Blanchard Mountain - April 2016

I've made it up to Blanchard Mountain to run and hike on the past two weekends. It had been a while, and I was struck by all the changes that have happened up on my local hero hill.

My usual routine is to park at the upper trailhead on the I-5 side.  I head up to the Larry Reed Trail, then the Samish Overlook, and then up to Lilly and Lizard Lake and finish on the Alt-Incline Trail. If you understand this, great. If not, basically I do a loop around the mountain.

The first surprise was the logging on the latter end of the Larry Reed Trail as you approach the Samish Overlook. Trees down, trees down! The trail seems different for a portion.  I saw a woodpecker on the lone tree in a field, which made me think of the Lorax.

The Overlook has more space.  This area has gradually changed over the years, with the addition of a restroom, a paved parking lot, railings for horses, etc. Most notably this time around is the overlook looking out towards Orcas has been improved upon, turned into a park like setting.

The hill formerly known as Kill Bill is now a series of switchbacks. It's still a climb, but the trail is much smoother, and a bit longer, with extended turns. This trail used to be somewhat technical, and a series of three miner's climbs. No more, though it is still a slog to get to the top junction for Oyster Dome-Lilly Lake. The Washington Trails Association, one of my favorite non-profits, has been busy working on the improvements.

I think the most pronounced change is there is an increase in use. Lots more people on the trail. Now, I went mid-day each weekend, which isn't really my M.O., and so perhaps that's why it seemed like more were on the trail. But I don't think so--I think the word is out about Blanchard Mountain. I'd say three to four times as many as I would've seen on a Saturday a few years ago.

It's a great place. The improvements are good, but are hard to embrace, as some of those old routes seem like friends. Change is slow, but the changes over time are significant.

Now, Blanchard is the subject of further conservation discussions and media reports, as the Department of Natural Resources will need to have the timber on the mountain cut unless Olympia acts to protect the area. Reports say $7.7 million is needed.

Hard to imagine that they would cut this area, with so many people using the land for recreation purposes, and in light of the ecological value of the sea to Cascades route here. Also, there's that Pacific Northwest Trail which goes through Blanchard, and is receiving increased attention and appreciation.

In other news, I volunteered at the Tulip Run this weekend. Spring has sprung, and the flowers are blooming. I'm making plans for summer activities. My "Sisyphean" effort to get in better shape continues. Happy to have opportunities to challenge myself.

Maui

Iao Needle in Iao Valley State Park

We had a great trip to Maui a few weeks back. Such a good time. We stayed in Maalaea, which is in between Lahaina and Kihei.  Sea turtles swam in the surf below our condo. I read a couple books, cover to cover.  We had dinner at the justifiably renowned Mama's Fish House, with a view of the surf. We visited the lush, green Iao Valley State Park, and made it to the top of Haleakala, as previously posted. I also hiked through the Acid War Zone out at the Nakalele Blowhole. The Saturday swap meet at the college was a fun morning.

Here are a few pictures with some of the highlights noted. Love Maui, love Hawaii.

Flowers are always blooming in Hawaii

Sea turtle in the surf below our condo

Flower arrangements at the Maui Swap Meet

Sea Turtle near Jaws Beach on the North Shore. Inspiring.

The Polynesian Black Pearl dessert at Mama's Fish House. 
This is a Liliko'i chocolate mousse in a pastry seashell. Do go.

The Nakalele blowhole, on the west end of the island. 

Pretty much had to do the hike called "The Acid War Zone."

Haleakala Crater

Ukuleles for sale

Taro and araimo (a Japanese taro), by the pound. We snacked on taro chips.

Bananas in the front yard

There she blows...

Maalea is windy, but the views are good.

Haleakala National Park

We had the great pleasure of visiting Haleakala National Park on Maui, Hawai'i, last week.  We drove up to the summit parking lot, which is above 10,000 feet altitude. You can see the volcanoes of the Big Island from there, prominently.

We didn't really hike in the crater, though I have on a previous trip, and would have if time permitted. For the runner, I'd recommend having a partner pick up at a lower parking lot, and catch a bit of crater time. I've heard of some folks running all the way down to the Hana side. We also didn't catch the sunrise, which is reputed to be amazing. Haleakala is very much worth the visit, any time of the day. There are big telescopes up top, off limits, but indicative of the star-gazing potential.

Our views were spectacular, with the clouds beneath us, rolling through the valleys. We drove through the clouds, to reach the summit. The rare silversword plant is easy to spot up top. The ground is red lava rock. The views of the valley and ocean are also remarkable.

I'll throw up another post on the other sights of Maui, but I wanted to string a number of photos here, for easy recollection and sharing.

A Few Bird Pictures from Skagit

Pair of Eagles with nest on Fir Island

Eagle nest in the distance, across Wiley Slough, Skagit estuary

Eagle pair from a different angle, Fir Island

 Peregrine falcon, at dusk, Wiley Sough

Trees in water, Skagit estuary

Mount Baker, viewed from the southwest

These pictures were taken a few weeks ago on a Sunday when friends Seth and Naomi came by, and we wandered around the valley a bit during the afternoon. In addition to these, we saw many, many snow geese, trumpeter swans, and an owl in flight. A very nice afternoon, and always good to spend time with friends.

Fort Ebey Kettles Half Marathon

Ran and hiked the Fort Ebey Kettles Half Marathon out on Whidbey Island yesterday. This is a terrific rolling course. The race works out perfect for me, being about 40 minutes from home. The views off the bluffs of Whidbey Island towards the Olympics are as good as anywhere.

We had wind all day, but it never really rained. Appreciated the later start--actually got to have a cup of coffee at home before starting out.

Rich, Linda, and Jamie were there. Rich and Linda ran the full; Jamie ran the half.

Step by step, trying to get back into shape. My third event in the last five or six weeks. Hoping I can get my legs swinging the way they need to.

Nookachamps 10k

I ran the Nookachamps 10k for my first time today.  I've done the half marathon at least a half dozen times, and have always wondered about the 10k course.  Now I know.

The principal difference with the 10k is that it finishes on the running paths of Skagit Valley College, Obviously, its also 7 miles shorter.

I'm just going to keep signing up for things like this, and try to get my running legs back. Right now I have extreme inflexibility when I run, compounded by a need to lose some pounds up top.

I always like going to this event. Five minutes from home, and so I was back in plenty of time for the NFL playoffs. I had a chat with a number of friends beforehand.  Great event.

At the start, I said to myself, "I dedicate this one to David Bowie."  I didn't honor his memory much with my time, and I knew I wouldn't, but I've been smiling all week at old memories associated with his music. Changes...Diamond Dogs...Heroes...Ashes to Ashes....Rebel Rebel...Space Oddity.....so many great songs.  Sad to hear of his passing.

Bridle Trails 10m

I struggled my way through the Bridle Trails 10 miler yesterday. This is part of the Bridle Trails Running Festival, which has a 5m, a 10m, a 50k, and 50k relays. I've done the 50k a few times, but that would've been a little much for me.

This event starts at 3 PM, and the longer runs go into the evening, with headlamps and flashlights.  The trail was well-suited for running--no mud as in some years, and light on the horse dung. My effort isn't all that noteworthy, except this record for my own log.

It was a good time, because of all the folks I saw.  Friend Seth is in town again, and we headed there together. Many good friends were running, and some I hadn't seen in a while. I ran the first lap with Holley, of my family.  Friend Mike came out and mostly walked the second lap with me, and then we got a bite at a local pub.

This was a good way to spend a nice night in January. I really enjoy this event, and hope to go back to the 50k in an upcoming year.