[Bad Dog]

After spending Sunday with Trail Pair on one of their infamous trips where you take one step forward and two steps back, I thought Ginger Beer (remember that's cockney rhyming slang for "engineer") would take pity on me and break trail all the way. But no, he claims to be in the "process" of getting in shape so my hope of not having to participate in trench-making was shattered. We started out from exit 70 with a two-mile walk to the trailhead. Luckily for us we were well equipped for route-finding with a GPS, the knowledge of how to use it, a map and most importantly a trail sniffing dog that had been to Baldy once before.

Trail sniffing dog

After crossing the creek the trench construction began but the views along the way helped motivate us forward.

Bride crossing-not BG's favorite!

Easton Ridge Trail sign at GB's waist

That lake by I-90

Enjoying the view on the way up

It took 4 hours to get to the top of the ridge that connects Thomas and Baldy. The trees were simply stunning, completely covered in snow that barely a branch showed through.

Cle Elum Lake

Enchanted trees

Enchanted Trees

Enchanted trees

License Plate Mountain

Baldy-the summit we didn't reach

GB with Baldy in background

Scalloped snow

Although the weather forecast was for windy conditions, the air was dead calm and still so we could actually enjoy lunch. It took us 2.5 hours to get back to the car. Too bad we didn't get the summit but we dug the trench for the next person who might want to.

[goats gone wild]

Though you did not make the summit of Baldy, your summit view from License Plate is awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[TrailPair]

Those trees were gorgeous!