Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness

My buddy Tim and I, along with our horses, spent last weekend riding in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, located within the Wenatchee National Forest. Smokey was his usual trusty trail self, and the ride was event free. We rode in about 12 miles on Saturday, with the weather warm and alternating between clouds and sun. Rain started around 8pm, and continued non-stop until around 4am Sunday morning. Sunday was blustery and chilly. Thankfully we were outfitted with proper raingear, so we stayed warm and dry when the skies opened up on us during the last two hours of the ride out.

While only 35 miles from the Norse Peak Wilderness, the terrain and vegetation are vastly different. The terrain is very rocky, and is covered with enormous boulders deposited by the glaciers thousands of years ago. The vegetation is mostly alpine scrub.

I never really cease to be amazed with Smokey. The horse who can be a complete idiot in the arena, was a calm, surefooted, trusty steed the entire weekend. Riding in the lead, he was surefooted, kept a good pace, and never balked at any obstacles. Occasionally he would just stop walking, and look back at me as if to say "I think this is a good place to camp", but a gentle reminder would set him to walking again.


The Waptus River

There are numerous creeks crossing the trail which feed into the river.

The view from the top of the Polallie Ridge Trail. (Elev. ~5500ft). My pitiful Nikon Coolpix does not do justice to the sheer beauty of the views from up here. I must return in the summer time.

We think these piers used to be part of a firewatch tower.

I wish Smokey could take his mind off eating the grass long enough to pose for a picture.

20 comments:

Gordon Scott said...

There's some people like that, too. Some tasks, for them, are nearly impossible. But find the right thing for them, and they're brilliant.

Obama's like that.

Andy said...

Man, Dave! That is some gorgeous country. I sure miss the West.

And, it's always a treat to see your adventures...even if your Nikon camera doesn't do it justice. But then again, show me a camera that can...

Christina RN LMT said...

Gorgeous scenery, as always. I be you are so refreshed in spirit after an outing like this. I envy you.

Buck said...

Beautiful country, beautiful horse, beautiful weekend. And GOOD rain gear is a thing of beauty, too.

Bag Blog said...

I saved that last photo - 'cause it is paintable.

Dave (aka Buckskins Rule) said...

Gordon: Smokey can be a great arena horse, he just doesn't like it much. Come to think o it, neither do I.

Andy: Good point. While out there we were discussing the fact that we were seeing places that most will never lay eyes on.

Christina: These outings are amazingly good for the spirit and the body.

Buck: He is a good looking horse, ain't he. And yes, good rain gear is worth it's weight in gold.

Lou: In never thought I'd strike a pose that might be worthy of a painting. Of course, it could be that the horse struck said pose. There's a larger version on Facebook, if you need.

Kris, in New England said...

Just gorgeous Dave. And Smokey really is beautiful, even if he just focuses on his next meal.

bit said...

Красивая у вас природа запчасти

Sneha said...

First time in here n I already seem 2 be growing fond of Smokey..:)

NCIS dvd said...

So beautiful!

Katie Trimble said...

Smokey is gorgeous! I've always loved buckskins...must've been growing up watching "Dances With Wolves" :)

Brilhando em VIDA! said...

- Olá...

Brasil

said...

I live in central London, England. I love the pictures. Please, post more pictures. Thanks.

kimberly_lyn said...

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful horse, and breathtaking mountain landscape! I am officially envious of you, Sir! =)

PS - I hope you don't mind total strangers dropping by and commenting on your photos...But since you've been chosen for having one of October's "best" blogs, I'm sure your site will be a "beacon" for attracting random strangers for the next few days. =)

Dave (aka Buckskins Rule) said...

Thanks everyone!

kimberly_lyn, my blog is public, so all are welcome to drop by and comment.

zulkbo said...

nice entri..
blog too..

eddie said...

Hmmm, the Waptus River is beautiful....

sanggardesign said...

nice shot!

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Jeannette said...

The waterfall...draws me right in. No camera is ever big enough...can't capture the mountain air, the depth of silence... the distance...
but your photos are indeed lovely.

Momma's Gone Country said...

It looks like an absolutely beautiful ride. I just started riding this past year and I fell in love. I really enjoy watching Clinton Anderson train horses on his show. He is absolutely amazing.