During a recent hike in the Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest we ran into a layer of high mountain fog which hid the fantastic views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan and directed our gaze lower, to the rocky foundations of these mountains. I had a chance to see what I’d overlooked during my previous visits when the glaciers and peaks were so clear they captured all of my attention. This time I really enjoyed the color of the stone, the diagonal layers of earth forced up by geological movement and the tenacious alpine plants clinging to the cracks and crevices.
Northwest Frame of Mind 
That was smart. I still haven’t been to M. Baker – tried to get there this summer but didn’t have a weekday that worked & didn’t want to go on a weekend. One of these days – maybe next year!
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I hope you make it! We went on a Sunday this year and there weren’t as many people around as I thought there would be but it was definitely busier than a weekday…
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Nice photos. I especially like the scrappy looking trees. While the saying goes “can’t see the forest for the trees”, I think the opposite is true too. When we are focused on the great forest (or mountain) we forget to look at all the individual trees and stones that make the greatness. You captured them beautifully.
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Thanks, I like the scrappy trees too. 🙂 At first I was disappointed by the fog but by the end of the day I felt like we were given a rare chance to see this area for the first time, again.
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Such interesting rocky terrain! Thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome Rusha, thanks for visiting!
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I like the way you took the opportunity to focus on less dramatic, but still awesome scenery, when the mountain was fogged in. It’s a good reminder to appreciate what you have–not what might have been.
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Thanks Sheryl, you’ve described our hike perfectly. It was a great opportunity to refocus and appreciate the moment instead of feeling sorry our plans changed.
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I love the roughness of your nature!
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Thanks Rider :).
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It’s amazing to see how trees grow plants through rocks. Beautiful photos!
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Thanks Amy! I am so surprised by some of the conditions plants can grow and flower in. They are tough!
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Lovely! But I bet it’s not smart to cross those terrains barefoot. 😉
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Ouch! Hiking shoes for me. 🙂
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Nice post! I suppose I ought to participate in this one being a geologist.
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Thanks for your comment and yes, as a geologist you are the perfect person to join this weeks challenge! I can’t wait to see what you choose. 🙂
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I decided to enter this week and I’m glad or I would have missed your stones. I’d love to hike there, too.
janet
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Thanks Janet, I’m happy you decided to enter this week too!
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