Hike: Talus Loop (WA)
By Arlene
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You could tell it was a holiday weekend by the lack of cars in the Mt. Si Parking Lot early this morning. As we put on our boots and rain gear, we could only spot two other hiking groups getting ready. Mother’s Day brunches and the light rain kept this hike more solitary than we had expected.
The rain was not as bothersome as we feared. It did limit the views, and we had to hike with our hoods up, but there were no downpours to dampen our spirits or our clothing.
The hike is a shortened version of the classic Mt Si hike. You only have to hike the first 1.8 miles (with 1700’ of elevation gain) then head east through the dense forest and ultimately loop back to the Mt Si trail.
My sister and I spent a good deal of time talking about our mother as we hiked today. This is our third Mother’s Day without her, and it is very hard to be in the forest in spring and not think of her love of spring wild flowers. She talked often of gathering yellow violets, bluebells, and Spring beauties when she was a child. The forest behind her farm (very similar to the landscape on the trail today) was her playground.
One of the stories I learned as a child in the NW forests was about Nurse Logs. The older trees that fall give life to the growing young trees, keeping the forests forever growing. It is a lot like Mothers.
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I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I’m glad you and your sister were able to remember her on such a special day! She sounds wonderful 🙂
I loved your mom,wish wehad been able to get together more often
Heather, such lovely memories of your mom. I bet she enjoyed “watching” you and your sister in nature together. xxoo