Ode to Mosquitos

As if 95 degree weather for an outdoor wedding wasn’t enough, apparently the Leavenworth/Lake Wenatchee area is having one of it’s worst years ever of mosquito infestation.  Have I mentioned that I’m allergic to mosquito bites?  This past weekend was spent primarily dodging mosquitos and biting-flies.  We had bug spray, bug lotion, bug wipes, and the ever-entertaining bug-killing-electric-shock-tennis-raquet.  In case the name doesn’t fully explain it’s purpose – this raquet will literally sizzle a mosquito until it explodes with (I’m not exaggerating) a pop and a spark.  Adam found endless entertainment with this contraption, and I truly believe that is why he was bitten the most … karma Adam.  Karma.

We were in the Leavenworth/Lake Wenatchee area for Kevin and Annie’s wedding.  It was a fun wedding, in a gorgeous setting, and luckily – as the sun went down, so did the heat!  We had a great night with friends, pink wine, and dancing!

On Sunday morning, Adam and I headed off to our next adventure:  Hike to Lake Colchuck.  Cue Mosquitos/Biting-Flies.  This was a 9-mile hike up the mountains, ending at Dragontail Peak and Lake Colchuck.  The entire hike was beautiful, beginning with our 2 mile walk along Mountaineer’s Creek.  This is a picture as we crossed the creek, and started our ascent to Lake Colchuck:

 

About half-way through the hike, we came to a boulder field, which was definitely home to some animals that I don’t think I ever want to meet!  We quickly worked our way through this to get to the other side, and more climbing!

Finally!  Lake Colchuck, and Dragontail Peak.  There’s still snow!

Not my best picture – but after this hike, I definitely earned an “I’ve been there” picture!!

It’s hard to capture the exact color of the water – somewhere between a turquoise-blue, and a navy-blue color:

OH, did I mention that there was a sign at the top saying “Toilet —>”.  We decided maybe we should go before we headed back down the mountain.  That is, until, we actually SAW it … um … I can hold it.  What you can’t see here, is all the flies and bugs buzzing in the 95 degree heat.  Sick.

After a long day of hiking, it was time to check into our Bavarian Inn, called the Pension Anna.  This was a sweet hotel with more of a bed and breakfast feel.  We headed into town for some of Leavenworth’s finest brewskis, and dinner at the local pub.  All and all, it was a great weekend, and I can’t wait for the next adventure!

Woodchuck to Gray Squirrel: “Hold my hand tight, we’re going to walk through a waterfall!”

Ira Spring Trail – June 2009

A couple of weeks ago, Payton and I decided to try a new hike in the Denny Creek area.  We packed up all our gear, got our map and NW Forest Pass, and off we went!  As we turned onto the Forest Service Road, we were surprised how the 3 mile road felt more like 1 mile.  There were 3 other cars parked, and a road block keeping anyone from proceeding further down the road.  Hmmm … the trailhead must be close then?

As we wandered down the old Forest Service Road, we were amazed to find waterfalls rushing behind the trees, and baby trees growing out of giant old stumps.  The air was surprisingly cold, and our faces and ears had turned a pinkish hue.  Where is the trailhead?  We’ve been walking for about 20 minutes now … and then it happened.  What used to be the Forest Service Road was now a great mess of rocks, mud and trees …

We continued on, walking through many washouts, and water up to our ankles.  Finally … about 2 miles in, we arrived at the trailhead! 

Turns out, not only was the Forest Service Road damaged, but so was the trail!  About a mile in, we arrived at a waterfall going OVER our trail. 

Didn’t look so bad from far away, but as we approached, our feelings quickly changed …

We grasped each other’s hands, and gingerly made our way through the icy water so we could continue our ascent up the Ira Spring Trail.  It was both scary and fantastic at the same time!

Here is Payton at the other side.  Thrilled and relieved that we made it through!

About another 1/2 mile in, we had to turn around.  We had spent so much time just getting to the trailhead, that we couldn’t finish the hike this time.  One last picture before we turned around …

3-1/2 Miles back through the waterfall, the washed out Forest Service Road, and obstacles seemed to fly by with our endless chatter about the adventure just had.  We followed up the hike with a warm change of clothes, and a trip to the Dairy Freeze for some well-deserved milkshakes!!  Life is good!