Washington Pass Overlook

While we were headed east at the beginning of our getaway, we stopped to take lots of photos at the pass... you know, mountains, larches, etc.

And I love the rock.  How it looks so fluid.  Well, you know, it was once.

And then there was this cliff.

It looked to be at about the same elevation as the pass itself, though far above the highway on this side, and I wondered if anyone had cut a trail out to it.

Well, as a matter of fact, there's more than a trail.  There's a wonderful little park here called the Washington Pass Overlook.

So glad we stopped!

It's the kind of place where you'd expect to see Julie Andrews come bounding out from behind a tree singing, y'know?

But more alpine.

And cold.  It was misting lightly and I thought I saw a few snowflakes,

but that may have been wishful thinking ;D

It's so impressive to see the mountains up that close and personal.

And with so little effort!  If you go that way, you really should stop.

And you'll feel quite safe - sturdy railing and all.

Yep.  That's right on the edge of that cliff from the first photo.

I'm always amazed at how hardy the alpine plants are.

They'll burst into life with the slightest encouragement

and only a tiny patch of soil.

Love the stone work that is part of the trail :D

And the absolutely vibrant moss clinging to the twisted trees.

And just above us?  Snow. 

Now this made me feel all Christmassy - you?