The Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax) was prevalent in every meadow crossing on this off-trail trip last week.
Sort of surreal to top a ridge, drop into the next meadow, and see the unusually numerous blooms. These went on for several miles, and made me feel like I was on another planet.
This was a tougher hike than usual, as the temps on this day were in the mid 90s according to my little zipper-pull thermometer. That heat is somewhat unusual for the high country on the SW side of the Olympics, though not unheard of.
Even with the heat, the 5 days of uninterrupted hiking was pure bliss, with lots of sweat dripping off my nose - as it should be.
Laurence68 wrote:
The Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax) was prevalent in every meadow crossing on this off-trail trip last week.
Sort of surreal to top a ridge, drop into the next meadow, and see the unusually numerous blooms. These went on for several miles, and made me feel like I was on another planet.
This was a tougher hike than usual, as the temps on this day were in the mid 90s according to my little zipper-pull thermometer. That heat is somewhat unusual for the high country on the SW side of the Olympics, though not unheard of.
Even with the heat, the 5 days of uninterrupted hiking was pure bliss, with lots of sweat dripping off my nose - as it should be.
The Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax) was prevalent in... (
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I enjoy your backcountry posts and beautiful photography very much, thank you!
Phil
nice, this strange stuff is also along the Old McKinsey Hwy near the Lava Flows here in Oregon. Definitely strange stuff.
nice, this strange stuff is also along the Old McKinsey Hwy near the Lava Flows here in Oregon. Definitely strange stuff.
I remember when I could do that without a care in the world. Forty pounds in a back pack and good for two weeks.
rockdog wrote:
I enjoy your backcountry posts and beautiful photography very much, thank you!
Phil
Well, that makes me happy then. Thank you!
ORpilot wrote:
nice, this strange stuff is also along the Old McKinsey Hwy near the Lava Flows here in Oregon. Definitely strange stuff.
Yes, it definitely likes well drained ground and open sun.
UTMike wrote:
Wonderful shot!
Thanks as always, UTMike. :-)
Retired CPO wrote:
I remember when I could do that without a care in the world. Forty pounds in a back pack and good for two weeks.
Well, then keep those memories alive. It's always good to relive them in our heads. That's the beauty of life.
Rick-ws
Loc: Seattle or North Idaho
Xerophyllum tenax gets its common name for a reason. Beautiful visually, but it assaults the olfactory.
That is a beautiful photo. North Idaho is past the inflorescense prime. Now it's huckleberry season, and the smell is important cause it might be a real bear.
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