Traveling the wonderland trail

[Tharhawk]

For those that don't know, the Wonderland trail encircles Mount Rainier. At over 20,000 vertical feet of gain and loss in 93 miles, it is a knee buster of a hike. Feeling particularly good about the weather, I headed out for 4 and a half days, bringing a few lenses and my camera along for good company. Here's a few photos I went through in the past hour. Thought a few of you rainieraholics would enjoy.

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/663294496_t3eHp-L.jpg

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/663310349_Uy6Y9-L.jpg

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/663381804_MV4YW-L.jpg

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/663389683_hqTnQ-L.jpg

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/663328100_rTRW8-XL.jpg

[Phil Tompson]

The last two are wonderful. I really like the one with the water. Good series.

[Tharhawk]

Thanks Phil. Here are a few more water photos from the trip. I'll add a few more very cool ones when I dig them out of the pile.

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/663457601_eiJtG-L.jpg

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/663464104_FcpDe-L.jpg

[dlplumer]

The last four :thumb :thumb

[Tharhawk]

The last four :thumb :thumb

And another...

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/664048827_ENkfu-L.jpg

[schmoo]

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/663464104_FcpDe-S.jpg

This one is a winner! What a great execution of abstracts in nature :thumb

[Tharhawk]

Here's a pasque flower. Very cool to photo.

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/664316189_7spwp-L.jpg

Same photo in color. This was taken along the hike. It's probably my favorite flower.

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/664320427_J8qeb-L.jpg

[Marc Muench]

Great fun! I have always wanted to do that trail but never got the opportunity:scratch

I hope you brought more than camera equipment to eat:D

[Tharhawk]

Marc, not much to eat. Some crackers, meat, and cheese, 4 things of top ramen, two freeze dried and some gummy bears. Oh well? I don't need much usually. (I have to make room for that camera gear! lol) If you go, write me, I'll give you the low down on cool places to go. You definitely want to take more time. I was rushed and didn't get the best light. Winter is great cause I can camp where I want and I don't have regulations about where and when I need to be at certain places. I hated having to drop to the trees just when I wanted to stay and catch the light and bivi on the high ridges.

Indian Bar with a few wisps of fog in the early morning:

http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/photos/664628443_ZAyrW-L.jpg