|
|
| We took a detour
up the side of Mount Pilchuk. The visibility from the lookout was
quite poor, but there was plenty of pretty scenery on the way up
and down. |
|
|
|
Birches
lined the roadway and the crashing of water was often heard.
|
|
|
| Continuing eastward,
we found a new lookout! Storms had damaged some of the huge roadside
trees. Consequently their removal revealed a lovely vista. |
|
|
| We arrived at
Big Four and were happy to see that the clouds had lifted a little
and the mountain tops were peeking out. |
|
|
| The Ice Caves
at the foot of this mountain were out of bounds though, as the winter
storms had wiped out the bridge leading to them. Too bad. |
|
|
|
It was a
fine spot for lunch.
|
|
|
| Tim's watching
the clouds, and I thought I heard a bit of thunder, which is very
rare here in the Pacific Northwest. |
|
|
|
After lunch
we wandered along Sunrise Mine Road for more mountain views.
|
|
|
|
In Summer,
this will be a beautiful meadow. Right now it looks as if Spring
has barely touched it.
|
|
|
| Our favorite Mountain
Loop Highway is still closed. It's been shut since a big storm in
2003 wiped out part of the road. Rumor has it that it might be opening
next month. We were able to drive about a mile down the road. Here's
the rushing Sauk River which meanders back and forth beside the
Highway. |
|
|
| Is Tim happy
to be on Mountain Loop Road again? |
|
|
| I saw one lone
purple Trillium today. |
|
|
| White and pale
pink Trilliums carpeted the roadsides in the area. |
|
|
|
I believe this is a Marsh
Marigold. It's a tiny white flower.
|
|
|
| Here's a Bunchberry,
another small white flower. |
|
|
| And lastly,
many of the Salmonberry flowers were already turning into fruit. |
