Most Liked Travel Blogs (264)

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Campsites for backpackers and bikers can be found at Carter Creek, 8.3 miles from the tunnel (just past the Bandera sign) and Alice Creek, an additional 3 miles down the trail. McClellan Butte trail shares the signpost with Alice Creek, dropping sharply off the side of the rail trail to the north.

McClellan Butte is named after George B. McClellan, a Civil War general and surveyor during the mid 19th century. In search of the most viable mountain pass for the proposed transcontinental railroad system, McClellan surveyed the Cascades Mountains in 1853. Ignoring nearby Snoqualmie Pass, which would eventually be the actual mountain pass used by the Pacific Railroad, McClellan's efforts did not go unnoticed and "McClellan Butte" was named in his honour.

One of the most popular hiking and climbing destinations in the region, McClellan Butte, a distinct horn-shaped peak rising above South Fork Snoqualmie River Valley, offers a combination of easy hiking trail or a more difficult summit scramble for rock climbers.

Past the signpost marked Garcia and the subsequent gravel road thusly named, two young mountain bikers drop fearlessly off the perpendicular side of the trail into heavy bush and descending trees. Two worn paths indicate where this has been a favourite drop-off for youngsters needing a challenge.

The long curve of Mine Creek trestle at 22.5km (mile-14) offers more spectacular views and a heart-in-mouth peek over the edge as tires bump unevenly over concrete slabs, replacing former wood planks. Approximately 2km (one mile) west, the Change Creek and Hull Creek trestles span two more seemingly bottomless gorges along the precipitous rock face of Deception Crags.

Late afternoon, clouds descended, hiding prominent McClellan's Butte and greasing the sheer bluff of Deception Crags, a favourite spot for rock climbers. Frequently, climbers can be seen both directly above the trail, and across the valley, northward. Taking a rain jacket is highly recommended on a cloudy day, as it's more than likely to rain than not. Riding through clouds, over trestles traversing seemingly thin strips of rivers hundreds of feet below, swirling mist allays height fears.

Twin Creek hiking trail descends steeply 17 miles past the summit towards Twin Falls. Numerous waterfalls and creeks splash noisily down the mountainside disappearing deep beneath the rail trail. Rarely was a stream or creek on the hillside seen to exit directly below the trail. Rushing water can be heard far below, but it's noisy exit, invisible.

A mile further, "Ragnar" signage (pic) indicates where the storage yard and old depot was located. A large meadow is home now to piles of rusting metal, mounds of removed creosote soaked ties, and greyed wooden beams. Coasting past the dilapidating piles of railway history, Boetzke Creek trestle marks the final trestle on the almost 30km (18.5-mile) bike ride, and more spectacular views over the Yakima Valley and Snoqualmie River.

Cedar Butte and Boxley Creek indicates the 33.79km (21-Mile) mark, although there are few signs indicating milestones on the trail. One sign painted as 11.2-miles is the only indication you are halfway to your destination. Signage for visitors would be most helpful in gauging where you are, how far you've travelled and how much further you have to go.

Twin Falls signage, along with everything but Rattlesnake Lake, mark the entrance to the parking lot off the trail, unless one chooses to ride further towards Twin Falls. Again, no signage indicating Rattlesnake Lake is a little disconcerting when it's getting late and you don't want to be on the wrong trail as dusk descends. Weaving through unmarked forested trails, the overflow parking lot is a short jaunt from Rattlesnake Lake.

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Rattlesnake Lake is not the home of poisonous rattlers, and, in fact, no poisonous snakes inhabit Washington State. Legend has it that Rattlesnake Ridge and the subsequent lake were named when a railway worker heard the rustle of the wind blowing the camas seed pods, sounding identical to a large rattlesnake.

As dusk blankets the park, Rattlesnake Lake's unmarred surface gleams a muted blue-green in the fading light. Children with dogs throw sticks on the sandy shoreline, parents in close proximity with watchful eyes. Due to the lack of directional signage on the rail trail, locals are more than helpful for directions and information. Picking up the Snoqualmie Valley trail, it takes you through five miles of more spectacular scenery and directly over the raging Snoqualmie River into North Bend. Again, signage would be helpful to indicate where to turn to the main street of North Bend.

Thirty miles and ten hours later, the North Bend Motel is a short 3-block drive
from the parking lot near Compass Outdoor Adventures. On average, the trail should only take about 4-5 hours to ride, but photography buffs may find themselves spending an inordinate amount of time recording the many distractions along the trail. The tunnel opens May 1st, however due to snow build-up in front of the huge doors, a plow was brought in to displace the snow and it officially opened May 2nd.

Lights, a jacket, even on the hottest days, water (there is no water on the trail), reflective clothing are all highly recommended, and most of all, be prepared to have the ride of your life!

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copyrighted.

Everyone is waiting for the summer to travel and have fun
This summer where you will travel and spend a wonderful time
I will be in Turkey to enjoy this atmosphere

There is a very beautiful nature, historic sites and many beaches
You can share your experiences and tips to go to the sites you enjoyed

I wanted to share these ideas with you
I wish you very enjoyable times

Aug. 5 - 11 ... Wanna Join me ? !
Going to the Youth Hostel !
Might Use the Prospector Tent !
Adventures with Pauly !

went for a walk! Had that compelling feeling to just keep going even though it was really hot and had been going all day, Glad I did, sometimes you need to just burn up that built up energy. ;-}

selfie 2............

and in the order that I got them -

good morning
goie more
sawubona
tumela
bonjour
guten morgen
g'day
bore da
madainn mhath
buenos dias
bon dia

and now

dobre rano.



I noticed one change, before, I learned them by going there, now I am learning them from guests coming to me. Are my travelling days over? A year ago today the pets got their rabies shots ready to make the trip to Spain with me (I don't keep track of these things, but FB does). One month short of being in Spain a year. I may have melted into a puddle before then, it ain't 'alf 'ot.

Should I invite someone to tour Portugal in my motorhome with me. Is it better to stay alone..

Get there once ot twice a year, usually with Family. A little touch of Europe in North America. This time want with Motorcycle group. At my age. Roundly criticised by women in the family. Men and women.

REALLY starting to worry about Eks now. Hoping all SA bloggers affected by blizzards are keeping well-wrapped up and warm

This pic one of several taken by a photographer called Kitty Viljoen near Graaff-Reinet (Eastern Cape) - fab photo, frightening implications. Hope this is a fleeting situation, I was in my 20s when it snowed early in September (spring in the southern hemisphere) and JHB came to a joyful stop but it was just a couple of days. In other words, doesn't happen often.