SMOKE AND ALMOST FIRE

I’ll get to the smoke later, but first the “almost” fire part of my story.  Last night we were all sitting around the campfire (propane of course) and I decided to walk over and stick my nose in the fire ring! Not too bright. My Kathe jumped up to save me from becoming a canine torch and promptly fell on her buttocks. Luckily, Warren jumped over and pulled me to safety.  It was very scary for all of us. Note to self: don’t do that again!

Okay now for now the smoke part. Today the humans set out for a hike the Ross Dam trail. As they started driving east the sky started getting darker, and darker. By the time they reached the North Cascades National Park they smelled the smoke. The Ranger told us that the closest fire is about 25 miles away. We are only getting the smoke today because the wind shifted but she advised us not to continue to Ross Dam. 

The Ranger gave two suggestions for hikes where they would not be impacted (inhaling) smoke.  The first hike was the River Loop Trail which was right in the National Park.  It was a very peaceful gravel trail with forest of old grove redwoods and a great view of the Skagit River. 

After returning to our campsite they took another hike right here in Rockport. The Ranger also recommended this hike in the Rockport State Park. By this time the winds had changed making hiking in this park really enjoyable.  The Sauk Spring Trail had many very tall Redwood including one called the Grandmother which was over 400 year old. The last hike of the day was another view of the Skagit River walking through a forest  more beautiful redwoods and ferns. Everyone is tired and happy tonight.