It is the first day with summer in the air following weeks of rain. The valley is bathed in green. Wheat heads super-sized and waist high. Creeks running high of run-off in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Washington and Oregon. The rain providing an extra boost of growth. From the valley the mountains have long been green and tempting for sometime now. Today is the day it is decided to take a day of exploring up Tiger Canyon.
A long time friend joins along with his wife. Heading up the road and crossing over to gravel at the Washington/Oregon border we began to climb. Soon we hang the left across Mill Creek and enter the canyon. It is decide after a short radio conversation with Dave that we should make an attempt to make Skyline Drive, a ridge top road, from end to end. This seems fine.
Thanks to the rain the Basalt outcroppings are grown emerald moss, dripping pure seep water, and displaying vivid wildflowers. My thought began to wonder and some sense of sadness creeps in as thoughts wonder over recent life experiences. Nonetheless the sun is finally showing itself and I began to appreciate the day. Ah the therapy of mountains!
The higher the two trucks push the clearer the sky. Soon the saddle is reached and a sharp left takes us higher still. It begins to cool and I realize that it has been a while since venturing into the mountains. After a quick survey to the inside cab of the truck I find a jacket. OK a little more prepared then assumed. Soon the roadside snow begins to appear and the vegetation is still in early spring. Upon reaching an additional saddle the road heads the the north side of the mountain and shade. the snow begins to creep into the road and finally an excuse for 4wd. Not necessary yet, but what the hell lets bust some snow. Obviously the ridge is not in the cards today. After a quick turn around we find the large parking area next to a recent timber sale.
Dave knows a short hike up the peak to a view point that looks into Mill Creek Watershed. After a short tailgate snack on with the hiking boots we head off up the logging road soon hiking in old spring snow. Diverting to the right we make for dry land and walk through old forest with downed trees. Emerging out of the timber we enter a high park carpeted with wild flower of violet, yellow and white. A stunning discovery. Reaching the top fetching out the field glasses to scan the opposing canyon sides for elk, bear, etc. finding nothing the conversation continues. Conversations seems to be the point of the day so far. Not complaining. Many subjects are broached today, at this time, the truth of any religion is debated. As well as, the existence of any higher power is questioned. I do not believe in fear.
Turning and heading for the trucks we find that the clear cut makes for easy hiking, but is exceptionally ugly. Arriving at the chariot we amble down the road to the saddle where additional roads head south deeper into the mountains. At this point it becomes necessary to use 4wd. Yeah. It is slow going but there are numerous viewpoints and who is in a hurry. Need you be reminded it is Tiger Canyon on Saturday. At the head waters of the North Fork of the Walla Walla and addition hike to find mushroom is embarked upon. This is fruitless, except the exercise. Fine "lets see where the road goes."
Being cautious after several journeys across drifted roads. Following a attempted fishtail off the steep side of the mountain. A sixteen point turn on the narrow road has us heading back towards the saddle. Back at the main road and a short distance down the second road heads off left. Going left is always worth it. This road even more narrow is lower and not as snowing. Showing promise we reach yet another view point. This one into the vast expanse of the North Fork drainage. In the near future a mountain bike ride will be taken along the North Fork River down the mountain to Power Line Road. That is a different story.
"The last time on this road the gate was closed" Turning back we head towards the saddle the fourth time. Still not done with our hiking for the day we head further down to a small spring flowing draw to find Lady Slippers a member of the orchard family. Finding some a cell phone snaps a picture and across the water we hop and side hill back the road.
Further on we come to the "Ridge Walk" a favorite of Dave and his deceased father. An easy hike to the rock pile we stop for more conversation. Peering into the off limits watershed of Mill Creek the discussion turns to wildness and why the attraction? Soon the distinctive white asses of elk are seen moving in the open terrain across this particular canyon. Scrambling for the field glasses and realizing that they were left at the truck along with spotting scope. Damn. Not as prepared as assumed.
How soon you forget how the travel into the woods? Why? Anyway, soon the eyes get tired of stain try to follow the elk. Hiking out the conversation focuses on Dave's happiness seeing his wife make a slow recovery from brain damage. He is so happy because today she remembers how to use the two-way. Dave is all smiles. Back in the convoy a sudden stop reveals an additional trail straight up to the rock pile on "Ridge Walk." Still not hurried the only thing packed are field glasses and scope for closer inspection of the elk opposite spotted earlier. Amazing how much ground the four have covered in the few minutes it takes to find them the second time.
Descending brake light reveal a lone cow elk dead ahead this time spotted by the damaged mind, another reason for smiles. In short order out pops the camera and a few quick snaps documents the chance meeting. As quick as the camera snaps a still the elk decides to disappear. Being so close you can easily see the large muscle snap as she hustles straight up the canyon and over the top. Gone.
Yet again we stop at a overlook into the untouched watershed. After a quick scan of the opposite side a good heard of elk over a mile away. After surveying the open ground the elk claim it becomes apparent that the yellow signs, highlighted by the setting sun, warning of impending doom if you so choose to venture into the watershed out number the elk. Sacred ground.
Again giving way to gravity, the day seems over. Switch backing the final time before getting back to the creek we pass another onlooker glassing the mixed terrain of open parks and heavily timbered draws the typifies the Blues. Traveling somewhat quick for the mountain road barely noticed is the brown spot of interest. Quickly realizing the spot if interest is moving finally momentum is stopped. Grabbing the scope the cinnamon bear is found along with her two tiny offspring. Playing with each other like the films on Discovery Channel a realizing of reality sinks in. Wow. It is not long before the young family recedes to the forest. Thinking the show is over, the young couple that was watching prior to our arrival heads down for a nice dinner, maybe a coffee or a late movie at the cinema.
Scanning the broken canyon side with eye only another bear is seen moving in the direction of the very same trees the young family is hold up in. This could be interesting! Males and young mother bears do not mix. A short time after disappearing into the ponderosa the second bear makes a hasty retreat. Following the bear in the scope across the mountainside the bear makes a stop directly under a large mature ponderosa pine. Thoughts begin to ask "wouldn't that be cool if he climbed that tree." Nope, a quick look up the tree and purposed movement away from the young family in the trees. Seconds later nearly falling out of the tree two young cubs fall in line. Not a male, but another young mother with twins. Lucky.
Still stunned by what was witness the descent to town continues. Show over, reaching the outskirts of town life begins to return to normal. Soon thoughts are wondering back up the mountain. A higher power, not sure, but faith is built in something today. A so called once in a blue moon experience. More accurately a one in life.
Later, The Green Lantern poor of choice in Blue Moon with a slice of orange. What a Saturday in Tiger Canyon. Tomorrow?
