Mt. Townsend 2.0

Todd, his girlfriend Valorie and I ventured up Mt. Townsend last Friday. If you've kept up with my blog, you may remember I did this hike almost exactly one year ago. This time the approach was up the other side of the mountain on the Little Quilcene Trail. We were told that the ascent was more gradual...I'm not sure about this though as the first 30min seemed to be pretty steep/intense. Valorie and Todd, who look to be in their early 40s, are in their early 50s and they handed my ass to me. I huffed and puffed and decided, once I establish myself, I will be joining a gym, with pool, and getting fit! After that 30minutes, it did level out, as promised, and was quite enjoyable/beautiful. Wildflowers surrounded us and eventually we reached the sub alpine section of mountain. At the top we dined on snacks and sandwiches as adorable chipmunks danced around us. Honestly, it seemed like a completely different hike from last year. The terrain was different, the grade, and vegetation. Last year's path was nearly all switchbacks and not many flowers. We were at a different peak at the top as well and the best difference was that I saw things. Last year it was completely in the clouds...this year, I could see Seattle, Mt. Rainer, Mt. Baker and parts of the Puget Sound. On completely clear days supposedly you can even see Mount St. Helens (which is quite a ways away). Todd and Valorie then pushed me even further by jogging down the mountain. After falling, I stopped and realized dealing with a broken/sprained body part was the last thing I needed to deal with, so then I walked. They have inspired me though to realize you can look amazing no matter your age.

Great day...The wildflowers and view

Can you think of anything more beautiful?

Yes!

Still snow in late August!