Cloudy, breezy, green, lots of flies, plenty flowers along the open trail. Starting elevation 3100'. View of Nooksack Ridge to the south (Mount Sefrit?) and braided melting snow all the way. 
Further along, Ruth Mountain shows up its very snowy head. Still snow packs on the other side of the river almost down to the river. First 3.5 miles are gentle, with some minor creek crossing, in the Ruth Creek valley. 4 miles to the pass, and another to Hannegan Peak. We didn't even go to the pass. Maybe walked 3 miles one way. Very pleasant. Saw 2 small groups of backpackers going up in late afternoon. Apparently good camping sites at the pass and beyond. A group of 20 teenagers were clearing the overgrowth at the beginning of the trail under the direction of National Forest rangers. Otherwise, encountered about a dosen hikers, one of them was carrying a big red umbrella!13 miles east of Glacier Public Service Center. Just before the Nooksack River bridge, turn left on Ruth Creek Road, and continue 5.4 miles (good gravel) to the road-end at Hannegan Campground. At the start of the gravel road, these a good view of Mt Shuksan over North Fork Nooksack River. A picnic table close by.
Border: going south at Sumas this Thursday at noon was about 25 minutes; going north ~7pm was no wait.
