September 29, 2014
Last year we didn't make it to Heather Meadows and Artist Point, the termination of the Mount Baker Highway, as it was only open for a few weeks. The weather calendar recently suggested that snow might fall there this week so off we went on Sunday before 7 am, hoping to see one of our favorite places in Washington State.


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Oh boy, it was pretty foggy as we drove north to Burlington and Sedro Woolley.
   
     
   
     
Now and then the sun broke through and gave us a glimpse of the foothills.
 
     
   
     
Fall colors? Thanks to a very dry summer, our display seems limited to yellow and brown.
   
     
   
     
Up we go towards the top. It's good to see the Nooksack Range.
  
     
   
     
As we begin the climb to Artist Point there's a wonderful panorama at Austin Pass.
 
     
   
     
The two lane road with many hairpin turns has no barriers at the edge - just a sheer dropoff.

     
   
     
I'm thrilled to get my first glimpse of Mount Baker at the far end of the parking lot.
   
     
   
     
I'm using the bench here to steady myself. Why?
  
     
   
     
Because I am trying to photograph some Mountain Goats, far away on the rocky flanks of Mount Baker.
 
     
   
     
In the other direction is the glorious Mount Shuksan and some pretty vegetation.
The usually colorful display is rather subdued this year.


     
   
     
Here's a view down the valley towards Baker Lake.
   
     
   
     
A Willow Ptarmigan (and family) are quite tame. This is the summer plumage.
 
     
   
     
Not too happy, am I?

     
   
     
Artist Point Trail can be quite a challenge. Thank goodness for walking sticks.
   
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