61st Birthday hike, September 29, 2014

I celebrated my birthday today by hiking from the Heart O' The Hills Trailhead up to the top of Klahane Ridge and back, about 12.7 miles and 4,200 feet elevation gain. The weather was broken clouds when I started, but when I got to the ridge top, the fog and mist moved in and obscured everything. Katy had fried chicken and birthday cake waiting for me when I got home.

There are lots of switchbacks on the way up, but the trail has an even grade and a good tread. Thank you, Olympic National Park.

A little fall color at Heather Park

 

Looking at rock formations off to the north.

The clouds roll up the ridge. 

I had to wait while these three goats munched their way up the trail.

 

On top of the ridge!

 

Goats kept coming out from behind this rock. There were six in all. I skirted them on the trail below.

Klahane Ridge. Unfortunately I couldn't see the grand vistas promised by the guidebook. Guess I'll have to come again on a sunny day.

Coming down the mountain through the forest of Mordor.

Finished at 4:45, already getting dark in the woods.

This caps off a good day.