Frosty the Snowman still alive and well.

No greenhouses in the North Cascades so no worries Frosty. I just got back from a quick 24 hour camping trip to the North Cascades with Whitney (aka Pepper). I've never been on the North Cascades Highway (SR20) and it is supposed to be one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. Well, it is. After a chillsville night of camping where we stole back our $15 at the closed campground to stay at the open one next door, we cruised the road in style. Here's a picture of Goodell Creek where we mercifully found a campsite and thought it was raining all night because of the constant pouring of falling leaves on our tent. Then we drove across the Gorge and took pictures of the beautiful waterfalls there. The more interesting bit was walking across the bridge decking and watching what was below. Mom, I took this picture just for you.
So, I was expecting cold temperatures and fall foilage but guess what folks, global warming has not reached the northern part of our state. It's blanketed in the real white stuff up there. The first hike we went one was a quick 2 mile round trip to Rainy Lake . . . through the snow. It was spectacularly beautiful and warranted a rousing rendition of "Walking in a Winter Wonderland". Then we did a 4 mile (6 miles? Really, I walk around G-Lake faster than that . . . had to have been farther) up to Blue Lake through the snow. I uh, would like to add all sorts of witty dialogue about how Whitney wants to be called Pepper from now on and about appropriate trail etiquette (stand aside if you're moving so slow even the banana slugs are passing you) but here is a trip where the pictures speak for themselves.