Picture it, it’s early June in Northern Washington and it’s cool enough to wear a light jacket. The rain is drizzling down, and the water is mesmerizing as it trickles down from the canopy. A light breeze is whistling through the trees, gently blowing against my face. The air smells sweet. It’s the perfect combination for a muddy and relaxing hike through the forest with my best friend — Jessica and her husband — Mike. You can see them in a picture down below, though they look so tiny compared to the trees!
The Lime Kiln Trail is a beautiful forest trail filled with history, and let’s face it — uphill climbs that really get your heart pumping on the way back. When you first approach the trail, you see an amazing display of ferns and moss laden trees. You feel transported into a different world as soon as you enter the trail. Feels like maybe a little Jurassic Park action is about to occur. Watch out for those dinosaurs!
As you keep walking down the rocky trail you start to hear a rush of water. However, the foliage is very thick through this part of the trail, but as you keep walking the forest opens and gives you a view of a limestone filled river — turning the water a white color! It was amazing to see something so different.
I always look for good opportunities to take photos while I am hiking, helps bring me back to the peace I feel when I’m in the forest. Some of my favorites to take are how close the trees are to one another. Makes me feel like I’m in the wild! In the picture below it makes the trees look like they’re going for miles and miles. The feeling of being immersed into the forest, away from the hustle and bustle of the city fills me with peace, and a little longing — as I wish I could stay there forever.
Towards the end of the trail, the Lime Kiln looms up on the right side, a short distance from the trail. With the moss and ferns around the kiln it reminded me of ruins in a South American Jungle! It’s amazing the innovation required to build a 20-foot Lime Kiln in the middle of the Washington forest. I did a little research and the kiln was built in the 1890’s and used until 1930!
On the hike, I used the wrong footwear and suffered from it — hello big blisters! The tennis shoes were comfortable, but the mixture of wet feet and wet shoes just rubbed the wrong way, literally. So, I’ve upgraded since then. (I’ll have reviews for you next time!). I wore leggings with pockets, because let’s be real — you want to have your phone camera ready to capture amazing shots! And leggings with pockets are just better, am I wrong? Comfortable and no chaffing! ha.
For this hike, I just used my iPhone camera, as I didn’t travel with my Canon this time. But I was still able to capture some amazing shots that I am extremely happy with and do their job of transporting me back to the forest when I am looking at them.
I didn’t have much time for introspection on this hike. I was too excited to be in the forest to really think. And, on top of it I was paying very close attention to where my feet were going due to the uneven and rocky path. Don’t want a sprained ankle three miles down the trail! That makes a bad day for everyone!
Now, it’s time to prepare for my next trip — camping and hiking on Lake Shelbyville with my most trusted and loved companion — Lilly Mae. Here’s an adorable picture of the two of us. We can clean up nice, sometimes.
Until Next Time,
Felicia
