Colors of Oktober

 

The Cascade Highway is alight with colors of fall. We drove east from Seattle to Leavenworth to go hiking and celebrate Oktoberfest in true Bavarian style.

 
The mid-reach of the Icicle River, near the trailhead.
The lower Icicle is where we went rafting last month.

 
Climbing up the trail and looking west up an old stream valley.

 

 
After some bushwhacking (poor choice wearing shorts; I regretted this later), Ken found this waterfall and plunge pool.

 
Ken goes for an ELD (Emergency Lie-Down) at the waterfall.

 
I loved this jagged peak we were hiking toward all day. It was on the other side of the river, however.

 
Snow-capped Cascades in the distance... makes me excited for winter, skiing, and snowboarding!

 
Hiking down, we noticed this little chipmunk, undisturbed by us. We watched him chow down on a nest of flying ants. Here's a close-up...


In about 10 minutes he had decimated the whole pile. They were all alive, but not a single one flew away, just waited their turn to be picked off by small paws.


View east toward Leavenworth from the trail.

 
Ken looking for bears on the way down.

 
Celebrating Oktoberfest in one of several beer gardens with music, dancing, food, and of course beer. If John wants to retire in Leavenworth, I could think of a job for him...

 


Ken convinced me to get behind this billboard (after a beer or two).
It was hilarious!


Here we are with our faceless Bavarian kids.


One of the brilliant sights on the Cascade Highway... hope autumn is beautiful wherever you are!