Skyline Divide #678

Good news. The road to the Skyline Divide is finally open after roads repairs from the winter 06 storms. There are still over a dozen tree falls across the trail which you go over, under or around. But a clearing crew is supposed to start soon. The weather was great but I started late, around 12:15pm. After an hour in the woods where some humongous mushrooms were growing, I finally emerged unto the Skyline ridge. The views of Mt Baker, the meadows and Canadian peaks were tremendous! Had a late lunch on the 'knoll' were you can get great photographs and almost a 360deg view. Most people consider this the end of the trail but I continued on as the views get better. Unless you intend to camp or go down to Chowder Basin, bring you own water as there is no water on this trail. Got the top of ridge around 4:30pm and the trail end was about 1/2hr or more away but too tired to continue and need to get back before sunset; but took some great pics of the panorama views. Back at the parking lot by 7:30pm. See http://picasaweb.google.com/steve.d.podleski/2007SkylineDivideHike for some pics of the hike