Bandera Mountain | Blissfulbritt

Tag: Bandera Mountain

Ira Springs Trail – Mason Lake

Posted at 6:56 AM by Brittany, on June 6, 2016

It’s here, it’s here! Summer is *almost* here!

I used to be neutral about summer, and then one year I discovered my love for hiking. The longer and warmer days made these hikes more doable and more enjoyable.

Last Tuesday I kicked off the season with a solo hike to Mason Lake. I had never been to the lake before, but I had been to Bandera Mountain which shares the same beginning of the trail. I’ll never forget the hike to Bandera because the bug swarms were out of control, and Tuesday was even worse.

I was like one of those barn animals with fly’s swarming their faces.

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The beginning of the hike was familiar, with steep hills and rock fields. I was breathing like a labored donkey thinking to myself how out of shape I am, but after passing 6 people I realized perhaps I was trying to bulldoze up the mountain too fast.

I’m still somewhat out of shape though.

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This hike was a much needed soul revival. Summer months bring out my desires to explore, and when I explore I feel balanced and centered. Insert “ommmmm” chants here.

The trail climbs 4300 ft into the sky providing amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the ever so gorgeous Mount Rainier as shown above. Conditions this time of year were fine, just a few trees down towards the lake that allowed me to practice my show horse leaps.

I did feel a bit nostalgic missing my hiking partner from the last adventure to this area, but I very much enjoyed being on my own clock. Solo hikes mean bathrooms are everywhere, and sweaty hot mess appearances are no big deal.

Actually let’s be real, sweaty hot messes are never a big deal in the mountains.

Fun fact: my nostrils are shaped differently.

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The lake was so still and quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Plenty of giardia looking water too.

I sat. I savored.

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Great view of Bandera mountain.

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One of the things I love about hiking, aside from the immediate sense of accomplishment and relaxation, is that it inspires me to be creative. For me this is something as simple as taking photos, and sharing them in this space.

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It’s imperative for our well being to find things we are passionate about and to DO THEM. Make the time, because nothing is more important than self care.

Q: What inspires you to be creative?

| 62 Comments Tagged Bandera Mountain, Hiking, Mason Lake, Solo Hike

Bandera Mountain – The Sun it Shines

Posted at 3:48 AM by Brittany, on July 7, 2014

The last handful of “big adventure” hikes (anything I have to travel over an hour to get to and consists of at least 4-8 hours of hiking) I’ve gone on have been on cloudy days. Temp wise this is ideal, but for a good view and full proof navigation it’s not.

BIG difference in the view driving up from the last hike I went on. NO clouds. YES!

You can imagine my excitement when I ventured to Seattle/North Bend on a bright sunshiny day. Bring on the fantastic views!!

The must see attraction on this hike was Mount Rainier. As the elevation grew, the views became better and better. What first started at just a tiny peak of a view, grew to a mass pile of gorgeous.

This hike was rated a 4/5 for difficulty, but once it got steep I personally rated it a 4.5/5. I was also hot and I was tired. As always though, the views from the top were well worth the climb.

Snow on one side, dirt on the other.

Due to the activities that took place on my last big hike (getting lost and almost starving to death) I packed my bag full. I had an apple, a plum, two tortillas with an avocado smashed inside, a Vega bar, dry roasted edamame, leftover brown rice noodles with beans and tomato, and a vegan/gluten free berry scone I bought at WF.

My one and only complaint on this hike was not having a personal zap gun for all the bugs swarming me. It was legit ridiculous. Thankfully as I sat at the peak and enjoyed my ~~food~~ feast, the annoyance of the bugs all seemed to fade away.

I have 4 bug bites that have lasted over a week, but I ate every last morsel of the food I brought. I call that a success.

Blogging has been on the back burner right now due to work, school, and my hiking adventures. I will pop in for a post or two whenever I have some down time to write! As always, you can follow my adventures outside of the blog through my Instagram photos! 🙂

Q: What’s your favorite hiking weather? I like a slight bit of overcast to keep things cool, but not enough to skew the view!