You see, I’ve happened upon a gem and I’m not sure I want to share it with anyone. But because I’m such a nice person and happen to love writing about travel, I guess it’s in the stars that I tell you all about the gem that is Washington State.
After meeting my new man, and subsequently realizing I’d never been to his hometown/state, I finally ventured out to Washington just in time for his annual family camping trip. En route, I flew over Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier at 30,000 feet and even caught a glimpse of Seattle. We made out way straight to the woods, a much needed respite from the mundanity that has been my schedule lately, in an area near Lake Kachess. For 4 days I was without internet connection or cell service, and boy do I miss it.
Here are some snapshots.
At first I thought this was Mt. Rainier, but as I look closer at the top, it looks like it has erupted at some point, making me believe it’s actually Mt. St. Helens… could be wrong, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. [I stand corrected...this is Mt. Hood. And has never erupted ]
Another shot from the sky. This, I believe, is actually Mt. Rainier. See how the top is still intact?
After a hike to the top, looking out at Lake Kachess. Simply beautiful.
A shot of seattle from the plane. I didn’t get to spend time in Seattle, as I was camping all weekend, but next trip I’ll definitely venture into the city.
A shot of the mountainscape adjacent to Lake Kachess. The last day we were here, I spent some time reflecting during sunset.
At dusk, and before mine and Jordan’s return down the hill, through the forest, in the dark.
When we returned, it was time to sit by the fire with Jordan’s family and mentally prepare for a return to the city. One I was definitely not ready for.
As you can see, Washington state is beautiful. I look forward to spending more time out there, and seeing everything it has to offer. I’d love to visit Puget Sound, Seattle, wine country, and hike some of Mt. Ranier. If you’ve been to Washington, feel free to comment with some recommendations!
The New Year is quickly approaching and I can’t help but post about how I’m starting this year anew, how there are so many things I wish I had a chance to do in 2009 and that there are so many things I hope to achieve in 2010. And as much as I’m sure you’d love to read another cliche new year’s post about making the most of this lovely transition from one year to the next, I’d like to steer clear of all things cliche and give you my own two cents.
With only a general direction (East) and a final destination in mind (Tucson and Patagonia), I have been letting the people I meet along the way plan the next destination.
and free-spirited adventurers, I spread the blanket out and waited for Phish’s lead guitarist to grace the stage. And he did; they all did. It was a great show. People in costumes (seeing as it was Halloween weekend), children you’d swear were too young for the raucous, and me, in a state of stimulus intake. There were so many exhibits and costumes to see, a wonderland of things to eat and even more comedic conversations to over-hear.
and the mid-sixties aged men and women sat contently, talking about the death sentence that man has been doomed to as a result of inevitable sin. 
