Lena Lake Hike

Today Kassia & I hiked the Lena Lake trail near the Hamma Hamma Campground just north of Hoodsport.  This was the first hike that we did last year as a family which about killed us and made us swear we'd never go hiking again.  When I told my family that I had picked Lena Lake for our Yoh! hike they all groaned & said they wouldn't go.  But, I knew that I had to try it again to prove to myself it wasn't so tough, so off we went.  It was really hilly, and did have 17 switchbacks (we counted), but we took our time & made it up & back safe, sound & a bit tired.  We had lunch at the infamous sandwich swipe spot.  We basked in the sun & saw tons of small white butterflies with black spots. It truly is a beautiful area and I'm glad that we were able to enjoy it.  On the way back I even saw a snake, but I didn't scream.  I wanted to take a picture, but it slithered away too quickly.  It was a perfect way to spend a beautiful fall day!

I loved the giant boulders.  

Trail at a switchback...heading up, up, up!

There were so many tall trees.  I loved how this one had branches growing only on one side.

No water yet, but there will be some here once the rains start. 

That Kassia, she is such a tree hugger!

First of 2 bridges we crossed.  Using the camera timer...

These large overhangs reminded me of the Cispus hike.

Second bridge.

Beautiful Lena Lake

This is where we had lunch.

Cool mushroom we found.

Kayak Down the Nisqually

On Labor Day morning 5 folks kayaked down the Nisqually River to the refuge then over to Luhr Beach.  The weather was a bit cold & foggy, but it didn't dampen any one's fun!  They saw quite a few fisherman out trying to snag some salmon, but were able to avoid all the fishing lines.  There was lots of wildlife including salmon, seals, herons & a few bald eagles.  These great photos were "borrowed" from Brenda & Jerry's blog.  To see more pictures, please click HERE.

 

Esther & Tammy

Brenda

Beautiful picture of the fog.

Brenda & Esther

Heron

Tammy

Jerry

Paula

Cute seals!



Some fishermen & their salmon.


  

Group photo: Jerry, Brenda, Paula, Esther & Tammy