Friday, October 26, 2018

My Hiking Journal: Entry 16

White Angelica
If you're a hiker, how do you choose your hikes?  What makes for a good hike that you would be willing to repeat?  It could be proximity to your house, stunning views, unique topography, access to a lake or river for fishing.  Some factors may discourage you - significant elevation gain, high popularity of the trail, long distances.

 On July 21, 2017, we were swayed to select Stanton Lake due to distance (only 4 miles out and back), access to fishing, and the location (but more about that later).  #1 Son would be accompanying us, and the 'boys' were hankering to do some fishing together.  So off we went.
Fireweed
The trail climbs steadily, but it's not too strenuous, and within a mile and a bit we reached the foot of the lake.  Along the way, we were teased by partial glimpses of Great Northern Mountain.  The rushing sound of the creek leaving the lake could be heard on this section of the trail.
Once at the lakeshore, the trail flattened.  We encountered numerous hikers, and a group of campers occupied the shore at the head of the lake, but nonetheless the boys located peaceful spots to cast a line.  #1 Son caught one lake trout.

 I kept myself occupied with the plentiful flora and fauna around me.

Stanton Lake, looking west with view of Great Northern Mountain



Great Northern Mountain
It didn't take much more for us to conclude that this is a trail worth recommending to others, which we have done regularly.  In fact, #1 Son brought his girlfriend here later that same summer, and we returned this summer with the couple that built our house.  Also, ever since this hike, #1 Son has been inspired by Great Northern Mountain, which he would like to climb some day.  (It is assailed from the opposite side that you see here, and involves 4800 feet of elevation gain over a six mile journey round trip. Whew!)  Watch this space!
Now, back to location.  Faithful readers will know about huckleberries, which pop up in my posts in pies and cakes and other delectables.  An important factor in selecting a hike is proximity to a restaurant that serves huck pie … what better way to conclude a hiking day?  Stanton Lake ticks the box - my 4Runner easily found its way to the parking lot of the Huckleberry Patch, conveniently situated on our way home!

 Linking to:

 All Seasons


 Mosaic Monday


 Nature Notes


 Our World Tuesday
Our World Tuesday Graphic

 Saturday's Critters

 Skywatch Friday

 Wandering Camera

 Wednesday Around the World
  
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43 comments:

  1. TomOctober 26, 2018 at 6:33 PM

    ...it would take me forever to hile an area like this. There jut are too many photo ops along the way.

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  2. MaggieOctober 27, 2018 at 5:27 AM

    When does a walk become a hike, I've always wondered? Anyhow, if there was huckleberry pie at the end of it I'd be there!

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  3. Brian's Home BlogOctober 27, 2018 at 6:46 AM

    Such an amazing place and Stanton Lake sure is beautiful!

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  4. GattinaOctober 27, 2018 at 7:02 AM

    Lovely pictures ! I don't like hiking, I prefer walking through the woods or landscapes, stop when I want, look around, take pictures and not running behind some other hikers, lol !

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  5. AlOctober 27, 2018 at 8:15 AM

    That does look like a great trail. For me I like mountain scenery, and don't want to drive too far for a hike; preferably less than an hour. And I must be able to take my little dogs, who are happy to climb even steep trails.

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  6. Dixie @ Arranged WordsOctober 27, 2018 at 8:28 AM

    The Great Northern Mountain...wow so beautiful!
    The air must be so fresh.
    Lovely photos!

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  7. eileeninmdOctober 27, 2018 at 12:26 PM

    Hello, lovely views from the hike to the lake. Gorgeous lake and mountain scenery! Congrats to your son for catching the trout. I have been seeing some caterpillars on the road. I enjoy all kinds of hiking. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your day and weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

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  8. kiwikidOctober 27, 2018 at 5:11 PM

    What a beautiful place to go hiking, I would return there too. Interesting to see the bugs and plant and flowers. Inhave read about huckleberries but nor seen them before, that pie looks wonderful.

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  9. JoyfulOctober 27, 2018 at 7:54 PM

    Beautiful place to spend some time. You made me hungry with the huckleberry pie, ice cream and coffee, lol.

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  10. KitOctober 27, 2018 at 8:30 PM

    What fun!! And my goodness does that pie and ice cream look great! :) Kit

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  11. KimOctober 28, 2018 at 12:26 AM

    I am not a hiker, but perhaps I could become one if I was to experience views like those of yours. AND yes, if there was a cafe at the end of the long trail that served delectable looking pie like that, then count me in.

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  12. AnuOctober 28, 2018 at 1:08 AM

    Hello! So beautiful place and views. Great photos.

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  13. KBOctober 28, 2018 at 2:21 AM

    Gorgeous pics. I"m not much of a hiker myself

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  14. Sharon WagnerOctober 28, 2018 at 8:41 AM

    The pie at the end is a great touch!

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  15. Adam JonesOctober 28, 2018 at 9:22 AM

    Looks like a stunning place for a hike, and to enjoy the wonders of nature. A good looking pie too.

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  16. ellen b.October 28, 2018 at 8:29 PM

    Lovely hiking trails and views and then Huckleberry! It is fun to live in huckleberry country.

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  17. stardustOctober 29, 2018 at 7:15 AM

    I’m not a good climber but a walker. Usually I take a bus as high as possible and walk around the highland or climb the rest of the elevation. I always enjoy accompanying you, marveling at the stunning views and lovely plants.

    Yoko

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  18. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiOctober 29, 2018 at 10:52 AM

    Most of my hikes here are in my neighborhood! We are fortunate to have 45 miles of trails, most of which lead up into the foothills and hogbacks that surround us. When I seek out other hikes it is usually a place on my Colorado bucket list. I think so far Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon has been my most challenging hike. I need to rest a lot when hiking but I get it done...lol. Your lake hike looks very enjoyable, Angie. Did you son release the trout of keep it and coo it? My new favorite fish is trout and I always order it when I see it on a menu. I tried making it myself but I'm not good at getting rid of all the annoying pin bones when it is a whole fish. That huckleberry pie slice looked delicious!

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  19. SnapOctober 29, 2018 at 10:59 AM

    Wow! The Stanton Lake area is beautiful. I'm afraid I wouldn't get very far because I'd be taking too many pictures! Love the wildflowers.

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  20. MartiOctober 29, 2018 at 3:58 PM

    What is the difference in lake trout and river trout? Hubby would love to catch one, any one, lol. I had fresh river trout at a restaurant in Arkansas and it was delicious. Your lake and mountain view is so pretty, and you always see such great little gems on your hikes.

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  21. Su-sieee! MacOctober 29, 2018 at 4:07 PM

    I can see why you go back down that path to the lake. I would, too. And, eating huckleberry pie after a good hike would work for me, too. :-)

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  22. Mary Howell CromerOctober 29, 2018 at 5:35 PM

    Glorious images! Oh Yum! Huckleberry pie, reminds me of Blackberry pie. Love berry pies so much. Beautiful images taken and shared from your hike. I love to walk, love to hike into the wild, but anymore, I have to be very cautious as I usually walk alone and things can become difficult in the wilds quite quickly~

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  23. LorrieOctober 29, 2018 at 10:41 PM

    You certainly have a plethora of beautiful hikes to choose from. Location usually determines our hiking routes. There are a couple of favourites close by that we like to repeat often.
    A slice of huckleberry pie at the end of a hike is a very good thing!

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  24. DIMIOctober 30, 2018 at 12:02 AM

    Hello!Gorgeous pictures and lovely views from the hike to the lake. Beautiful lake and mountain scenery!That Huckleberry pie looks so delicious! Enjoy your day and week!
    Dimi...

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  25. italiafinlandiaOctober 30, 2018 at 1:22 AM

    Hello, also for us the proximity to a good cafe' is a disclaimer when choosing a hike! Have a good week and thanks for your visit.

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  26. Jill HarrisonOctober 30, 2018 at 2:31 AM

    I always have good intentions, but somehow don't make it, but I do enjoy hiking when I get the chance. Being out in nature is food for the soul. Thanks so much for sharing your hike. The view of the lake is stunning. Happy travels and thank you so much for visiting my blog last week.

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  27. Phil SladeOctober 30, 2018 at 2:51 AM

    I'm impressed with your planning skills Angie. Finishing a trail walk at at a cafe or restaurant is good idea to replenish those energy levels.

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  28. IrmaOctober 30, 2018 at 3:04 AM

    I think it would be wonderful to walk there.
    Nature is beautiful with the mountains in the background.
    Best regards, Irma

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  29. Bob BushellOctober 30, 2018 at 6:09 AM

    Lovely nature, shows everything about the hike Angie.

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  30. Jenn JilksOctober 30, 2018 at 6:59 AM

    That's a fun post! I love the pie thing!!!
    To answer your question, I put out the carcass of our turkey where the trail cam sits. It keeps them down by the wetland. The raccoons are usually there first to clean it up.

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  31. carol l mckennaOctober 30, 2018 at 9:03 AM

    Beautiful nature photos ~ so healing to see and be in nature ~

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  32. LoisOctober 30, 2018 at 12:56 PM

    Gorgeous photos of an absolutely breathtaking place!

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  33. Rambling WoodsOctober 30, 2018 at 4:57 PM

    Wow....So lucky to be able to hike in these areas...Michelle

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  34. Lady FiOctober 30, 2018 at 11:10 PM

    Looks lovely!

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  35. handmade by amaliaOctober 31, 2018 at 12:21 AM

    Lovely trails. I'm more of an accidental hiker, that hikes just reveal themselves to me :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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  36. Soma @ inkTorrents.comOctober 31, 2018 at 11:32 AM

    So beautiful, no wonder it has become one of your favourite hikes. The photo of the Stanton Lake is gorgeous. Thanks for labelling the flora and the fauna. It is most important to find a good pie place after a great hike. That pie looks delicious!!

    Thank You so much for linking up on Wandering Camera!

    -Soma

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  37. JeanNovember 1, 2018 at 4:49 PM

    Wow, such beautiful scenery! I've never had huckleberry pie or anything else although I do like the flavor in salt water taffy.

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  38. Angie in SoCalNovember 1, 2018 at 8:21 PM

    Oh, I like how you decide on your hikes - pie is my favorite. Beautiful country and striking photos - thanks!

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  39. Crafty Green PoetNovember 2, 2018 at 2:00 AM

    What a beautiful place to hike! I always like hikes that include nice views without being too steep (I get vertigo!) amd good opportunities to see wildlife. Water is always a plus as is a nice cafe / pub at the end of the trail...

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  40. Spare Parts and PicsNovember 2, 2018 at 2:04 PM

    Beautiful hiking spot, and so cool that #1 caught a trout. That huck pie has my mouth watering!!

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  41. Anne (cornucopia)November 3, 2018 at 4:17 AM

    Beautiful photos of the outdoors.

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  42. TammyNovember 5, 2018 at 9:44 PM

    My #1 son doesn't think one is truly hiking unless it is strenuous and lengthy, failing to take into consideration that his parents aren't quite as limber as he. :) I love any kind of walking, though would prefer to be in the beautiful mountains instead of here seeing the same things over and over again. Pie definitely sounds like a good reward (though I'm more prone to be looking for a beer).

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  43. Klara SNovember 20, 2018 at 4:13 PM

    Beautiful views.

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