Well, a little rain in the city wasn't going to discourage Sadie from taking a trip up to some choice location in the Alpine Lakes. Stopping to pick up (two-legged friend) Julie and (four-legged friend) Zoe in North Bend, we all figured that the rain wouldn't still be falling by the time we got to the trailhead for Rachel Lake. Wrong. There were about 4 cars in the parking lot and one that pulled in behind us. A young woman by herself got on the trail but would soon be discouraged from continuing - as she only had on shorts and a very light rain jacket. She had the same idea we did that the weather would clear. She made it up about a mile or so and turned around. The trail is very overgrown - and the falling rain only made it worse. We were getting drenched from above and from below! The trail through the meadows was nothing more than a ditch with about an inch or so of water. One couple was headed out after what was probably a wonderful backpacking trip until they woke up this morning! But about 10 minutes later, we had a ""first"" experience. Now, Sadie and I aren't nubbies on the trail, but this had to be real initiation for us. This tall guy with a backpack and dog was heading down the trail towards us - however, it seems that he didn't want to get his shorts or rain pants wet while traveling through the overgrown trail and, yup, you got it, we got the Full Monty! Ohmygosh. His long-sleeved shirt didn't hide a thing. We concluded that the Ranger would probably write him up for traveling without a permit. Just be forewarned, there are interesting hikers out there - not always a good, family experience. After that incident the rest of the hike to the lake was pretty tame. The trail is muddy and slippery all of the way. There are lots of roots to watch for. At least the bugs weren't around. Sadie and Zoe thought it was all good - wet is wet - and they got into every bit of standing water they could find, capping it off with a swim in the lake. We scrapped our plans to walk up to Alta, we were soaked to the skin, but managed to keep our hiking clothes on, opting for dry things once we got back to the car. The return trip to the car was (mercifully) uneventful. There was only one car left in the lot when we returned - probably someone who decided to stay in their tent today!
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