New snow on a busy trail made for some treacherous walking. We should have had micro spikes for our shoes. We managed to get up and down without injury but were concerned for other hikers less prepared than we were. The redheads joined us for this one. They are less than impressed with Sky’s ability to ‘sit pretty’ but Sky doesn’t care.
It looks like fall in the mountains is coming to an end. It has continued to snow up there this week. I imagine the larch needles are falling to the ground.
Sky and I continue to enjoy the fall weather and fall colors too. Larch madness has lured us up and down many a trail in the last week and a half.
This trail began in the deep dark forest. There were stream crossings and an occasional glimpse of mountains across the way. Finally, we popped out into the sunlight and views of the subalpine larch trees in all their golden glory. Soon we were walking through the yellow trees, along with many other people. Everyone was going ooooh and ahhhh. It was breathtaking. And the mountain views, including Glacier Peak, were outstanding too.
It was a good day to be out.
It’s a thing. It’s even a hashtag – #larchmadness. See for yourself.
Sky and I had lots of opportunities to see the golden alpine larch trees last week. We met a lady from New Orleans on a trail and she asked me, “Are all these trees going to die?” I reassured her that it was normal for larch needles to turn yellow and fall to the ground each this time of year.
But honestly, how many images of golden larches do I need?
Alpine (also called subalpine) and western larches are conifer trees that are deciduous. Their needles change color and drop to the group each year. These trees put on magnificent shows of yellow and orange in the Cascades and other mountains. In some regions, they are referred to as tamaracks. Right now, the alpine larches are at the peak of their color and I’d suggest that you head for the high mountains and enjoy them for this brief moment of the year before winter really sets in.
Sky and I traveled to an agility event last weekend. On the way, we stopped for a walk on the cross country ski trails at Loup Loup Pass. The western larch (tamarack) trees were marvelous with their golden needles. The ground was damp and smelled good. It was a nice way to start a trip.
We had a fun time at the event. Sky had three qualifying runs, all blue ribbons and a new title.
My Everyday Photos 