction is actually to stabilize or reinforce the bridge footing/support.  I expect they proactively rerouted the Pilchuck road because of the disappearing bank along the river and took the efficiency of doing both projects at the same time.  At least, that's my common sense, logical explanation.  It may be no where near the truth.

Quark... I thought of you numerous times on the trail today.

So many big - no, HUGE stumps in the area.  I wouldn't have been surprised at all to see your feet sticking out of them up in the air.


Don't take that the wrong way. 

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Sedro-Woolley:  Where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage.
"Ill habits gather unseen degrees, as brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas."  ~John Dryden
My Trip List

[Hiker Mama]

Your photos look remarkably like the time I was there a few years ago.  Brings back memories... You were so lucky to see an owl.  I'm happy for you that you got out today.  I thought about you - I was hoping to go hiking today, on my birthday, since Gabriel didn't have school, but it was not meant to be. Heather Lake is one of my fondest memories.  I think it just has a neat atmosphere.