On to the Cascade Mountains

ALONG THE NORTH CASCADES HIGHWAY - - After two days of sun in Annacortes, we left town under low clouds and light rain as we headed into the Cascade mountain range. One town we went through billed itself as: "The gateway to the American Alps." This was a bit of an overstatement at least at this location as we believe the views from the air of Mt. Baker and other snow-covered peaks are spectacular. But, like Denali, Mt. Baker wore a shroud on this day.
WE stopped at a couple of observation points along the way where the rain had let. (Top) If you look at the center of the pic you'll see a very fine spray from a waterfall. (Bottom) In this shot the clouds clinging to this mountain look more like smoke from a forest fire. Both shots were taken on the Cascades' western slopes where there is plenty of rain. On the eastern side, the fire danger signs listed the hazard level as "very high."