Oyster Dome 3-19-2019

AppleWatch Stats:  8.31 miles RT, 2067 ft of elevation gain (includes side trip to Lily Lake).

Finally, my 3rd attempt at Oyster Dome this spring was successful.  The first time I tried it our big February snowfall was just starting as I drove out to the trailhead and the roads became unsafe before I could even there.  The 2nd attempt it was still just too icy and snowy for me and my pups, so I just did about 3/4 of the hike.  This time, my best friend since middle school had come by to visit so I took the day off and we hit the trail!

It was a gorgeous day and even though it was a Tuesday there were quite a few people on the trail.  Lisa showed me how to identify turkey tail mushrooms and we gathered enough to make one cup of tea to share later.  My first turkey tail tea, and it was good!

There was still a bit of snow on the trail, but you could go around most, or just walk through without it being too slick.  We got up to the top of Oyster Dome and it was warm sunny rock with no snow.  We sat for awhile soaking in the sunshine and the amazing views.

On the way back down from the dome, we did a quick side trip up to Lily Lake.  Just .2 miles each way, but I've never added that on before.  It was much snowier following that little ravine, but the cold breeze felt great on such a warm day.

Such a nice hike on such a nice day made for a perfect opportunity to pop into LaConner to walk around and grab a cheeseburger and cider at the LaConner Brewery.  I have to say I LOVE that place.  They serve a homemade clam chowder that is my absolute favorite, and after a hike that juicy cheeseburger and icy vanilla cider was exquisite.

 Happy trails!

Oyster Dome on Independence Day! 07-04-2018

I read on the WTA site that it is preferred hikers start from the Samish Overlook parking lot for this hike, which I'd never done before.  It requires a Discovery Pass and I had one, so I drove up there and arrived at 8am.  There were a few cars, but not many and the views were stunning right off the bat! 

I was meeting my son, Justus, and his girlfriend, Sara, on this hike, but they started from Chuckanut Drive and had to hike up a few more switchbacks than I did.  They pushed hard and I took it easy and just made it to Oyster Dome a couple minutes before they arrived.

This hike was lovely.  We were hiking before there were too many people or bugs, so it was super enjoyable.  There were foxgloves on the drive up, and a few tiger lilies on the trail.

Cedar and Luna were being really good on leash and about half the other dogs we met were off leash.  When we found a quiet spot in the trail where they could do some boulder climbing, I let them off for a few minutes.

Someone had put a few painted rocks along the trail, which was fun I thought.  I guess there was a unicorn down on the part that the kids hiked and I didn't.

We got to the top all sweaty but happy and soaked in this super beautiful view.  I get nervous when other people are near the edge of things, so I told Sara and Justus to stay a lot closer to me than they would have.  I told them if they want to get near edges they will have to hike without a mom along haha. 

My doggy duo seemed happy to be done with the climb and stayed still long enough for a decent smily picture.  They were not interested in going near the edge until this chipmunk showed up and tried to lure them to their doom.

After the hike we ended up going to a Starbucks for some snacks and coffees and the pups got their first ever puppachinos.  Justus was nice enough to hold them while they finished every bit of fluff.

Oyster Dome 1-5-14

It was a car full heading up Chuckanut Drive to the Oyster Dome Trail.  Not only Dave, Cedar and I but also Justus and Gretchen joined in the adventure.  It was a crystal clear sunny day... perfect for a hike with a view.  This first peek at the view is about 20 minutes or so into the hike and has a bench.  A great place for people with creaky knees to stop.

 

 The rest of the trail was a lot steeper than I remembered it, although that is probably because I slacked off this fall and was not prepared.  The elevation gain is pretty decent though... 1900 ft up from almost sea level.  Here Dave and Cedar are playing on a flatter part of the trail.

 

 And now we are at the top!  Just barely over 2000 feet, but such a gorgeous view of the San Juan Islands and the forest spread out below like toy trees.

Get out there with the ones you love and stretch those legs out!  : )

Last of 2012 and First of 2013!

Wow! I knew I had not blogged for the last Month or so of 2012, but didn't realize my last post was August! I will use this blog entry to highlight the last 3 months of last year and post a couple pictures from the new year. I should have a new hike or two to blog about next week!
One of the hikes I haven't included yet is Pilchuck. Dave and I took Adventure Dog all the way up to the lookout, and it was gorgeous!

We went on a trip to my Dad's place in Northeastern Washington, and got in some great views on the trip to and from, some wonderful family time, fishing (Cedar had to roll in a rotten sun-baked fish) and some canooing.

Dave and My Dad

My sister.

Grouse

Yours Truly

 I scrambled up Oyster Dome yet again, with Justus and Adventure Dog...

Dave and I took Cedar and Junior on the Iron Goat Trail to get some fall leaf pictures.  We got our lovely autumn shots on the lower grade, but when we got to the upper grade, the snow level dropped... right on us!  So we got some winter wonderland type pictures as well!  It was a really fun and magical hike.

 

Before Snow

After Snow

We got in a nice trip to my Mom and Aunt's beach cabin, and got to join in a crab pot pulling adventure.  Not only did we get to be part of the crabbing, but got some fantastic views of the Hood Canal Bridge and saw quite a few porpoises!

My Sis, My Mom, and Me (not in that order)

So that was the last bit of 2012.  This year is looking promising already.  The eagles that Dave and I always see on our Snohomish canal dike walk are back.  I am calling them Spirit and River.

I was even surprised and delighted to see an eagle from my home-office window the other day!  Even from a distance, these striking birds are impressive!

The air quality hasn't been too good, and we have been living in a fog bank for a few days, but such conditions bring about some lovely sunsets!

 Due to the very cold weather (for here), I put out some bird seed for the little feathered guys, hoping to help give them energy until the winter warms up a little.  I don't think it will be long now... I already have bulbs coming up.  Anyway, this cheeky squirrel was scooping up the seeds by the armload.

Happy 2013!  Commence the hiking!  Adventure on!