Lake Christine and Mt. Beljica Hike on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011

On Tuesday, November 1, 2011, Bronka, Ted and I and our two doggies, Polly and Buster, hiked to Christine Lake and up to Mt. Beljica. We drove up Copper Creek Road, Road 59, which was a challenge, but the road has improved since the last time we were there. We were the only ones on the trailhead. As we started up the trail and it was steep! I forgot how steep it was, but Bronka was had no problem with it. Also, the trail was very narrow in places. It is about a mile to Lake Christine and because we were there so early, there was a layer of ice on it. The lake was very beautiful and sparkled. In the distance we could see Mt. Beljica. It sure looked far away. It was a little difficult to find the trail because of the snow, but managed to eventually find it.

We found the trail heading up to Mt. Beljica, It was steep and icy in places, Bronka had no problem. When we summated Mt. Beljica, what a great view! It seemed as if you could touch the mountain. After having a great lunch and enjoying the wonderful views and sunshine, it was time to head down. Well, we lost the trail heading down and thought we were on one and started down a very steep slope. Bronka did great going down, but Ted found the right trail and we had to go back up the slope. Then headed down the trail. It was a little icy in places, but eventually made it down okay. As Bronka and I hiked down the trail, we saw Ted talking with another hiker. Apparently he was one of the initials of Mt. Beljeca. It was strange, because the last time Ted and I and Bronka hiked up there, we met some hikers who were the grandchildren of one of the letters of Mt. Beljica. It was interesting taking with them.

We met one more hiker as we headed down. We all had a great time and Bronka was amazing as always. After the hike we took a drive up to Glacier Vista. It was amazing! We all had a wonderful day and the dogs were very happy too!!!

Lake Christine and Mt. Beljica Hike On Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011

Eagle Peak Hike on Monday, October 31, 2011

On Monday, October 31, 2011. The ladies Monday group of hikers decided to hike up to Eagle Peak. Bronka, Ealane, Carol W., Carol L., and Gertrude and me. It was a cloudy and drizzly day, but we did not let weather cloud our day. We were all excited and ready to get out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Mt. Rainier park and conquer Eagle Peak.

I had never been to Eagle Peak, so I was looking forward to go there. We parked in Longmire and walked over to the bridge that crossed the Nisqually River. The marker at the trailhead said 3.9 miles. As we hiked up the trail I was pleasantly surprised as to how nice it was.

After hiking up about two miles, we started to get into some snow. The higher we went the flakes got bigger, so we decided to go back and have lunch near a creek. It was really nice, not raining nor snowing. I think we were all ready to eat after hiking up hill for a while.

After lunch we hiked back down the trail. Although still a little drizzly, we all had a wonderful time of just visiting with one another. Bronka always brings a little sunshine with her and sprinkles it on all of us.

Eagle Peak Hike on Monday, October 31, 2011

Glacier Basin Hike on Monday, October 17, 2011

Another great hike on Monday with Bronka's Monday ladies group of hikers. Bronka and I picked Carol W. up at her home and drove to the Buckley Park & Ride to meet the other hikers, Ealane, Gertrude, Carol and Laurie. The hike was to be at Glacier Basin in Mt. Rainier Park.

The sun was out and the weather was fantastic! We were all excited and ready to get on the trail. The trail was great. I had heard that the Washington Trail Assoc. volunteers had been out there earlier this year to work on the trail as there had been some flooding and blow downs. It is about three miles to the basin.

I think the fun part of hiking is talking to one another. All the ladies are so great and fun to be with. There is always so much to chat about. And the surroundings are amazing.

We stopped many times to view the mountain. It was a little hazy, but always great to see. As we got closer to the camps, there was some ice and snow, but not too bad.

When we got past the campground, we stopped at a spot where we had a great view of the basin as well as the river below us. We were all pretty hungry and ready for lunch. Ealaine shared her chocolates, which we all enjoyed.

We did not want to go back, but after an hour it was time. We had a nice hike back. When we came to our vehicles, Ealane brought out a wonderful chocolate birthday cake for the two Carols as they had had birthdays. After singing Happy Birthday, we all had a piece and it was so yummy! Carol W. brought some wonderful pumpkin cupcakes which I pigged out on a couple as they were sooo good too! After eating and drinking coffee and tea, it was time to go home. A great time was held by all! Looking forward to the next hike.

Glacier Basin Hike on Monday, October 17, 2011

Summit Lake Hike on Saturday, October 15, 2011

Had a wonderful time on Saturday on our hike to Summit Lake. Bronka was joined by me, Ted, Liz, Bev, Dione, Layne and doggie, Cody. It was an awesome fall day full of sunshine! The lake was beautiful and Mt. Rainier was very clear.

The hike up to Summit Lake was nice and gradual. We passed beautiful twin lakes along the way. Summit Lake was great. Then hiked up hill above to Summit Lake to view Mt. Rainier.

We met some people there while having lunch. There was a couple with their black lab dog. The lady happened to be Polish and her husband was Danish. Bronka and the couple had a great visit. I think that is what I enjoy about hiking is that we meet such nice people.

We truly enjoyed the view there as well as the fellowship. My husband, Ted, and I were married on hill above Summit Lake over 21 years ago.

One of the hikers, Liz, does geo caching and managed to find a couple caches. It was really fun.

We all had a wonderful time, looking forward to the next hike. As always, Bronka proved herself a strong hiker, especially hiking up the steep hill above Summit Lake.

Summit Lake Saturday, October 15, 2011

Summit Lake

Hike on Skyline Trail at Paradise, Mt. Rainier, September 19, 2011

Bronka and Monday hiking group, Ealane, Carol, Gertrude and me (Rose) hiked on the Skyline Trail. The day started off cool, cloudy and misty. We all put on our jackets and headed up the trail. We got warm fast as we hiked up the hill.

Bronka ran into a couple of guides that she knows who were bringing climbers down from the mountain. One of them was named Solvy, but I do not know what the other guide's name was. They were very happy to see Bronka.

There was some snow on the trail, but not much. As we continued up the Skyline Trail, sunshine broke through and the warm from the sun. Then we saw the mountain through the mist. We all had a great lunch on the upper Skyline. Ealane shared some wonderful sweet tomatoes as well as delicious chocolates.

We all had a wonderful time!

Hike on Skyline Trail at Paradise, Mt. Rainier, September 19, 2011

Skyline Hike at Paradise, Mt. Rainier, September 19, 2011