Long, Blue, Orange, Spiky-Edged Shadows

"Long, blue, spiky-edged shadows crept out across the snow-fields, while a rosy glow, at first scarce discernible, gradually deepened and suffused every mountain-top, flushing the glaciers and the harsh crags above them. This was the alpenglow, to me the most impressive of all the terrestrial manifestations of God. At the touch of this divine light, the mountains seemed to kindle to a rapt, religious consciousness, and stood hushed like devout worshippers waiting to be blessed.”   ― John Muir

Every now and then luck wins out. I came home from work and the sky was clear, there was a cool bite in the air. Longing for a quick ride to escape the doldrums of a long work day, I suited up and hopped on Gretchen for a an enchanted ride to the foothills of the Cascade mountains. WOW!! The clouds bordered the edge of the mountains and fresh snow littered the slopes the night before. It was one of those "moments" frozen just for a few minutes while the sun glistened off the clouds as it bid adieu for the day.

Classic Ride

Panoramic Photo (Click to enlarge)

Looking towards Alpine Lakes and the start of the goodies

Clearcuts provide fodder for white snow patches

Mt Si from the old Snoqualmie Winery Site... Now a Park

The snow flowed down the clear cuts
like a cascading waterfall

Mt Si getting ready to bloom

See those mountains... I love them

Looking down into the little town of Snoqualmie

Wish I knew what peak this was... the sky caught fire

Hmmm.. I should learn the names of these peaks

Fire Walk With Me ...
North Bend was the setting for the TV show Twin Peaks

More Fire

A peak poking out from behind as if to say "ME TOO"

Triple snow cascade falls

After the show, it was off to North Bend and the back roads around Snoqualmie, through the town of Fall City and I am back home. 20 minutes later I was home getting dinner and reflecting on the all too brief encounter with the mountains. Spring is still a ways off, but one can always dream.

Until Next Time...

WInter Dakar Ride & Whidbey Island Loop Ride

Small rides make for good times in the PacNW winter months.

How to turn a hum-drum weekend into a fun ride.

Skykomish River

Taking the Dakar out after work to Sultan along the Skykomish river.

The lighting was pretty good.
It was a bit chiily and getting dark fast.

Ben Howard Road.. NICE!!

Cascades w/Skykomish River

A Cornocupia of Pictures Looking East

Alpenglow makes for a nice picture(s)

Looking West

Arriving at Sultan

The weekend came and it was an opportunity to spend it with the big girl.

Rainbow Bridge crossing the Swinomish Channel at La Conner

Aperture Science

At this point it begins to rain a bit. Darn it!!

The weather forecast called for cold weather (High of 45 degress with partial sun).

After a light snack, I was off to cross Deception Pass. The light rain turned into showers.

Ebey's Landing - A Histroical Heritage area on Whidbey Island

The sun came out and it was gorgeous. The temperature refused to climb above 45 degress, but the warm sunshine brightened the mood.

Panorama (Click too enlarge)

The Island Prairie as the First Explorers found it. Little has changed

Keystone Ferry to Port Townsend 

Views looking out to the Olympic Mountains

Yours truly... Yes, the Ocean was crooked...
or the camera was not level :-)

Until Next Time...