Thursday, November 11, 2010

A little more vacation

Here, at last, are some of the pictures from our vacation in Washington that I uploaded an age ago, but didn't post. We really wanted to get into the Cascades, but many of the hikes are outrageously steep and/or long, both of which can be tricky with a kiddo in the backpack. Steve was gung-ho, and an inspiring leader, so we set out for Skyline Divide.

I was a little wary because we had done that notorious (among locals) hike once before, about ten years ago. We were young and tough then and we barely made it. On that trip, after gasping all the way up the trail, we got to the top and found a big group of seniors out for a day hike and picnic.

We traded off with the backpack and made Grace walk part of the way herself.
And it was oh so worth it! From the top, we felt surrounded by Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan and many of the smaller peaks of the North Cascades. We could also see the mountains in British Columbia, the Sound and the San Juans. And as you can tell, we had perfect weather. Ah, I miss the northwest with it's dense green undergrowth and distinct, sweet smell in the mountains and forests on warm days.
Blame Canada!

Shuksan and it's "arm" (our ski area).

Three generations and Mt. Baker.

Hiking picnics are the best.

Steve ran most of the way down with Grace in the backpack to keep her entertained. She laughed and screamed with such glee. It was like her own personal roller-coaster. Plus, she was so inspired by all that climbing, that she took to the trees when we got back to GoGo's.

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