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Stacey walks the footbridge crossing Granite Creek near the start of the trail.
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Another smaller creek crossing in the forest section of the trail.
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First views out of the forest looking towards the Pass.
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Taking a breather as we climb up. This is looking back towards the forest we had hiked through and Mt. Hardy beyond.
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Stacey ascending the various switchbacks on the shoulder of the Granite Creek Valley.
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This section on the very difficult talus fields of the Granite Valley was a bit of a challenge.
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Looking straight up towards the pass -- our destination for the day.
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Taking a break in a shady section along the talus fields.
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Posing at the top of the talus fields as we head up the Granite Valley.
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Stacey headed up the trail.
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Looking out towards the trail we have just climbed. Quite an achievement!
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Another pose…such a poseur.
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We could see the initial fall foliage as we climbed up towards Easy Pass (just in the distance).
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Looking back down into Granite Creek valley and the talus fields.
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Looking back down the trail from Easy Pass. I made it!
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At Easy Pass, the trail exits the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and enters North Cascades National Park.
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Stacey at the top of Easy Pass!
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Camera phone photo...Looking down into Fisher Creek Basin and Fisher Peak beyond.
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Fisher Creek Basin. Stunningly beautiful…although I took this photo and probably the worst time of day for photography. Imagine sunset here!
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I made it to Easy Pass, Fisher Creek Basin behind me.
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View from the spot where Stacey and I had our much-needed lunch.
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The entrance to the trail (though I took this at the end of our hike).
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Enjoying some brews on the way back home at Birdseye Brewing Company in Concrete, WA.
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A Pail Ale (yes, that's how they spell it).
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Brewmeister Bill and a regular patron.
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Yummy yummy pizza in downtown Mt. Vernon.