Not the birthday adventure I was looking for…
For the past two years, my amazing wife has accommodated my whims and has encouraged me to head out on a solo backpacking trip for my birthday. She understands me better than I thought anyone ever could and knows that I’m an introvert at heart and needs to be able to hit the reset button from time to time. So instead of the obligatory family event to celebrate yet another successful year around the sun, as soon as our son’s soccer game was over, I called my mother, thanked her for bringing me into this amazing world, then set out for a 3-day 2-night adventure.
The trip was planned for October 18-20th and to be a series of short day-hikes with ample time to wonder, explore, and refresh. We all know what happens to plans…
Our tale begins at the Greenwater Lakes Trailhead in the Mount Baker National Forest. It’s a couple hours before dusk and there is a light rainfall that’s predicted to continue throughout the entire 3 days. Tonight’s destination is just beyond the last of the lakes along the Greenwater river, roughly 3-4 miles. The trail in was quiet, my car being the only one in the parking lot it was very likely that I wouldn’t be running into anyone over the course of my trip.
The rain persisted all the while. I arrived at the site I was to make camp just as the sun was setting. Luckily my Durston pitches inner/outer at the same time, so I was able to get my tent up and get out of the rain without incident. That evening the rain turned to showers and didn’t let up. I opted to skip dinner and hunker down for the night. It was a long long night of heavy rain.
The following morning, still raining, i stayed in my tent far longer than i had planned debating how much rain was too much rain for one trip. Eventually I drug myself out of the comfort of my bag, packed up my gear, and headed out on the second leg of the trip. The days destination was to be roughly 6 miles to the banks of Echo Lake in the heart of the Norse Peak wilderness.
This is a hike I’ve made a few times. The beauty of the trail never fails to amaze me. Being late October, the autumn colors in full glory. The oranges, yellows, and reds are a site like no other and almost enough to make you forget that you’ve now been in a rain shower since 3pm the previous day. As I progress down the trail to the lake, the winds start picking up and the temperatures start to drop.
I arrived at the lake around lunchtime. The plan had been to set up camp then head to the far end of the lake, packless and explore the remains of the scorched forest which was a result of the Norse Peak fire in 2017. Nature apparently had other plans for me. As I approached my planned campsite for the night, the storm amplified yet again and trees began to fall in the distance. While standing at the lake edge, a tree less than 50 feet from my location split in half, then suddenly another tree fell about 300 yards away.
Instead of setting up camp, I decided to take a break, make some hot lunch, and think about my next steps. In the distance I was able to see a snow drift only 200-300 feet above where I was, the wind continued to swirl and I was able to hear what sounded like a small hillside wash away. The sounds of several trees crashing and rocks tumbling was enough to make my decision for me.
Lunch was had, water was refilled, then I pulled my pack back on and headed back the way I came. It was a long 8 miles slog wet, disheartened back to the trailhead. What was supposed to be a 3-day adventure to relax and explore had become a 2-day wet retreat back to the comfort of home.
I learned a lot on this trip and in the end it was a great experience. I learned that no matter how much you plan and prepare, nothing can take the place of instinct and trusting your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. At the end of the day, my birthday weekend turned out great. I had an adventure that I’ll remember for years and was still able to spend time with my family.
