After a spell of cold and fairly gnarly weather, milder conditions returned ... and just in time for a hike to see the larches! This year, it was a return to an old favorite ... Lake Ingalls. Reports of huge crowds during the previous weekend (with not-too-great weather) motivated us for an early departure from Seattle. Even so, we got the last spot in the parking lot. The few-mile hike up to Ingalls Pass was reasonably lonely, but it was bustling shortly thereafter. From the pass, the scene was mind-boggling ... the larches, in all their golden glory, filling Headlight Basin below, and Mount Stuart across the valley under crystal blue skies! Ah, but the magic didn't stop there! The trail wanders through the basin among groves of gold, giving close up views of the twisted trees. Finally, a stretch of a steep, rocky trail brings you to Lake Ingalls. No larches there, but the lovely blue lake surrounded by a combination of jumbled boulders and smooth slabs, with Mt Stuart beyond is nothing short of stunning! After relaxing for an hour or so absorbing it all, we reversed course and got to see it all again! And, just to top it off, we were treated to a good dose of fall colors driving out the beautiful Teanaway Valley. Quite a day!
 |
| Mt Stuart and Larches |
 |
| Larches near Ingalls Pass |
 |
| Mt Stuart beyond Headlight Basin |
 |
| Golden Larches! |
 |
| Lake Ingalls and Mt Stuart |
 |
| Larch-filled Headlight Basin |
 |
| Larch Tree Detail |
 |
| A Golden Grove |
Activities
"Oh Wow!" Moments
- The golden "pop" of all the backlit larches (and larches and larches)!!
Random Scenes
- A couple of hikers and their dog are returning from the lake. Unfortunately, there are can't-miss signs at Ingall's Pass indicating no dogs are allowed. Tom couldn't let it pass without comment. He had several options for interacting: Option 1: "Did you know dogs aren't allowed here?" Likely answer is "Oh, really?
I didn't know!". Response, "That's good, 'cuz there are self-centered,
anti-social owners that bring their dogs even when they know that dog's
aren't allowed." Option 2: "Wow, that's a pretty special dog!" Likely response is "Thanks! He's a
good dog." Reply "Ya, he's so special that apparently the rules don't
apply to him." Option 3: "What was so compelling to make you think it was ok to bring your dog here?" Tom selected Option 3, and the response was "What made you think it's any of your business?" Needless to say, a pissing match ensued.
Random Questions
- What's the best way to talk to dog owners who bring their dogs where they aren't allowed, without turning it into an argument?
Comments
Post a Comment