Mt Rainier National Park, Washington
Date Walked: 14th July 2009
Distance: 5.2 miles (8.5km)
Actual Ascent: 977 ft (298m)
Time Taken: 2.5 hours
Less than 8 weeks after a foot operation I find myself staring at a beautiful mountain, unfortunately staring at it was about as close as I would get this day. I was pleased to be out and about even if it was just 'strengthening' after the op. so I stuck to the lower levels and followed a dry river bed as far as I dare before turning back, just pleased to have been out at all.
I parked by the roadside soon after entering the Mt Rainier National Park and headed off into the woodland on a well worn pathway
After a short time passing through some quite dense rainforest I saw a clearing in the trees and the dry river bed beyond
As I stepped out into the space it opened up where melt water had cascaded down clearing all in its way and I turned left and headed upstream
the river bed was strewn with carcasses of long dead trees, hammered by nature and laid to rest in the rocks, this one made a nice foreground filler for my first shot of that pristine mountain
Further up I was interested to see the park approach to bridging the flow of water using 'disposable bridges' made of a single pine cut on 2 sides with the addition of a rustic handrail.
Crossing the makeshift bridge I took the path to the right and into the trees on the opposite side intending to make a loop, the path appeared to be heading the way I wanted so I followed it. I soon came upon another stream and another 'pine bridge'.
After less than an hour walking downstream the water had slowed, narrowed and turned into ........ something, but at least, looking downstream, I could see the hills adjacent to where I had started away in the distance.
A last look upstream at the mountain before heading back to the car.
I drove around the park limping around a number of waterfalls and viewpoints before heading out.
I am desperately trying to get back to a point where willpower and energy dictate my distance rather than pain and concern about potential repercussions of continuing, one day Mt Rainier.....one day ; )