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Here we are
stopping for the traditional picture at the first lookout.
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Every so often
as we drove the 23 miles to the end of the road we caught glimpses
of scenery like this.
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The road ended in a 'bowl'
surrounded by mountains. It is also a trailhead and it was very
very busy on Saturday. I asked one of the hikers how far it was
to Cascade Pass. 'Three miles or so' he answered, 'but there's
an elevation gain of 1.800 feet and it's full of switchbacks and
a glacier traverse.' I don't think I'll be trying that any time
soon.
Near the bottom left of the above image is the road upon which
we traveled. It was barely a car width wide. It too wound along
the mountain sides.
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Still, it's
absolutely stunning in all directions just from the parking lot.
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Flanking the rocky mountains
are lush green meadows.
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Here and there
along the way were small waterfalls bringing the mountain snow melt
to the rivers.
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I was able to
identify this pretty butterfly as a Clodius
Parnassian.
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I followed it
for a while and took lots of pictures. It seemed almost translucent.
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Columbia Lily
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Crimson Columbine
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