Ode to mountains finale . . . Recently, I discovered this magical land called the Pacific Northwest or PNW as the locals affectionately call it.  Roaming the wildness in this beautiful part of the USA changed my core.  It is fitting there is an area called The Enchantments.  How could one NOT be enchanted by these delightful mountains?  My dear friend in Seattle put me on a hiking page so I could see all the stunning photos posted of the area in an effort to coerce me to visit. Whilst I was in town, I sought out a hiking partner on the page.  These mountains are no joke.  Either being in great shape, well-prepared by doing the research & packing for all situations or find someone that will have your back are the only two choices for trekking these parts.  I found a lovely human who seemed level-headed, savvy in the wild, & willing to protect me if need be to adventure with.  We decided on Colchuck Lake.  A bit of a commitment on the drive alone, it would take us 2 hours to reach the bumpy road that lead to the trailhead.  The forecast called for rain & at the higher altitudes, snow most likely so I traipsed to REI to buy micro-spikes & my first trekking poles the day before.  (I took one – camera in the other hand.) We were both prepared for all that nature would throw at us. A 9 mile loop with 2283’ of elevation gain, on pointy, slick/wet granite made it slow going – at least for me.  I told him he could at least pretend to be winded.  Actually, he was sweating pretty good, since the weather turned out to be near perfect, not a drop of rain or snow. People don’t believe me when I tell them I am their good weather token – I bring sunny skies when I travel.  Incredibly picturesque, with valleys all around as we climbed through the forest. Bridges over rumbling rivers, mini waterfalls on the trail & the pièce de résistance Colchuck Lake. After the rigorous climb with some looming storm clouds chasing us, the reveal of the lake takes your breath away. Wickedly cold wind, still the perfect environment for the #girlintheorangedress to make an appearance.  He brought a Scottish kilt, so we took turns capturing the moment. 

Dragontail & Colchuck Peaks overlook the lake; the gateway to The Enchantments.  Next, obtain a permit to immerse myself in that wilderness . . . strong life goals!

Oh, as the sunlight dropped creating golden light, he urged me it was time to depart.  We descended in the sundress & kilt passing people ascending.  “Did you see how they were dressed?,” he said (indicating lack of warm clothes & proper footwear). “Did you see how WE’RE dressed?”