Off we went on Saturday morning with allegedly a 30% chance of rain.

We learned quickly that we were in the 30%. Near Barlow Pass we stopped for a look at Big Four, shrouded in mist, fog and drizzle.

 

A short walk down the boardwalk showed us that Spring was quite far behind here. The only 'flowers' we saw were Skunk Cabbages, one Wood Violet and a sad-looking little Trillium.

 

It was pretty soggy. Members of the Snohomish County Search & Rescue Team were preparing for a Practice Rescue at the Ice Caves near the end of the trail, complete with helicopter (if the fog lifted).

 

As we drove along to Barlow Pass and the Mountain Loop Road we spotted many Trilliums.
 

They shone out of the dark underbrush, glisteming with rain.
 

Here and there we ran into snow on the Mountain Loop 'Highway', a single lane with turnouts.
 

It was nice to find several different colored Trilliums.
 

We only see Trilliums a few days a year, so I welcome the sight of them.
 

Good-bye until next year, my lovely little friends.
 

The Sauk River was racing down the road beside us.
 

Lots of pretty little Wood Violets made the roadside very colorful.
 

Much of the roadside was thick woods, a bazillion shades of green.
 

There were lots of small waterfalls too.
 

Here I am catching a brief sunbreak through the trees.
 

Forest Road 24 was a new logging road for us. It wound up the mountains and along towards the city of Darrington on the east side of the Sauk River. Tim saw a Grouse crossing the road, followed by her babies who ran like heck! Unfortunately they were out of our camera range and this is the only picture that semi-turned out.

Our lunch view was this beautiful valley on the Sauk River.
 

 Oooooooh! More wildlife - hightailing it for the woods
 

...followed closely by his buddy.
 
And with that, we hightailed it for home too thankful for a small break in the rain.

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