Alpine Lookout

Needed to get out today. Weather was not looking all that promising but finally just loaded up the Scion with my pack and Dibs and headed east along Highway 2. Destination: Alpine Lookout. Picked up Krusteez, a PCT thru-hiker in Skykomish. Dibs immediately let the young man know he expected to be petted in exchange for giving up his seat and he was obliged. After depositing Krusteez at the PCT trail head, we finished our drive to the Round Mountain trail head. The day was sunny but cool, a moderate breeze blowing. Starting out on the trail, the way is rather steep through some forest that probably saw better days before the axeman cameth. Fortunately, this portion of the trek was short-lived and provided some nice views of the surrounding mountains. Before long you come upon silent sentinels clad in white, remnants of a once proud corps that succumbed to fire. The area is recovering nicely and a multitude of feathered friends have taken up residence in the deceased's remains. After about 1.6 miles a junction points the way to Nason Ridge and we followed willingly. The way is rutted and hence difficult to travel thanks to the two-wheeled motor contrivances allowed to destroy the earth in these parts. Fortunately, the beauty of the surroundings, as well as the views, are able to distract one long enough from spewing a torrent of invective against the politicos responsible for cow-towing to those who have destroyed the land with their toys. Moving along, the surroundings are impressive: meadows, rocks, towering evergreens and stunted krummholz. And did I mention the views? Spectacular. After about 4.7 miles you come to a junction: straight continues along Nason Ridge (sans motorcycles), right takes you up to the Lookout. Dibs chose right, correctly I may add, and we ascended to the top of the knob at 6237 feet. Some good samaritan left a Snickers on the railing of the lookout (thank you) which I enjoyed while answering my email and text messages (yes, I had 4G coverage the entire time I was hiking). After sending a series of photos to a select few Dibs and I headed down, then up, then down, then up, then down again. The weather was changing quickly: winds were picking up, temps falling, and clouds moving in all around us. We managed a few more photos before finally arriving back at the trail head just before sunset. This was an enjoyable hike overall, though I would like to see a ban on all but feet from the trail.