explore:NW Spring 2020 explorenw_fall19 | Page 44

cup of coffee, the fog had rolled back in. It came and went in spurts, so dense at moments you could hardly see the water below. But the fog didn’t keep excited hikers away. The rock’s crowd continued to grow, other hikers arriving with a smile and a nod. Rachel brewed our coffee with an AeroPress, the elevation adding addi- tional resistance to the press’ plunger. “It’s crazy how the physics of being up higher really affects the process,” said Rachel, a former high school science teacher. We savored our warm cups of caf- feine and a couple of banana-blueberry muffins I’d brought. We watched as the fog continued to cling to water. And then we packed up, nodded to a few of the groups nearby, and headed back down. The trip back down was substantially 42 explore: NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2019 more crowded. Our three-some passed several large groups, two of which had nearly 20 people in them! By the time we reached the trailhead, both parking lots were full and spill-over cars had been left along the road. Moral of the story, when you hike to Lake Serene, get on the trail early. Plus, finishing early leaves you perfectly timed for a post-hike burger lunch at Vick’s Burger Shack. But that French fry and burger good- ness is a tale for a different time. I’m unsure when or where my next longer hike will be, but one thing is for certain — I can already hear the moun- tains calling.