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Page A-38 Shelton-Mason County Journal Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020
ON THE TRAIL
Sports Outdoors
Deer-y little football gae ‘
Lighted reindeer play‘ a garne of football recently on the lawn of Four
Seasons Adult Family Home in Shelton. Journal photo Shawn [Whelan
Clear directions to View of Mount Washington’s ’Traveler’
e’ll be coming into the longest nights of i
the year next week. And while December’s
weather is typically wet and cool, I
want you to keep your eyes and ears peeled
for news of sunny days. Why? Because
Northwest winters provide some of the best
hiking weather when the sun is out and
shining. I
The air is generally crisp and refresh-
ing, often cleaner than other times of the
year. And while the days are short and the ,
sunny times seem too few and far between,
remember we need the Vitamin D and
other healthy benefits of sunshine more
than ever — so go get yourself some major
rays, 0 ? .g '
Hey, .' quick shout-out to all those who re-
sponded for directions to Oxbow in my'last 'column.
Thanksfor your interest and support. I hope this
week’s adventure proves as worthy for your consid-
eration.
POSE WITH THE TRAVELER
I’ve sort of touched on this place before. How-
ever, this time I’m going to dial you in to a very
specific location with a very specific view to enjoy.
For anyone who’s ever wanted to photograph
By MARK
WOYTOWICH selfie just in time for Christmas cards or
(or simply enjoy) Mount Washington’s “Traveler”
phenomenon the Gandalf wizard character, his
hat and staff made from shadow and snow
— this spot is probably the very best you
can do to get close to the mountain with no
objects between you.
In fact, if you have someone working a
camera from slightly below you, you can
set up a photo with you standing right be-
side the iconic figure on the mountain. You
won’t need a special camera or any “pro”
techniques. In fact, you might be able to do
the whole thing on your own, a four-star
Christmas wishes.
SHORT DRIVE ' ' , -
Let’s head up state Route 119 from Hoodsport
for 7.8 miles until you see a forest road bearing
right. Turn here just before 'you would have come
to a “Skokomish Park North Camp” sign on the left
of Route 119. '
An open blue gate and a Department of Natural
Resources sign detailing permit requirements are
two indicators that you are on the right road.
Continue, noting the shallow pond on your left.
Don’t be surprised if you see ice. Very shortly you’ll
come to a small triangular road island; you’ll need
to choose “straight” or “left” here. '
Go left, and the pond will be much larger now,
with Mount Ellinor and Mount Washington reflect-
ing in its surface. This is quite the sight if you have
never been here before. I have spent pre-dawn
mornings standing here, drinking coffee from a
thermos, preparing to photograph the snowy peaks
kissed pink by the day’s first rays. ’
I recommend parking just past the pond on your
left, then walking the next half mile ahead. You’ll
pass Price Lake downhill on your right, and even
now in December you may find chanterelle mush-
rooms winking yellow on both sides of the road.
THE VIEW ’ "‘3 . r .
For the View captured by George Stenberg -1n'th1s
week’s photo, stay in your car as you pass the pond.
Very shortly (a hundred yards or so) you’ll come to a
“Y”,in the road. Take the left fork.
Follow this unpaved but fairly smooth’road for
about a third of a mile, maybe more. You should be-
come aware of a lone hill appearing on your right. 'It
is a bare, recently clear-cut hill maybe 200 feet tall.
see TRAIL. page A-39