Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 ft.
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Weather: Partly cloudy with great sun breaks.
For a lot of reasons, this was a last resort hike. If I hadn't been to Point Defiance in the 80's I would have gone there. I had forgotten about Dash Point. It is about 45 minutes from my house and has a good 11+ miles of trails with some elevation. I remember I car camped here years ago, well before I began hiking weekly. I will come back again in the fall when I want to avoid snow.
It was sunny, warm, and I walked slowly. I have some big hikes coming up this month. My feet are a little sore, but I have taken to the belief that walking on your feet helps heal them. I did not push them by any means. I think I am being generous with my mileage, but I did walk for 2 hours. There were tons of salmon berries. I took to strolling along the trail, grabbing as I pleased. The trails were busy but didn't feel crowded.
I crossed paths with a lovely woman, who was an avid walker. We chatted, and I took a picture of the map she had. We shared some good local hikes and enjoyed a light conversation. I took off in the direction from which she came knowing now how to complete the loop.
I came across a full blown red huckleberry bush and went to town harvesting. I had a couple good handfuls and had still left plenty for the birds. These berries are always a highlight for me on a hike because they were the first wild berries I ever ate. Every time I eat them I remember a one week wilderness education program that awakened the desire to be in the wilderness. It was the wonderful "Art of Mentoring" class through the Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall, Wa.
I found my way back to a junction I had past earlier, and turned back towards the car lot. I enjoyed the short, local hike after a long weekend. I am gearing up as I write this for a 4 day 3 night trip in the North Cascades. I will return after next weekend, I hope to keep a journal while in the woods.
Orchid: Red huckleberry memories.
Onion: Almost not hiking because I forgot my Discovery Pass.
Picture:
Google Map
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