Chiwaukum Creek #1571

We helped our dear friend Karen celebrate her birthday with a hike up Chiwaukum Creek. Because we had a late start and no one was feeling particularly confident in the log crossing or the horse ford, we did not cross the creek at the 5.5 mile mark, settling instead for a nice lunch spot in the sun. Thanks to our excellent organizer and sherpa, we broke out the sparkling cider, brownies, Groucho glasses, party hats, beach ball, army men, whistles and noisemakers, and serenaded Karen with ""Happy Birthday"" ... after she donned her Mardi Gras beads and leopard skin tiara, of course!

The trail is ""horsey"" and brushy in spots, but in good shape otherwise -- no blowdown or washouts. The flower show is over, but we did see a field of wispy fireweed past bloom and several pine drops. And you can't go wrong with the smell of Ponderosa pine!

We lucked out by getting a table right away at the busy 59er Diner, then patiently made our way back on Hwy 2 to Seattle through some stormclouds.

This was hike no. 8 of my Hike-A-Thon 2008 campaign. Thanks to all of you for your support! In all, I did 80 miles, 16,600 feet of gain, and drove or rode in 7 carpools!