Yesterday was the height of Golden Week in the mountains of North Central Washington. Northern Larch trees are one of only two conifers in North America that lose needles in Fall.

Each October, Northern Larch needles turn a glorious, bright gold before falling. When wind blows off the needles, it creates a golden path. It only lasts one week.

Karen, Connie, Marie and I climbed to the summit of Mission Ridge Ski Area, Wenatchee, WA. We hiked eleven miles total with over two thousand feet of elevation gain and loss. Golden Larch at every turn.

My leg muscles feel hammered.