Mt. Townsend in Washington

The weather in Port Townsend area has been mostly cloudy, rainy, and cold. When we find out that Sunday, the 6th, will be a sunny day, we decide to tackle the level 4 (out of 5) hike up to Mt. Townsend, a 6,500 ft. mountain that overlooks Seattle, Bainbrdige, Kitsap, Jefferson counties, Port Townsend to Sequim. We pick up Alice and John at 8 a.m. (one of the pluses hiking in the cool weather, when we don't have to start at 6 a.m.!) Loaded with snacks, sandwiches, water and warm clothes, we drive one hour on Hwy 101, to Lords Lake Loop Rd, then on gravel road 28, and 2820 to the trail head parking. We are the only car in the lot, but soon another car arrives with two hikers who take off right away.

We are in no big hurry. John is checking out the pole lengths to make sure they're just right for Alice to be ready for the uphill climb.

It is mushroom season, and we see lots of different types. This one has the size, shape and color of a hamburger bun. Just don't eat it!

The narrow trail goes deep into the pine forest that gives out a strong pine scent. Occasionally we can see through the trees into the distance mountains.

Here is a couple of "potato" mushrooms.

Lots of excitement as we spot this little patch of snow. We know we will be hiking in the first snow of the season. Recent cold weather has brought an unseasonably early snowfall. 

This large white mushroom could be the valuable (expensive) mushroom, but we are not going to try it.

Snow on the trail. We will soon be trudging through thicker snow on the ground. Notice Alice and John are both in short sleeves, as the temperature is very pleasant at this point. 

Nearing two hours, we find a sunny spot with a log on the trail, perfect for a snack break. Boiled eggs, apple slices, crackers, Japanese rice crackers make us happy again. We continue our hike. 

We have reached above tree lines, and the view opens to this grand vista of the snow capped Olympic mountains. John and Rexplorer pose for this photo near the very edge of the cliff. They fail to convince Alice and CC to try the same.

Buckhorn Mountains.

Nearing the top, as we turn this corner we are able to see the Townsend peak. The sun is still out and keeping us warm.

The cold wind whips up no sooner than our arrival to the peak. We go over to the leeward side for our lunch break. Rexplorer puts on his "raccoon" hat, feeling warm and snugly. John enjoys the view. From this spot, we can see all the way down to the towns, the bridge, and both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker. Except for a slightly hazy air, the view is quite spectacular.

Sated with food, CC takes a little rest.

Likewise, Alice takes a little nap, while John checks out the view down below. 

The ground is snow covered, but not too deeply. The wind is wickedly cold here. We bundle up.

John and Rexplorer standing on the very top ledge of Mt. Townsend.

CC and Alice on top of the mountain, feeling pretty good about the accomplishment. 

With the wind whipping, Rexplorer and CC put on the windbreakers and cover their heads, for a photo op before heading back down the mountain.

John and Alice brave the wind. The sky is so clear and blue, and the air so fresh. We see a few other people and dogs taking advantage of this beautiful day for a great hike.

Two stunning looking red mushrooms stand out even more in the white snow. 

There are so many mushroom, large and small, that this is one of the more unusual one with a flower growing out of the cup shape stem.

Finally, this group of little mushrooms calls for attention.

As we approach the end of the hike, we pass through this forest of dead trees and fallen trunks. This hike begins at around 4000 ft, takes 3.5 hours up and 2.5 hours down, at our leisurely pace. It is thoroughly enjoyable.