“As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing.
I'll
interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the
avalanche.
I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens,
and
get as near the heart of the world as I can".”
― John Muir
― John Muir
Larry & I decided that a mini-adventure was in order, so decided to hike up to Big Four Ice Caves. We knew that today was going to be quite warm, so we tried to get an early start, leaving home around 8:00 a.m.
The Mountain Loop Highway is such a beautiful drive...
We came to the road that led to the Big Four Ice Caves trail head. While Larry paid the five dollar fee, I wandered down to check out the site of the old Big Four Inn, which opened on July 2, 1921.
The Inn was built by Wyatt and Bethel Rucker after they began operating the branch railroad that ran from Hartford, near Lake Stevens, to the mining town of Monte Cristo in the early 20s. The Inn burned to the ground in 1949.
Here's a forest service photo of the fireplace in the main lobby of the Inn during the 1920s. All that remained after the Inn burned to the ground were the fireplace and some sidewalks. They are now part of the Forest Service's Big Four picnic area .
What a view the visitors to the Inn had!
We were soon ready to head up the trail...
We came upon many different varieties of wildflowers, but I had neglected to bring along my wildflower guide, so will try to identify some of them as I post the photos...
I believe this one is Phacelia sericea, or Purple Fringe.
Some ferns growing among the Skunk Cabbage.
The Skunk Cabbage wasn't blooming yet, so they weren't as strangely fragrant
as they most likely will be soon!
as they most likely will be soon!
A pretty pond...
I'm moving along pretty well...with the help of my handy little blue cane...
A large portion of the trail consists of a board walkway. This is a very doable 2 mile round trip, even for someone like me with severe arthritis in the knees.
We crossed over the Stillaguamish River...
and a creek with lots of moss-covered rocks and fallen trees...
More ferns...
The sun shining through the trees was breathtaking...
Every so often we'd get a glimpse of the mountain with the waterfall cascading down the side.
Queen Anne's Lace
The ice fields...
More Queen Anne's Lace
"People have died beyond here..." I don't have to be warned twice!
Goatsbeard...
Sadly, in 2010 an eleven-year old girl was killed in the ice caves when a large chunk of ice fell on her.
It was pretty cool to see the steam coming out of the cave. There were a few foolish souls who didn't heed the warning and ventured down into the cave.
Larry walked up a short hill and took pictures of these Wild Tiger Lilies.
Soaking up the sun before heading back down the trail... Duchess and I both look a little tired!
Although the Fireweed is in full bloom all along the highways, at this elevation it is still waiting to pop out.
Thistle...
I had a difficult time identifying this one - I think this is the narrow leaf plantain.
and more Queen Anne's Lace.
and we keep on going...it's starting to get really hot!
And isn't it about time for lunch?
Peek-a-boo!
Thimbleberry blossom, I believe...
a Dwarf Dogwood...
Finally - lunch time! Leftover quinoa salad from last night - lots of protein!
The view from our picnic table - the same view the visitors to the Inn in the 1920s had.
Larry & Duchess resting in the buttercups...
And back on down the road towards home.
We were amazed by the masses of wild foxgloves we passed along the side of the highway.
As we were driving down the Mountain Loop Highway, I said, "I could sure go for some ice cream." Larry said, "I was thinking about a milk shake," so we stopped at King Charley's for blackberry shakes. Mmmmmm.....
The perfect ending to a perfect outing!
Here's a link to a video Larry created from the pictures he took today...
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