TWILIGHT TRIP day five...

So...we got up and packed up...not entirely ready to return to the normal day to day...I wanted to stop at the Forks welcome sign one last time for a picture for work. We packed up and walked to our host's house to pay up and get ready to leave. He was so friendly, he and his wife...and it sounded like they were getting a second cabin on the property soon. His dogs were friendly and Red the cat wanted into the huge black caddy since it was raining. We left there, headed to Forks, WA for one last picture...once that was done we were off to eat at this burger joint we were dying to try...Liz had heard about it. Fat Smitty's...we were thinking about those burgers all day...we stopped to get Elk Jerky (for me, and for Tim) and then pulled up to a full lot at Fat Smitty's. It was CLOSED...we were HORRIFIED!! So...we continued on. Missing our turn off to get to Bainbridge...once we got turned back around...we were traveling along the water...and 4 or 5 HUGE eagles swooped in and started flying in front of us in formation on the road...if traffic had come from the other way they would have freaked out...they were low. Of course we had 3 cameras in the car and NO ONE could get it out fast enough to get a good shot...but it was incredible.

Once back on track, we headed to Bainbridge to take Liz to Bath Junkie http://www.bathjunkie.com/ where we created our own scents and got some bath and body supplies...it was soooo cool. Lynn and I had dropped in there quickly one time and wanted to come back. I created a lilac scent that I am in love with...also got a sample of Herb Garden which had the smell of dirt, basil and sage...I love it! I can't wait to go back. Then we headed to eat at the Harbour Pub House also in Bainbridge http://www.harbourpub.com/ Liz and Lynn were craving both burgers and fish and chips...I went straight for the burger...it was all sooooo yummy! We left there to walk around the marina a little then head to the ferry to get back to Seattle! What an awesome trip!! It was so amazing. I am blessed to have such great friends and sisters! When can we plan the next trip?

Twilight Trip Day Four...

So...we decided to have a slow start, so we ate breakfast, watched BREAKFAST CLUB and leisurely got ready to go. Our destination was Hoh Rain Forest. http://www.hohrainforest.com/ or you can check out the National Park Service website http://www.nps.gov/ and search for Hoh Rain forest. All the research I had done about this part of the park said it rains a lot...so be prepared. My first visit there was no rain...and it looked like this visit would be the same. Apparently June and September things aren't as rainy. So, we headed to Hoh...decided to do the short hike through the Hall of Mosses and then do the hike that takes you by the river bed...in hopes of seeing some elk. We had a great hike...took tons of pictures...did get to see elk! I was happy I brought my binoculars. There were also warnings about elk and we should stay away...they had been coming closer to the visitor's center. As we were coming back from our hike, Liz kept saying she heard something...Lynn and I scoffed...as we had spent the whole trip talking about bears, moose, and Bigfoot...so we just laughed at her. Finally we heard some hoof beats...there was a horse trail nearby...as we came around the curve to the visitor's center a ranger asked us if we had seen elk..we told him by the river. He said he meant right around there...Liz looked at us and told him she had heard something back a little ways and he said that an elk had been sighted just minutes ago...OOOOHH!!!

We left the Hoh Rain forest and it began to rain...nothing too hard. We stopped at the Hard Rain Cafe and at a picnic lunch on one of the picnic tables. We also hit the outdoor store that had a lot of Columbia stuff on sale!

Next stop was RUBY BEACH and by this time it was raining pretty good...not a downpour..so we got out and hiked around...it was lovely! Mist rolling in...people were still walking around, not as many though!

We got back to Forks and it was raining...we weren't that hungry but we wanted to get something like ice cream...we stopped at Pacific Pizza for a sundae and some bread sticks. We still had our hearts set on a beach fire and making hot dogs...we decided we would see what it was like and if it was pouring we would head back to Forks for pizza or something. Well, the weather gods were with us...and we were able to build a fire on the beach and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. It was soooo fun!! We had to keep things dry...but it just sprinkled here and there. The ocean was strong so the surf sounded incredible! We left WAY past dark...so as we returned things to the car and got our water to put out the fire, Lynn and I sang LOUDLY...Liz asked what we were doing...we said this was to keep the creatures at bay...if you walk silently you could surprise something...it was fun!

TWILIGHT TRIP DAY THREE...

So, up and ready to go...with a beautiful view of Crescent Lake. We decided to walk around the grounds a little bit. This family of ducks followed me around. The lady at the check in office said that they come up to people to be fed and teach their young ones to do the same. The baby ducks sometimes get eaten by eagles...so sad...but they were adorable! Saw other birds as well. I could have stood there all day...but we had to get to Forks...so we left. Stopped at a couple places along the way to take pictures...once we got closer to Forks, the sky got overcast again (perfect for vampires). We stopped at this little place for breakfast and had the BEST breakfast sandwiches EVER! Basically it was an egg mcmuffin only BETTER! And a cinnamon roll...the place even served TWILIGHT drinks!

We stopped at the WELCOME TO FORKS sign and we pulled in just as a bus load of teen girls pulled up as well as a van of teens...all to do the Twilight thing! It was fun! Liz talked to a mother that was just as excited as the teens! We headed to our cabin, Olson's Cabin to get checked in and drop off our stuff. http://www.olsonscabin.com/ If you are in the area this cabin sleeps 5 comfortably and it has kitchen, grill outside...it is soooo cute and perfect! We checked out Rialto Beach as well...it was beautiful. Our plan was to return and cook dinner on the beach, or at one of the picnic areas. We headed to Forks to tool around...we stopped at Dazzled by Twilight to shop...went across the street to the Sweet shop for some jelly bellies...and then headed through the town looking at sights. We ended up at the Chamber of Commerce for Forks...they had a whole Twilight set up and it was so cool. http://www.forkswa.com/ There was a man who gave us a self guided tour of the town with all of the sights...and a trivia quiz and some other stuff. There were gifts for Twilight Fans and the Bella truck was out front. We decided to do the driving tour...starting with Bella's house...then the hospital with Dr Cullen's parking spot, to the high school and to the police station and finally the Cullen's house (which is a bed and breakfast called Miller Tree Inn http://www.millertreeinn.com/ ) It had a message board from Esme for all of the Twilight Fans and the message changes every day. We headed to the local Thriftway to get food for dinner...Lynn said they didn't have any fresh seafood but was told to go to La Push, to the marina to see what they had. So..after getting some corn on the cob from another local market we headed out to La Push. Liz went off to take pics and Lynn and I went on the hunt for fish. We were told to go to the marina...as we walked up there were doors and a sign that said no entry. I decided to duck in...so I met with some men and asked about fish...they told me they had some rock fish...I asked how much...they said $1 per pound..I helped pick a couple out...and then Lynn asked how we would fillet them...I asked the guy if he would do it for us. He said he couldn't do restaurant quality...I told him I didn't care...just needed to be able to cook it on the fire. So...we watched him fillet. It was fun! We got back to the cabin and got dinner ready. We wrapped asparagus in prosciutto, corn on the cob would just go on the fire. Liz put fish in two foil containers...one with a rub and one with lemon, butter and seasoning...and we headed back to Rialto Beach.

Lynn and I started the fire while Liz went out to the beach...the food turned out GREAT!! As we were packing up our food in the car, I was approached by a guy frantically looking for a cell phone (there is no cell phone reception at the beach). I asked why, he said that a guy had fell off a cliff...I wasn't sure if I believed him, but he seemed bothered. There was a guy and his girlfriend who drove up and said their cell phone worked back at camp...so the guy went back to call. I had seen a ranger car in the lot...but not the ranger. So, when I got back to Lynn and the fire, the ranger walked up. I told him what happened and that I had no idea where, or even if it was true...but I wanted to let him know. He thanked me and took my info...and said he would look into it. The sky was overcast...but the sunset was pretty...the fire was great and of course there was a lot of giggling and marshmallow roasting! The ranger came back and told us that a guy did fall down the cliffs...slow fall, so not too serious...but they had a hard time finding him because the guy asking for help was not staying put! So that was exciting! We stayed until it got pretty dark...and then headed back to the cabin!

Taste of Washington...

So this weekend was all about trying to recoop from being gone...and getting laundry done. Tim and I went out Saturday night and watched THE PROPOSAL (what a cute movie) and out to eat RED ROBIN (yummy as always esp the new watermelon margaritas)...Sunday we volunteered at the Taste of Washington event at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane. For those of you unfamiliar...it is a pretty good sized gathering of wineries and restaurants...tasting and sampling encouraged. Tickets this year were $85 and Tim and I got to do it for FREE..well we volunteered, we definitely worked for our time...we were there from 4 to 6:30pm working the event...and left about 7pm after tasting and sampling...YUMMY! Anyway, I recommend going if you get the chance...check out the website at www.tastewashington.org

Twilight Trip Day Two...

So, Liz and I were up at like 6:30am giggling like idiots...Lynn came in to give us a warning look...it made it worse! We finally got up about 8am and got ready...packed the car and headed to Varsity Inn for breakfast. We ate here before when I came out for my birthday last year. It is a very yummy breakfast destination if you are ever in Seattle. I opted for two slices of french toast (since they had brown sugar), one egg, two sausages, and a little bit of Liz's hash browns with hot chocolate. It was VERY good. Once we left there we headed to the Bead store which I believe was Fusion Beads http://www.fusionbeads.com/ This is where Liz gets her beads online, she was excited to go and see the store. I think we spent an hour in there...Liz could have been there all day, and Lynn found something and made it in the store. I told Lynn, next visit, let's do a class or something there. Everyone was so friendly! After we left there, we headed to the Sunday Fremont Market. Of course there was TONS to see, food, etc. Good thing we had eaten breakfast! We all ended up buying something! It was fun....we could have been there all day but we really needed to get to the peninsula...so we left the market a little before 1pm. After a couple of errands we got to the Bainbridge Ferry in time for Liz and Lynn to get the fresh donuts on the pier and then we were off!!

Once in Bainbridge we followed the roads to get us out and on our way...it was an overcast day...perfect for vampire sightings! We stopped at this cute little train ice cream depot to get coffee...while Liz was waiting for Lynn and I, she decided it was time to take out her Edward and Bella dolls to take pictures. We also stopped at one of the many lavender farms to see the plants and take pictures... Sunshine Lavender and Herb Farms check it out at http://www.lavenderfarmstore.com/ We also stopped near one of the Native American Casinos...there was a welcome center that we walked around and took pictures of the beautiful scenery. We still had overcast skies...no rain. As we approached Port Angeles, the sun came out and we had spectacular views of the mountains and we walked around by the marina for a little while before dinner (we had dinner reservations at 6pm at Bella Italia). The sun was GORGEOUS and warm...but the breeze was cool! We headed to the restaurant a little before 6pm excited about eating at the restaurant where Bella and Edward had their first date! http://www.bellaitaliapa.com/ There were parents with teens coming in and out of the restaurant and of course we caused a scene taking a picture of Edward and Liz at the front of the restaurant. Liz ordered a margherita pizza, Lynn the mannicoti, and I the smoked salmon ravioli with dill cream sauce and sun dried tomatoes...it was all REALLY good! Everything looked great and the atmosphere was perfect!

Liz and I walked towards the Port Book and News http://www.portbookandnews.com/ to see the Twilight stuff, and we saw our first store Dazzled by Twilight...and made a note to come back when it was open! We left Port Angeles to find our cabin for the night. It was still sunny and nice, we pulled over to take pictures of the lake. We were staying at the Log Cabin Resort along Crescent Lake. It was ADORABLE! I was afraid it was so rustic we would need our own sheets but it was perfect. They left our key out for us to take checking in late...the lady I talked to a couple times on the phone was soooo nice and informative. Check out Log Cabin Resorts on the web http://www.logcabinresort.net/ There are RV and Campsites as well as cabins of various kinds. It was all so cute! Reminded me of the cabins Tim and I stayed in while we were in Wisconsin! We unloaded the car, Liz went to explore and Lynn and I built a fire in our fire pit. It was great! We drank wine, giggled, took pictures and roasted marshmallows...so much fun!!

Twilight Trip Day One

So, I could barely contain myself...I had to work Saturday June 13th until 2pm...it was hard, but the day went by pretty quickly. I had also woke up with a sore throat....UGH...I kept telling myself it would go away...but I drank things, I sucked on lifesavers...nothing, still the dull ache. I told myself I wasn't getting sick!! I hurried home and finished up any last minute packing...pretty soon I was pacing the floor, Tim finally said, "just go." So I left for the airport. When I arrived I decided to park in the North Lot as I always do...the tram was there but no driver was present. So I got out of the truck, went to the stop and waited. The tram ended up leaving the lot after the driver got back in...I figured he would turn around and come back in...after all it had been a good 5 minutes. Well, I would be mistaken...he just kept driving. I decided to walk to the other stop and wait there. A family headed to Alaska was there...lots of stuff, two kids. We waited more, well now it has been 15 minutes....I was feeling impatient. The tram finally appeared and as people got off I stood to the side to let them off, once they were done I started to get into the tram and the DOORS CLOSED?!?!?!?! The driver drove away. One of the guys that had just got off said good luck with that driver... GREAT, just what I need! He did come back...and asked if we had been standing there. Well, we told him we had. He made no move to help load bags. He asked which airlines we were flying...Alaska for the family and Southwest for me...and then proceeded to drive past the Alaska Airlines hub...we shouted at him to stop and he just said he had a pickup. We demanded he let us all out...I didn't have time to ride all over the airport again and it seemed that he wasn't all with it. I felt bad for the family, they had a lot of stuff and had to walk pretty far back to get to the Alaska Airlines terminal. Anyway, once that was done I headed off to get my bag checked and off to my gate. Turns out it was perfect timing...I didn't have to wait long at all! Once in the air I was excited to be on my way!

Landed a little before 6pm...Lynn and Liz met me at baggage claim...with honey sticks from Pike Market, I had requested some to have for my throat. Sounded like they had a great day! We headed to a sushi restaurant Musashi's in Wallingford...a short wait later we had ordered edemame, and sushi...I opted for a half California roll and of course unagi, and tried albacore (YUM) Liz tried some...I was sooo proud of her, and we sat at the bar so we could watch it being made...it was fun!

Afterwards we headed to Molly Moon Ice Cream http://www.mollymoonicecream.com/ for some YUMMY ice cream...the line was long as always, but it is sooooo worth the wait! As we stood in line we observed that a lady in line behind us had brought her guitar and periodically she and her friends would break into song...so I thought maybe this was something we forgot...when I told this to Lynn and Liz we immediately began to giggle...I know that it doesn't seem funny now...but this would be something we would laugh about the WHOLE trip!

We left after our wait for ice cream to get some food in the QFC and Marketplace...then headed back to Lynn's to pack and get ready for our departure the next morning...not too early, but early enough to get the day going!

Getaway...

So, school is officially out for a week...so I am off to Seattle to spend some time with Lynn (my sister) and Liz (my best friend/sister). I am soooooo excited. We are off to the peninsula to see if we can find Bigfoot...well really vampires. My friend from Ohio wants to see Forks, WA. I think people from Forks would get a kick out of that...but honestly the peninsula has some incredible views, hiking areas, and just beautiful places to take in nature...who knows what we may find! Plus I am sure there will be silliness and fun at the same time. I am really looking forward to it. Also, I plan to post some pics and updates when I return. I can't find out my grades yet...I know in Marketing I got a 3.9 but there isn't a final grade for Econ yet...

My husband gets the apartment to himself for nearly a week...I told him it needs to look like what it looks like today when I return! I am sure it will turn into a bachelor pad while I am away...and he has all kinds of gaming systems to keep him busy!

School starts again June 22nd...so I hope to enjoy this time away...and get geared up for STATS!!

My first visit to Manito in 2009

So...not living on the South Hill means that I don't make it to Manito Park as often. I am ashamed to say that it is June 7th and I FINALLY made it to the park. I was anxious to see the lilacs...and the turtles...and anything else I may find interesting. This morning I got up and made breakfast...studied awhile then headed to Spokane to meet some classmates to finish our FINAL econ exam! We ordered pizza...it was YUM! I ate too much (of course) and after finishing I drove home to collect the dog and my husband and head to Manito. It could not have been a more perfect day...the sun was shining...it was cool, so a nice day to walk around! We were immediately blessed to see a Heron! Rather large and definitely beautiful to look at! It managed to catch a fish...I missed it with the camera...but an hour later I manage to catch it with the camera...I guess he needed a second snack...but then I missed him in flight, ah! I was after the insects today...I got some great bee and one incredible butterfly shot! Thanks to Tim, he saw it while we wandered through the lilacs! No turtles this visit...well I saw one get pulled from the pond by a net and it went right back in...but no one would pose for me! The flowers were between gigs...the spring ones on their way out and the summer ones not quite ready to bloom. I did get a few good shots though! And it was a nice relaxing walk with the dog and my husband. Come to find out it wasn't so relaxing for him...there were some idiots in the park. But only one got to me...a boy in the Japanese Gardens who was doing everything he shouldn't...I was tempted to yell at him, but took a pass. Anyway...home after the walk, I planted some basil my husband picked up at the local farmer's market and a rosemary plant...got the other pots ready for some planting...I will get the rest of what I want to plant tomorrow and get it in! I am thinking cherry tomatoes and some flowers! Tim prepared dinner...he made the most incredible salmon...on the cedar plank on the grill with a sauce he prepared with soy sauce, honey and ginger...he made carrots with ginger and brown sugar...and some rice...it was YUMMY and turned out so well! I paired it with a rose' Maybe not the best pairing...but it was good none the less. After an episode of X-Files...we had a dish of our watermelon sorbet....I LOVE THE ICE CREAM MAKER!! Now, I am watching the TONY's, and thinking of bed. My dog is dreaming about something interesting because she is growling and whimpering...it is too cute!

Saturdays...what do I do?

So, on a typical Saturday...I get up about 7am (UGH) because I am headed to a WW meeting at 7:30am...if I am really lucky I am up by 6:45am...but today I drug myself out of bed...although by the light streaming into my bedroom you would have thought it was NOON! I really forget about being so close to the time zone change...sun is up REALLY REALLY early! Anyway I wash my face, brush my teeth and try to get my hair to sort of look halfway decent...it is usually sticking up ALL over the place. Then...it is grab some water and a snack to eat as soon as I weigh in and I am OUT the door. Turns out I am looking forward to the drive, I am on the LAST CD of the book I am listening to...and I can't wait to see how it turns out. I arrive...and get in line. I am still sleeping really...as I weigh in I start to think about all of the things I have eaten over the week that I probably shouldn't have...although now it is really too late! Weigh in can go one of three ways...stay the same (WHEW), lose a little (YEAH) or gain (UGH)...this Saturday it is lost .8 (a little under a pound). Then I take my seat and listen to what is going on around me. I have been coming to this meeting about 6 months now...I really don't know anyone, but the faces are familiar. The meeting is good...I always need it, last week it was about motivation, this week it is about cutting costs...so all good info. Now I drive back home...and wonder what Tim and the dog are up to...sometimes when I leave they are in bed...other times they are up and doing things. This morning Tim was definitely up for the day. I get home and Tim is watching TV...there is nothing on Saturday AM...NOTHING...so I ask him what he is watching...he says he is just flipping channels (all 10 of them) while eating breakfast. Hmmmm, I start to think about what I will have for breakfast, and what will I wear to work, and what time shall I get to work? This is my first day my hours are extended...so I work 10-4 instead of 10-2...I really don't mind it, but I will wonder how the extra two hours will pass. The thought crosses my mind to go to the Farmer's market before work...but I am sure I will find something YUMMY to eat there that I shouldn't have...so I pass...make eggs with cheese and pizza sauce...one egg, two egg whites...1/8 cup reduced cheese and sprinkle the sauce over it when it is done...not bad...then it is shower and I am ready to go. I am out the door by 9:20am...I will arrive about 9:30am or so...which will leave me time to do what I want before we open and not feel too rushed. Summer Reading is just around the corner and I want to get fliers printed and logs printed. I am able to get most of my printing done before one of my co-workers makes it in early...thinking the same thing...Summer Reading prep! She is also headed to Farmer's Market to do story time...I think about asking her for a goodie...but pass...I really shouldn't get anything. Besides...I am not hungry!

We open at 10am...and honestly every Saturday is the same...the hours seem to speed by...or drag by, and then before you know it it is time to close...this Saturday wasn't any different...I was busy for awhile...then it seemed to drag and just as I got my groove going...it was 10 til 4 and time to close.

Home again...before I got home I deposit a check I have been meaning to cash for a week...and then I return a DVD at Blockbuster that was in our book drop by mistake...to be nice. And then I head home. Once in the door I am thinking about what to do next. A bike ride is out...my husband rode home from work yesterday (33 miles) and he is sore. Grocery is usually the next task...plan meals, plan snacks, so hopefully it is easier to stay on track. We sit down and discuss what we want to have this week...and then we head to the grocery. We always spend a little more than we anticipate...usually it is something we have both seen that looks YUMMY! In this case...who knows. We are home and unpacking then we start dinner...Thai Shrimp Salad...a WW recipe that we will tweak to our own taste...it turns out MARVELOUS!

Now...it is nearly 8pm...I am thinking either a movie or X-Files...and then to bed. Another Saturday has passed.

Weighing In...

So, Saturday I weighed in after being away for two weeks.....I managed to maintain my weight. I know I have 10 pounds to go...I can't seem to stop eating. It isn't that I am hungry all of the time, but Food TASTES good. I think about things like, Dairy Queen...after all it is warm out, I want ice cream. I hear a presentation about pizza and I want a pizza. I LOVE pizza...it is something I don't get to have often...and when it is presented to me, I want it. I keep asking myself, is it about real hunger? Am I bored? Do I just want to eat to make myself feel better? I can't tell WHY...I just know when I want something I want it. So, I started this week planning meals...good intentions. But...as the week has progressed I have eaten WAY more than my points. Have I gone to bed STUFFED or uncomfortable? No...which is awful! When I was losing weight before I would overeat...and I felt AWFUL...and then I didn't want to repeat that feeling anymore so it acted as a deterrent...now I just can't seem to control it. I don't feel yucky...so I still want to eat! Anyway...still hoping that I can get it under control and lose this weight. UGH...why does it seem like I am the only one who struggles like this...it is almost a DAILY...minute by minute conversation with myself...what sounds good, what am I going to eat next? UGH!!

Discovery Park - Seattle

So...Memorial Day, we found ourselves returning to Seattle for a shower and then as if we hadn't had enough hiking...we got ready and hiked some more. This time it was some new scenery. We headed to Discovery Park. We were headed to the beach...hopefully it would be low tide and we could show my husband some sea life! We headed out down the trail. The weather was gorgeous, warm with a cool breeze, TONS of people and dogs. I started snapping pictures right away! We headed down to the beach and as we headed down I overheard a lady say that this was the lowest tide of the year...and sure enough...there was a lot of exposed sand. We saw all manner of sea life...sea cucumbers, starfish, water fowl, sea slugs, sea anemones, hermit crabs, crabs, and some little fish. It was so beautiful and colorful! The other thing I noticed was that families used the drift wood to make lean tos...to shade from the sun, eat under or kids used to make forts!

RV and Tent Camping...

So...we convinced Tim to let us camp at the RV and Tent campground...he was HORRIFIED. My sister and I set up camp and began to build the fire. We were trying to use what we had brought when our neighbor came over and asked us if we wanted a plank from his fire to get ours started....we both baulked...and he asked us if we were too proud to accept help. We said we were but we would take it...after awhile Lynn got the fire started and I started on dinner. I had planned to make a Chicken Tortilla soup...it proved to be YUMMY with a blend of spices, chicken bouillon, water, rice, salsa, corn, black beans, and some cheese to top it. We used tortillas to dunk in the soup. It was incredible especially after the hike we had completed that day. We also planned to roast some hot dogs in celebration of Memorial Day...turkey dogs...for me, I was given a lot of grief for that! Anyway, we sat by the fire, we roasted marshmallows and hot dogs...wrapped the hot dogs in tortillas and ate them...so yummy!

The neighbors at the campsite made our stay interesting....the people on either side of us were pretty descent...but there was a group a couple sites down that would prove to be LOUD for most of the night. As we prepared for bed...the couple next to us was still drinking and partying...but soon they turned in. The time got past 10pm (quiet hour) and the loud group still partied on. The man in the next tent finally started cursing and I could sense his wife or girlfriend was trying to calm him down...he got out of the tent and called management. Not long after he got back into his tent...a woman showed up and started yelling at the group...our neighbor yelled out that if she needed any help he would be right out...after that things calmed down...

Next morning we made breakfast and the fire...it was so nice! Our neighbor was cooking bacon on the open fire and doing eggs on his Coleman...it looked good. We made rice with almonds, craisins and hot chocolate mix....not bad! We had so much fun! But we were ready to get back to Seattle, take a shower and do something else!

Hiking and Camping

Okay, so I am going to backtrack a little...Memorial Day weekend...nearly two weeks ago...my husband and I headed to Seattle to meet my sister and her boyfriend for a weekend of hiking and camping. I got off work on Saturday and we headed over! It was a gorgeous day. My husband planned the trip. He is a really good trip planner. The one thing he does occasionally is under estimate distance and time...but other than that we have been on SEVERAL trips that have been great! As we left Spokane he mentioned that he was somewhat concerned about the campsite we were going to being filled or full..I told him not to worry, I thought it would be okay. So...on to Seattle...and as we went through the pass we stopped to check the parking lot and it was nearly empty...good sign. My concern was snow...Tim had talked to a ranger that said there was snow on the trail...but Tim took that to mean that snow was there...but not covering. So...we didn't think much about it. Got up Sunday morning and headed to our trail head. The plan was to hike with packs to our campsite...then camp overnight and hike back out. We were excited and all of us had some good weight on us. I would guess 20-25 lbs per person except my husband, his was heaviest...maybe 30 lbs.

The day was GORGEOUS...weather was sunny and cool...looked like it would warm up for the day. We arrived at the parking lot and it was still looking good for campsites. So we got all ready to go and started out. The trail was gorgeous...the scenery was spectacular...and as we hiked we had several people pass us...just on a day hike and headed up to the lake (our destination). So, we got to a point where people were coming back down...we asked if they made it to the lake, they said no...too much snow. We were still hiking on mud and dirt. As we hiked further we did hit snow...but it was on the trail and off to the side...not a completely covered ground...and as we hit snow we also hit a much steeper trail. We were still pretty pumped! Well the day went on, we kept hiking, the snow was getting more dense and people were still saying they didn't make it to the lake. We finally stopped and sent Tim ahead without his pack to check it out. We sat on the side of the mountain and ate gorp and ham and cheese wraps. It was great...but felt a little chilly after sitting there for awhile.

Tim returned and said...you aren't going to believe this, but we need to turn around and go back down...he had gone another 150 ft or so and came to a snow covered trail...no indicators as to where the trail was and the snow was significantly deeper. So...we packed it up and headed down. The trip down was intense...snow, slippery, with packs...but we made it. My sister and I had our hearts set on camping...but nothing was open or it was full in the mountains. So, we headed in to North Bend and Snoqualmie to see what we could find. We found a RV and Tent site...my husband's idea of a NIGHTMARE...but my sister and I were ready to find a place to camp...in our tent...with a campfire.