The Rambling Writer Hikes and Swims Bagley Lakes

Thor, Bear dog, and I simply HAD to return to the mountains, despite some mobility issues. Another Geezer Adventure.

(Note: This is a rerun from 2023, posted just days before I learned that my never-smoker lung cancer had recurred with a large tumor in my chest that may have explained my continuing pain. A lot of treatments and complications have ensued, but our Geezer Adventures continue, with more adaptations. From Galaxy Quest: “Never give up. Never surrender.” This week, I’m tired after radiation treatments for a second recurrence, so revisiting this lovely day. I hope the glimpses of green help those suffering with the wildfire season that’s really hitting the West this year. Looking back, we are remembering our wonderful, departed Bear dog with love and some tears, though we have added young Reo dog to the family.)

According to Thor, Bear dog is about the same age in dog years as our own early 70s. We are all getting gimpy — much sooner than I expected — but we still feel the call of the wild. I finally said, “We ARE going up to Mt. Baker this week, and we’ll just go as far as we can.” We chose the Bagley Lakes trail on the skirts of Mt. Baker (the native Koma Kulshan), a pretty low-key hike. Even two years ago, we would have scoffed at the thought of this “light appetizer” hike presenting a challenge, but we have learned that we need to go with the flow of our bodies. We made it around the loop! And we were “Being. Here. Now” in the glorious mountain air with the lush greenery feeding our souls.

First, the steep mountain road winding above the ski lodge on the skirts of Mt. Shuksan.

The start of the trail still offers a glimpse of Mt. Shuksan.

Across the first lake, we see Table Mountain.

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You will find The Rambling Writer’s blog posts here every Saturday. Sara’s latest novel from Book View Café is Pause, a First Place winner of the Chanticleer Somerset Award and an International Pulpwood Queens Book Club selection. “A must-read novel about friendship, love, and killer hot flashes.” (Mindy Klasky). It’s also a love letter to the breathtaking wilderness of Sara’s native Pacific Northwest. Sign up for her quarterly email newsletter at www.sarastamey.com