Summer Vacation

OK. You are probably asking yourself, “Where is Sandy?

What’s going on?” Yes. It’s been a while since I last made a blog post but, honestly, it seems like we haven’t done a thing since we got back to Washington. That is not entirely true, it just feels like we are back into an “ordinary” (and thus, somewhat boring) life now that we are on land. For those who are interested, here is the latest:

Last month we attended a lovely baby shower for Chris’ daughter, Keely. It was quite an event as the hostess is an extremely talented decorator. I have never been much of an event planner (I chalk it up to lack of imagination.). A few dips & chips, some cute napkins from the local party store, maybe a vase of flowers out of my garden and lots of wine is about the extent of my ingenuity. This party was planned to the hilt and beautifully executed. Keely & Josh shared the gift opening fun and they got a pretty good start on the zillions of things (based on personal experience) they will need for the new baby. Now we all just wait for little Asher who is due to make an appearance Sept. 23^rd.

Two weeks ago we got itchy feet again so we packed up the trailer and drove to Randle, WA for a few days. I have wanted to show Chris Mt. Rainier for a couple years now but we just haven’t been able to make that happen. Nothing was on our calendar for over a week so it seemed to be the perfect time.

The Cascade Peaks RV Park, just east of Randle, had plenty of grass for Abby to run, dig and roll in and trees for shade. There was no cable, internet or cell service so it was like being at anchor in the Sea of Cortez. The lack of communication options might be a problem for some folks (who tend to carry their communication with them via satellite dish) but Chris & I are used to it and really enjoyed having four whole days just to ourselves. We never have a problem figuring out how to spend time together.

Early on Tuesday morning we drove up to Mt. Rainier. It was a beautiful, sunny day so the drive through the forest was stunning. We stopped at the very first parking area and asked a ranger where the closest trail was that led to a waterfall. I knew that Chris was still learning to use his “new” knee so one hike would be about all we could do and I really wanted him to be able to walk through the meadow at the top so we needed an easy trail. Off we went to Silver Falls. This trail was through beautiful, pristine forest. The clean, heavy smell of evergreen trees and moist, peaty soil interspersed with the sharp odors emitted by many of the low growing plants and forest flowers brought back many memories from my childhood.

I spent my grade school years in Port Angeles when the population was less than half what it is today. It was truly a small town and my friends and I pretty much had the run of the place without our parents fearing we would find our way into any of the dangers that plague big cities. Much of my growing up time was spent wandering through the forested areas around my home, climbing trees, hiding in thickets, feeding the neighbor’s horses, laying in fields of tall grass watching the sky, eating wild blackberries and pretending I was a cowboy or pioneer. To say that I was a tomboy would be an extreme understatement. I have been gradually sharing the wonders of the northwest with Chris and so far he loves it.

As we worked our way down the trail, I discovered that my woodland lore was a bit rusty. We crossed Laughingwater Creek on a one person bridge and try as I might I could not remember the name of the large plant with the red berries and many thorns that was growing nearby. Fortunately, a group of hiking women who were waiting to cross behind us provided the name: Devil’s Club. Oh, yes! Now I remember. Do NOT brush up against that one!

The deeper we went in the forest the louder the sound of running water became. We crossed several streams tumbling over moss covered stones, gurgling and laughing, merrily on their way to join other streams and rivulets and, finally, become one with the Ohanapecosh River. For a while we walked along next to the river and as the water gathered speed and crashed over rocks and through crevasses the volume increased dramatically. I kept thinking of my son-in-law's step-father, Gary, who is a serious whitewater rafter and asking Chris if Gary would float this river. He kept saying, "Nope".Finally we arrived at Silver Falls and it was well worth the walk. The power of the water roaring over the rocks and flinging spray every direction as it crashed into a pool of brilliant turquoise took our breath away. What it is about waterfalls that is so mesmerizing to human beings I don’t know but it does seem to be fairly universal.

I was pleased and proud of Chris as he negotiated the three mile trail with few problems. This was typical forest terrain complete with gnarly roots, rocks to avoid, twists, turns and areas of slippery dried pine needles and not only did his newly repaired knee perform beautifully but he was able to keep up with me. This is a very happy first!

When we returned to the truck we continued on up to Paradise Lodge and the anticipated alpine meadow filled with wildflowers. Alas, it appears we will have to make another trip to see this. The snowfall this past winter was 491 inches and while this is not the record (1,122”), or even the average of 676”, much of it still remained along the pathways at Paradise. Usually, this late in the summer, the meadows are carpeted with millions of wildflowers. This year, few were out and those were just beginning to bloom. We wandered around on the paved path taking photos and slipping over snow patches until Chris’ knee began to complain. It was time to head home for a glass of wine, a great dinner and a quiet evening of Scrabble and reading. We plan to go back again next year…later…in hopes that we can catch the flowers out and about.

So, that is the latest. We have been doing lots of visiting with family and friends. Today we are on our way to Cathlamet, WA for four days of hanging out with our cruising buds from Mexico. We’ve been busy looking for a house to purchase for that future time when we are too old and feeble to continue cruising (and to rent out in the interim). The market is so good right now that we just don’t want to pass it up. There are a few other fun things on the calendar before the autumn chill sends us south again so stay tuned and I will try to write more often.