Black Canyon

Black Canyon 5-15-09
Had to clear my head today and this is just what I needed. I read reports on this area and wanted to add it to my list of Eastern WA hikes. I got to TH @ 9:45. I think the road is for off road vehicles and not cars. I was the only one who parked in front of the TH today. It’s a total flower show, so get up here now! Stopped at the old cabin, then went to the right at the Y. Went through the Ponderosa trees and to a couple of big meadows of fantastic purple flowers, shooting stars mostly. I have NEVER seen so many shooting stars in my life! God, they are gorgeous and Rainer in the back drop. I don’t think it could have been more perfect. There was a slight breeze, sunny skies, no one in sight. I had the trail all to myself until I reached the ridge and saw two others. Views of Mt. Stuart & and Rainer. I took it all in for an hour and then headed back down. Took tons of butterfly pics. I was about 200 feet from the car and was bend down taking more butterfly photos and I heard the dreaded rattle sound.. I screamed and my legs shook with fear and I looked to my left and 5 feet from me was a rattle snake slithering into the rocks away from me. I tried to take a photo but I was kind of frozen with fear. I really don’t like snakes and was just thinking 5 mins earlier, another trip w/o a sighting and how lucky that was and put my guard down. From what I read they won’t purposely bite but it just freaks me out none the less. Oh, and with the flower show comes bugs, they are out, so bring bug juice.

Another fantastic hike.