Angela vs Wild

This weekend was one full of adventures in the great outdoors, and I'd just like to give a public shout-out to Washington weather.  Thanks for being so damn awesome!  I know all of the locals here don't appreciate you, and after spending 7 months bitching about the cold and snow are now bitching about the heat and the sun, but just know, there is one Southern transplant that is happier than she's been in more than 2 years of living here.

The Park

While I was off gallivanting around Montana, Colby was exploring the area surrounding our neighborhood that is generally inaccessible by foot due to a giant fence paralleling the railroad track.  Somehow, the fence was mangled and there was just enough space for a person and a couple of dogs to sneak through to the other side.  And lo and behold, the world that was opened up to us included a pretty snazzy dog park, complete with ponds, a walking track, and giant grasses for dogs to hide behind.

It was a great adventure for all of us, and the only snafu occurred when we got back to the fence by the railroad track and the city had decided to take that day to fix the gap in the fence.  Of course.  So, we all low crawled through a gap between the ground and the bottom of the fence.  Finally, all of that Air Force training paid off!

The Lake

Saturday was another beautiful day, and we were thrilled to get an invite to head out to Lake Washington on our friends' boat.  We joined Sarah and Andrew, as well as another fun couple, and spent almost 7 hours bobbing around on the beautiful blue water beneath the beautiful blue skies.  I was in heaven soaking up the sun and even pushed my own personal boundaries when I worked myself up into actually getting into the water AND riding a jet ski.

I know swimming in practically pristine lake water doesn't SEEM like that huge of an accomplishment, but along with heights, spiders, roaches, snakes and pretty much everything ever, getting into open water above my knees is a pretty huge fear of mine.  And I define open water as any body of water that I couldn't feasibly cross in approximately 20 seconds or see the bottom.  So, you know, way to conquer those fears, Ang!  And unfortunately there is no photographic evidence of my white knuckled fear/elation as we bounced over waves, plunged through boat wakes, and ultimately toppled over face first into the water on the jet ski.  Or maybe that should be "fortunately."  I left the wake-boarding to the pros, preferring to keep my knees in their current functional state, and instead spent most of my time dreaming of owning one of those gorgeous water front homes.

The Mountain

After taking Sunday off to recover from the lake, on Monday we headed down to Mt. Rainier to hike out to Spray Park.  Oh my God, I am so sad that I didn't realize that park existed until yesterday, because it is by far the most beautiful meadow I have ever seen.  The hike wasn't easy--a little over 7 miles round-trip including our frolicking through the meadows, getting up to 6400 feet after gaining 1600 feet in elevation--but the pay off was so worth it, and the beautiful sights along the way kept us going.

The hike started off at Mowich Lake where we sun-screened up, took the final opportunity to use a semi-real restroom, and crammed as much water into our backpack as we could.

Within just a bit over a mile and a half, we had already crossed multiple babbling brooks, had magnificent views of Mt. Rainier, and taken a break at the most spectacular waterfall I've ever seen.

When we finally reached Spray Park, I did a little jig of joy, took a mini bath in the lake, and we spent about ten minutes working with the self timer so we could get once shot with both of us and the mountain.  I guess one good reason to have a kid is so you'll always have a little photographer around.  Anyway, these pictures can't possibly do the beauty of the wildflowers and ponds and scenery justice, but it was such a peaceful experience.  And since it was a Monday, we felt like we had the place all to ourselves.

Of course, after 3.5 miles trekking up and downhill, we had another 3.5 miles of up and downhill ahead of us to get back to the parking lot, and my legs felt like wobbly jello by the time we finally collapsed in the car.  But I'm thrilled, and a little proud to reveal that after a good night's sleep I don't feel the slightest bit sore today.  I'm thinking all of my workouts of late are actually proving to be somewhat effective!

This week I will be busily trying to do three weeks worth of homework over three days, preparing dinners in advance for our upcoming visitors, and then welcoming Colby's parents for a week of visiting while we frantically entertain them and try to finish all of our Hawaii preparations.  I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

Comments

[Caro]

Oh my gosh, it all sounds like so much fun and the scenery is to die for! So glad you guys had a lovely weekend :)

[Jenn]

Your pictures are fantastic! It looks like so much fun, and seven miles? Holy crap, you're awesome.

[Jay]

Hooray for the 3 weeks of weather up here that doesn't blow! And great pics btw!

[katelin]

oh your weekend just makes me happy and want to be outside like right this second. mmmlove it.

[Miriam]

One of these days I'm going to have a weekend like that! Sounds strenuous but wonderful! And feel you about the open water thing. Scares me to death!

[Jessica]

Oh man I'm going to a place like this next week and I cannot wait to hang out by the lake. Cannot wait!!

[Becky]

Nice pictures -- it's so hot here that I'm even tempted to get in one of the lakes :) That reminds me, I owe you an email!

[Kate P]

Looks like an awesome time with nature. Keep your eyes on the prize (Hawaii) and you'll do fine!

[tasterspoon]

Long time no comment! I didn't even have your URL right any more.

Gorrrrgeous. I heard Seattle had the hottest weather on record - i.e. EVER - last week. Hard to believe there's snow on Mt. Ranier.

My brother's on Whidbey Island so the fam was up there last weekend and we went whale watching. I was ready for it to be lame but we saw orcas and I loved it.