Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd
As wildfires rampage throughout my province and it being declared a state of emergency with over 600 burning, the one 10 km from me has created a thick smoke for about two weeks now.Sick of the smoke and lack of photo opportunities, bored with cycling my same 15km in the thick haze, I headed south of the border on Thursday to ride a rail trail I'd seen but never travelled before. I'm so glad I went! If I'd stuck with the reviews, I wouldn't have even attempted it.
A 45 mile return trip from Sedro-Woolley to Concrete, the beginning of the trailhead was a bit difficult to find as directions to where it started were rather obscure. Now that I know exactly where it is, I'll write a review with explicit directions.
Starting off, the trail is like a shady tunnel, cool and inviting.
About a mile and half through the trees, a bench by the river beckons me to take a peek through the trees. The aqua river mesmerized me, so beautiful in such a quiet and peaceful setting.
Not quick enough and no zoom lens on, the mergansers moved swiftly away from the bank and into the middle of the river at my intrusion.
Continuing on my journey across the first of many bridges.
Still captivated by the sight of the river.
Across another bridge, and I loved the leaf, seemingly suspended in air.
A little closer look.
The last mile marker was at mile 16, at which point you have to cross one of many back roads. Crossing to continue the trail, this is what's at the end of it (about a block from the entry). No indication to detour, just heavy bush and a pond. Good thing I'm adventurous and found my way via road around, and found a narrow path where others had circumnavigated the dead end.
Further along the trail, a very busy highway dissects it, and one has to be quick and careful to cross. A parks employee was working and we chatted for a bit, him advising me to be careful crossing the road. When I told him I was riding the entire 45 miles (there and back) his eyebrows shot up and he said 'impressive'. My camera in my bag, I didn't think to take his photo (if he'd even allow it).
On the other side of the trail, it turns into flat, open valley with little shade. A herd of buffalo roamed the pasture, which I was delighted to see up close. Still can't roller skate in a buffalo herd, though. (Remember that song?)
As it was noon, I didn't take too many photos as the light was very bright, but took several on my way back.
The trail started to climb out of the valley and back into the trees. I didn't take any valley photos as the smokey haze did nothing for it. As the trail climbed upwards at a 2% grade, it's easy to pedal although you know you're definitely on the climb. Fall made it's coming presence known in the higher elevations.
I had no idea how much further I needed to go to get to Concrete and stopped at one of the many benches for a quick lunch and bottle of water. Thankfully I'd taken 5 bottles of water (3 frozen), which were all gone by the end of the day. Getting back on my bike, a little discouraged and tired, I was more than relieved to see the huge Concrete towers stating 'Welcome to Concrete' - and just slightly smokey skies.
Riding towards the end of the trail, this cool old passenger train captivates me.
...cont in comments....
Comments (26)
I loved the rectory door with the sunflowers growing, and the bright yellow watering can.
As one of our subjects for the coming year for photo club is door handles, of course I had to check it out and was richly rewarded.
I didn't have any time to really explore the town, so pretty much used the facilities and turned around. The train still fascinates me.
Loved the discolouration of the train wheel in the deep shade, and all the foliage attempting to hide it.
My trusty bike near the concrete pillars, only because I was already off it.
A waterfall I'd passed on the way into town. There were several along the route that could be heard but not seen behind all the bushes and trees.
Back to the buffalo! Still can't roller skate in the herd, but they were fascinating to look at.
Caught him with his tongue out!
This guy looks healthy!
Alongside some of the wooden bridges are the metal sides indicating a clear sign of it being a former railway. I loved the contrast in colour.
A different spot to view the river.
And a cool green bug, noticed just as I was leaving.
There were some old silos I probably should have stopped to photograph but the headwind was so strong at that point and I was a bit concerned about the time and getting back. Due to the headwind, it took me a bit longer to fight those flat, open stretches.
I'll definitely go back and do it again, hopefully with clear skies. A lot of fun, with the peace and quiet only nature brings.
45 miles that must be 45 km right. A very impressive ride on your bike none the less.
Yeah that smoke we are staying mostly indoors as it is not very healthy but we must get on with it for some days yet
Keep up the good works enjoyed all the photo's Jenny
I love it, your photographs and outlook on nature and whatever crosses your path - from the buffalo to the rusty old train carriage, the colours and freshness of it all - great to see a different part of the planet!
That first one looked rather skinny however. Eat more greens !
Btw you never told us the outcome of the competition you entered xx
I've forgotten, which competition? I've been in a few and a few shows, so I'm not sure which one you're referring to.
Yes, I can believe that you turned on the heat, as it's feeling quite cool here, as well. Not cool enough to turn the heat on, but cooler for sure. I'm okay with that, as I don't like the oppressive heat.
I guess it'll be an inside day today.
Pretty boring in a desert although the cacti are amazing
Those river pics are wonderful. I immensely admire your energy -
Thanks for comment on my blog. I'm not responding there
Nice you can get out on the bike
Stay safe and here's to clearer skies
I can't even imagine doing the 45 miles. So how sore were your legs afterwards? You must have burned thousands and thousands of calories.
Yeah, the second one looks more like the old photos I remember from school. Funnily enough though, some were like the first bison, and some were like the second one.