Paul and I were happy to be able to sneak a day away from a busy fall, to visit our favorite close-by Olympic Mountain hike. We’ve lived on the Kitsap Peninsula for 33 years, and we are pretty sure that this was our 33rd visit to Mt. Townsend. Though it is mostly uphill to get there, the 2,880 feet of elevation is spread out over 4 miles, and every step, once out of the forest, which is just over a mile, the views begin, and continue to amaze with every step.
The air held the fragrance of sweet sub-alpine fir essence. I have no doubt here is something healing about that smell, and this air. It clears the mind.
We haven’t had much rain for the past two months. There have been many wild fires lately and there’s a haze in the atmosphere. But the vibrant colors in the meadow of spent wildflowers and mountain blueberry are amazing.
The contrast of the yellowing thimbleberry leaves against the crimson blueberry leaves was stunning.
The fireweed is well-named! I’ve been gathering the stocks of fireweed for the past month. Their bast fibers are just as useful as the stinging nettle fibers are for making a nice cordage.
When you’ve made it to Camp Windy at 2.7 miles in, you are almost there. But the views just keep on coming! This view is to the South, over Hood Canal toward Mt Tahoma (Rainier).
Views to the North-East of Mt Kulshun (Baker), and the North Cascades.
We had lunch along the saddle, with views of Mt Buckhorn and Constance in the distance.
We really didn’t want to turn around and go back. At least it’s all downhill! Now I’m inspired to make that fireweed cordage.