Finally warm enough to imagine a hike, we left our campground at Hart's Pass in hats, gloves, jackets, and anything else we could wear. I totally don't get the folks up there in flip flops and T-shirts. The Pacific Crest Trail goes right through the Hart's Pass campground and one can day hike north towards Canada (about 35 miles) or south towards Rainy Pass (about 35 miles). Both directions offer stunning views as the trail follows ridge lines and traverses both high alpine meadows and forests.
We agreed to head south to GrassHopper Pass for views of Azurite Peak and Mt Ballard. WOW.
Around every turn and twist; after each ridge line and forest -- there were views of peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, snowpacks, and creeks. And as the day progressed, the gray gave way to blue, crisp sky.
During our lunch break on the shoulder of Tatie Peak, Alan looked out and said "there's a bear!" I grabbed my camera and took a couple of quick shots before the bear turned and ran into the woods. the bear was a bit away from us -- but I hope these pictures capture the thrill we felt. A Bear!
And then to make GrassHopper Pass and sit in silence with the beauty of the Peaks and Glaciers...well, the 15 mile day was so worth it.
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| The PCT crosses alpine meadows and clings to ridge tops in this section. See Alan?? |
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| Mt Ballard |
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| Alpine lakes and long valleys |
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| BEAR! |
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| Mountains and Snow |
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| Mountains and Snow |
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| Blue Skies |
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