May 4, 2013
It's been a lovely few days. This time of year, however, can be a bit tricky for mountain travel. Suddenly warming temperatures can contribute to avalanches. We decided to explore the Sky(komish) Valley, to the east of us.
     
   
     
We drove east along Highway 2 on a very sunny morning, heading for Spada Lake, Snohomish County’s largest lake which supplies drinking water to much of the County.
 
     
   
     
We got very close, but had to turn back because of a snow-blocked road. We learned early on in our time in Washington State not to mess around in snow.
 
     
   
     
Some of the snow piles were pretty tall.
 
     
   
     

Ugh! Shell casings. I hope it's not humting season!
 

     
   
     

Many of the creeks were running in full force today.
 

     
   
     
This chap was tiptoeing in full force too - away from us.
 
     
   
     
Oh joy - there were bazillions of trilliums - some singles.
 
     
   
     
...some doubles,
 
     
   
     
...and even some triples. They remind me of my home province of Ontario, Canada.
 
     
   
     
There were lots of tiny little yellow Wood Violets too.
   
     
   
     
Oh! It's Bigfoot! Ummmm, nope, just me. :)
 
     
   
     
Our second try - a path along Rapid River came to an abrupt end as well..
 
     
   
     
What a pretty lunch spot.
 
     
   
     
This is near the town of Index. It was warm and sunny and stunning.
 
     
   
     
A great many Question Mark butterflies were around today.
   
     
   
     
'There's one!' says Tim. I hope he doesn't lose his footing.
 
     
   
     
The woods were also full of Skunk Cabbage plants.
 
     
   
     
These are the Guardians of the Gates near a No Trespassing sign. They made us smile.
 
     
   
     
The ride along Route 2 is gorgeous on a sunny day. Too bad there aren't more places to stop the car.
   
     
   
     
It was so nice to get out on a sunny weekend for a change.!