In mid July I went camping with a dear, very pregnant friend of mine, her 4 year old daughter and her fiance. It was just a lovely mostly level 3 mile hike. We were able to make it out just in time for us to be getting dinner ready. My lil' camper was even able to make the trek all by herself.
Unfortunately, by the time we had arrived at the cabin, there was already a man all set up inside and he had 1 very large and ugly bulldog with him. Informing him that we had the cabin reserved he asked if he could sleep on the porch. I was SHOCKED! Here is a strange older man asking 3 complete strangers if he can sleep on the porch of a cabin as he had forgotten his tent. I, mouth wide open, turned back and looked at my friend who was wobbling down the steps toward the cabin. "He did not just say what I think he did! NO... NO NO NO! HAH! NO!"
Yeah, a pregnant friend getting up to puck all night long and a 4 year old. We would never get any sleep! Not to mention, we had 4 dogs with us who would be barking the entire time.
No, there is no exception. I was VERY lucky to get the cabin when I did. And hiking out to the most popular cabin, be PREPARED to stay in a tent. It is 90% booked year round.
The creepy older man slowly packed up his gear as we were waiting out on the deck of the lake trying to explain to my friend's daughter why it wasn't polite to point and that she didn't have to speak so loudly as she was pointing out the very upset and angry face of the stranger as he was shoving off and up the hill to find another campsite.
The weekend was great, I had forgotten my camera battery and had lugged my camera all the way to the cabin without it. Huge bummer. My phone lasted long enough for a few decent pictures and I took turns using my friend's camera to get in the shots we wanted.
We ate surprisingly well that weekend, no surprise, as we always eat well on camping trips.
Baked potatoes, muffins, s'mores, hot dogs, oatmeal, hash browns sausage and bacon. Yoga, canoe trips, water painting, dance sessions, blueberry picking, bird watching, and swimming were all apart of the agenda for this camping weekend.
Lots of visitors but luckily they were all very nice and respected the fact that we had use of the cabin. All very friendly.
***********************************************
The following month I went back out to Windfall Lake Cabin with my boyfriend for a romantic weekend.
We went out right after he woke. We arrived pretty early as the last couple campers were just heading out. We set up my hammock to relax and started the fire. Unpacking we realized that a few items were left unpacked and so instead of a huge fest we had to be a little cautious in rationing out our food.
We still ate well, cinnamon rolls, and muffins were made, hot dogs, s'mores, potatoes, hummus and carrots. We also packed hot cider and cocoa. I made a wonderful spiked cider and hot chocolate. Kept us quite warm. We kept the dogs in the cabin and took the opportunity to take a paddle out on the lake. We explored a little river and followed it all the way upstream to a beaver dam. It was all very peaceful.
The weather was not quite as warm as it was mid July so instead of swimming in the lake I just washed my hair off the end of the dock. We played with glow sticks and took lots of pictures swung in the hammock sipping our drinks. It was a fantastic weekend.
*** Pictures to be added at a later date***
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Forth of July Festivities
The forth of July I ended up having the house to myself. So I had a little dinner party so my dear friend and her family could come over and have a nice fondue dinner and watch the fireworks.
It was a pretty quite evening and we watched Milo and Otis getting ready to dim the lights.
Went out onto the deck to watch the fireworks. I took quite a few pictures and then stopped so I could just relax and enjoy the show with my boyfriend all wrapped up in my blanket.
The next day, I went with my friends and our dogs to the parade. it proved to be a very tiring event keeping all the dogs in order. But my friend's daughter enjoyed herself and everyone had a great time. I took them home and met up with my boyfriend afterward.
Instead of heading out to Sandy Beach we took the opportunity and headed the other direction downtown and up Mount Roberts. It was a great hike and by the time we reached the Tram we were both pretty hungry. We stayed for lunch and then hiked off some more and headed up to the cross above the Tram. Afterward, because we spent enough money at lunch we rode the Tram downtown. We sat and visited with a friend and then walked about and did some touristy stuff. Looked at cologne, sweatshirts and knickknacks. Then, after we were all finished, we hiked back up the hill to the car. It was a very nice day even some blue sky; and the think, they were calling for rain on our parade.
*** Pictures to Come - Check Back at a Later Date***
It was a pretty quite evening and we watched Milo and Otis getting ready to dim the lights.
Went out onto the deck to watch the fireworks. I took quite a few pictures and then stopped so I could just relax and enjoy the show with my boyfriend all wrapped up in my blanket.
The next day, I went with my friends and our dogs to the parade. it proved to be a very tiring event keeping all the dogs in order. But my friend's daughter enjoyed herself and everyone had a great time. I took them home and met up with my boyfriend afterward.
Instead of heading out to Sandy Beach we took the opportunity and headed the other direction downtown and up Mount Roberts. It was a great hike and by the time we reached the Tram we were both pretty hungry. We stayed for lunch and then hiked off some more and headed up to the cross above the Tram. Afterward, because we spent enough money at lunch we rode the Tram downtown. We sat and visited with a friend and then walked about and did some touristy stuff. Looked at cologne, sweatshirts and knickknacks. Then, after we were all finished, we hiked back up the hill to the car. It was a very nice day even some blue sky; and the think, they were calling for rain on our parade.
*** Pictures to Come - Check Back at a Later Date***
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
John Muir Cabin 6/24-25/2011
It's been a little over a year since I was last up at John Muir cabin. They have done so much work to it. They put in an extension to the deck, and redid the entire inside of the cabin. Making the bottom have two double beds (bunks) on one side and the other, a spiral staircase up to the top, where they have created an separate room with a screen door. Perfect if you have children to keep them from running down the stairs when it's bed time, or for just making it a little more private.
The boy friend and I got up the cabin first and set up my hammock for relaxation. However, the bugs were insane and immune to any bug spray. So shortly after everyone else arrived, I took the hammock down and set it up inside.
We had a filling meal of shells and cheese for dinner followed by S'mores, in the morning, we made biscuits, eggs, bacon, and sausage. over the stove and on the electric heater. After we all had our fill, still in our PJs, we were cleaning up with a group of older campers came up to the cabin and sat on the deck. Knowing it is a public use cabin from 10a-5p, but not caring at all about the people who actually rented the cabin, they barged right in demanding that we know about the public use rule. Yes, we knew... no, they didn't have to be rude about it. We were just cleaning up and in our pajamas still... They came in and sat right down at the table. We were still having a quite morning wake up routine and the boy friend was trying to sleep because he works nights and wasn't able to sleep the night before. They all had HUGE packs, almost as if to claim the cabin if we had not been there. They sat right on down at the table before we could snag a few of my friend's daughter's toys to play with. And for an hour and a half, they sat and were loud completely not respecting us at all or the fact that all our little friend's toys were on the window sill or that one of our campers was trying to sleep.
My friend and I took the little one up to try and entertain her while they were there. They had a dog of their own as well, and our 4 dogs were not too happy about it considering they just barged right in. They tied him up and let him pee all over the deck.
Once they left, it was time for a little nap and time to play.
That evening right around 5p another group of hikers came up to the cabin to eat a late after sandwich. This group was a pleasant group who I had known from work. They had two little girls with them and 2 dogs that were sweet and so all our dogs played and their girls played with my friend's daughter. They stayed for about an hour as the boy friend slept. We all stayed outside with the bugs, that for some reason or another were not as bad as they were that morning. They offered us part of their sandwich and whiskey before they left.
The next morning we had about 25 runners who came up to the cabin, but seeing that people were sleeping inside, they left and went behind the cabin to the field for a quick snack and water break before running off into the woods. It was almost insane how busy it was.
We made pizzas for dinner and the next morning, I made up orange muffins, more bacon, more eggs and fresh squeezed orange juice. You could say we ate like Kings. Not saying we didn't deserve it though. The hike up was murder on the legs and the back with a full pack on.
After washing and cleaning up the cabin, we packed up and headed down the mountain. Taking less then half the time it took to get up the mountain, the car was a welcome sight.
All in all a good camping trip. But I'm hoping that the next cabin I have is a little more peaceful.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
West Glacier Hike
I hiked out to the Mendenhall Glacier today with the boy friend, Eva and Luna and a couple friend's today. It was supposed to be an overcast sort of day and the weather ended up being gorgeous! I've only been on that trail a couple of times, but it's the boy friend's favorite trail so he'd been on it numerous times. Took the dogs on as their very first true hike after they were fixed. They did very well. Running up and all over the glacier once we arrived.
It was such a fun hike.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Spring/Summer Camping
Some time has passed sense I last wrote or posted any pictures.
In that time I have done some camping trips.
The first one I went on a small camping trip with my boyfriend and my dogs. Unsure if it was going to warm enough we went out to Sunshine Cove and found a nice stop. It was rainy and windy but the boyfriend managed to get the fire going and we had a nice dinner of hot dogs. Then we curled up in the tent for the night and kept warm. It turned out that it wasn't too cold, maybe it was all the extra sleeping bags I packed or the body heat from both of us and the dogs. The only one who got cold was Luna, who I ended up covering under one of the extra blankets where she slept soundly.
Both Luna and Eva managed to empty out their food all over the forest floor and managed to engorge themselves with pine needles; which later on the next evening, they threw up.
Our Post-Camping meal was so good, and so was the warm shower.
***
A friend of mine came into town and so a small group of us went out to Bridget Cove for a camp out. I left the dogs at the home with my parents for this outing. It was warm weather, and the sunset was amazing. Enjoyed some exploring of the area and wondering around on the beach at low tide. A Humpback whale even came by for a visit.
A few other friends came by to play some ball on the beach and hang out before they headed home for the night. We had hot dogs, Orange Muffins and bacon.
***
Went out to the Boy Scout Camp Beach for the Memorial Day weekend and the true start to summer. It was overcast but the weather cooperated with us. My friend ended up extending her stay so she came with us on our camping expedition. She had the dogs in her tent to keep her warm and the boy friend and I were in my tent. Hot dogs for dinner, wondering around on the beach where the boy friend ended up picking up just about every Pinky Shell he could find, my friend and I on the other hand gave ourselves natures pedicure by walking around barefoot in the sand. Later we lazed around in my hammock looking up at We roasted bananas by the fire, had beer and roasted bacon in the morning for breakfast.
So many people were out camping that weekend, however, no one was out where we were. We had the beach all to ourselves. We were however, able to hear everyone else partying away and got to enjoy some of the fireworks they shot off that night.
It was a pretty relaxing weekend. Always the showers were welcomed.
In that time I have done some camping trips.
The first one I went on a small camping trip with my boyfriend and my dogs. Unsure if it was going to warm enough we went out to Sunshine Cove and found a nice stop. It was rainy and windy but the boyfriend managed to get the fire going and we had a nice dinner of hot dogs. Then we curled up in the tent for the night and kept warm. It turned out that it wasn't too cold, maybe it was all the extra sleeping bags I packed or the body heat from both of us and the dogs. The only one who got cold was Luna, who I ended up covering under one of the extra blankets where she slept soundly.
Both Luna and Eva managed to empty out their food all over the forest floor and managed to engorge themselves with pine needles; which later on the next evening, they threw up.
Our Post-Camping meal was so good, and so was the warm shower.
***
A friend of mine came into town and so a small group of us went out to Bridget Cove for a camp out. I left the dogs at the home with my parents for this outing. It was warm weather, and the sunset was amazing. Enjoyed some exploring of the area and wondering around on the beach at low tide. A Humpback whale even came by for a visit.
A few other friends came by to play some ball on the beach and hang out before they headed home for the night. We had hot dogs, Orange Muffins and bacon.
Went out to the Boy Scout Camp Beach for the Memorial Day weekend and the true start to summer. It was overcast but the weather cooperated with us. My friend ended up extending her stay so she came with us on our camping expedition. She had the dogs in her tent to keep her warm and the boy friend and I were in my tent. Hot dogs for dinner, wondering around on the beach where the boy friend ended up picking up just about every Pinky Shell he could find, my friend and I on the other hand gave ourselves natures pedicure by walking around barefoot in the sand. Later we lazed around in my hammock looking up at We roasted bananas by the fire, had beer and roasted bacon in the morning for breakfast.
So many people were out camping that weekend, however, no one was out where we were. We had the beach all to ourselves. We were however, able to hear everyone else partying away and got to enjoy some of the fireworks they shot off that night.
It was a pretty relaxing weekend. Always the showers were welcomed.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Hawaii
So, I had some friends going to Hawaii. It ended up being WAY cheaper than going halfway around the world. And yes, I might have been here before. However, that being said, the last time I went to Hawaii I was sick and only there for a week.
A week long trip and I was sick for the entire thing. Awesome. Yes, I had to go back. There was SO much that I had wanted to do and was unable to. Yes, I checked MANY more things off of my to do list while in Hawaii. I ended up exploring SO much of the island. And even got to experience a tsunami in the process. Totally, 100% worth it.
No, it wasn't Bali, or Germany, but it was one of the best trips I have EVER had.
Thanks to some wonderful friends that wanted me to tag along with them.
We got scuba certified and also did a lot of snorkeling. We went horseback riding, explored lava tubes and saw new lava flow. We had to evacuate due to a tsunami and slept in the car for 12 hours. We drove around the entire island of Maui including the Hana Highway. We went up and watched the sunset on Mount Haleakala. We swam with turtles and walked on sandy beaches. We explored the rain forests, the high cliffs, and the beautiful pools and waterfalls.
Another time I shall experience another world that I know will leave me breathless in awe of all it's beauty. My time will just have to wait.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A New Chapter
My brother sent me an email last month about these two dogs that his friend was trying to find a home for. He was taking care of them for his daughter who was no longer able and was going to need to move back down South to Washington to be a trucker. So, not being able to take them with him he'd been looking for a home both of them could go to.
I took them for an afternoon to see how my cat would react and how they would react around her. They were sweet and didn't chase even though that's what they seem to do with every other cat they come across. After they left, Thai spent the next couple days looking for them throughout the house. It was clear, I didn't really have a choice, she'd made it for me. She's been so lonely ever sense Aspen passed away and even though she's been getting a lot of attention it wasn't the same. She loved having the dogs around. After the first 5 minutes she even got down to see if she could get them to play with her.
The next week, I went and picked them up. They reeked of the barns and horses around the area they were staying. And so the first thing I did after I walked them and got them home was I gave them a bath!
A couple new names and a new outlook on life. Welcome home Eva and Luna.
I soon discovered a few things:
Eva, was a pig and an attention thief. She wanted whatever her sister had and whenever she was getting attention, she wanted it too.
Luna was the runt of the litter and was a still born pup at first.
Eva was a pig stealing Luna's food whenever the opportunity arose.
Eva 23 pounds and Luna only 17.
There is a Spanish Soap Opera titled Eva Luna... I found that incredibly entertaining...
Eva is block head as she jumped out of a parked truck and hit her head on the ground with even being fazed.
Luna has epilepsy.
She had a seizure 6 months prior to me picking them up. The second day I had them my parents were playing with the pups with one of the laser lights and I guess a little too long perhaps but it send Luna into a seizure. No more laser lights in our house.
I also found out last night it looks like Luna also has to eat regularly because I fed them a little late last night and she wouldn't really touch her food and had a very small seizure last night. Also throwing up what little food I was able to get her to eat. Hmm... I think I better start packing around a back pack of goodies for them in case we take too long getting home now.
Luna&Eva
Eva
Luna
Eva&Luna
All in all though, they are great dogs and my parents love them. I'm excited to go on many new adventures with them. And good thing too because I've got 6 camping trips planned so far this summer.
I took them for an afternoon to see how my cat would react and how they would react around her. They were sweet and didn't chase even though that's what they seem to do with every other cat they come across. After they left, Thai spent the next couple days looking for them throughout the house. It was clear, I didn't really have a choice, she'd made it for me. She's been so lonely ever sense Aspen passed away and even though she's been getting a lot of attention it wasn't the same. She loved having the dogs around. After the first 5 minutes she even got down to see if she could get them to play with her.
The next week, I went and picked them up. They reeked of the barns and horses around the area they were staying. And so the first thing I did after I walked them and got them home was I gave them a bath!
Luna
Eva
Immediately after I had put them in the warm clear water had turned black with mud. After four refilled tubes I took to using the hose and got them clean. They went from a thick matt finish to a high gloss soft texture. Then a trimming. Which proved to be more difficult.
A couple new names and a new outlook on life. Welcome home Eva and Luna.
I soon discovered a few things:
Eva, was a pig and an attention thief. She wanted whatever her sister had and whenever she was getting attention, she wanted it too.
Luna was the runt of the litter and was a still born pup at first.
Eva was a pig stealing Luna's food whenever the opportunity arose.
Eva 23 pounds and Luna only 17.
There is a Spanish Soap Opera titled Eva Luna... I found that incredibly entertaining...
Eva is block head as she jumped out of a parked truck and hit her head on the ground with even being fazed.
Luna has epilepsy.
She had a seizure 6 months prior to me picking them up. The second day I had them my parents were playing with the pups with one of the laser lights and I guess a little too long perhaps but it send Luna into a seizure. No more laser lights in our house.
I also found out last night it looks like Luna also has to eat regularly because I fed them a little late last night and she wouldn't really touch her food and had a very small seizure last night. Also throwing up what little food I was able to get her to eat. Hmm... I think I better start packing around a back pack of goodies for them in case we take too long getting home now.
Eva
Luna&EvaEvaLunaEva&LunaWednesday, February 2, 2011
Projects & Passing the Wet Winter Dark Months Away
This winter has been kind of well mild. And warm and wet. Every time I actually get some time on my hands to go out sledding or up the mountain to snowboard/snowshoe/x-country ski it rains and all the snow goes away. LAME.
So in an attempt to one... deal with the boredom of darkness and two... help deplete some of my yarn stash (not to mention eating away my boredom), I figured I'd whip out a few things. Hats mostly, as they are super easy and I know a ton of people who might want them. Here are the ones I've finished so far...
~Painting the Roses Red Hat~
~Blueberry Hat~
~Hats made for the Homeless~
~Sparkle Ponies Unite (Unicorn) Hat~
~Monster/Dinosaur Hat~
So in an attempt to one... deal with the boredom of darkness and two... help deplete some of my yarn stash (not to mention eating away my boredom), I figured I'd whip out a few things. Hats mostly, as they are super easy and I know a ton of people who might want them. Here are the ones I've finished so far...
~Red Huckleberry Hat with Leaves~
~Painting the Roses Red Hat~
~Blueberry Hat~
~Hats made for the Homeless~
~Sparkle Ponies Unite (Unicorn) Hat~
~Monster/Dinosaur Hat~
Sunday, January 2, 2011
In and out
Over this winter I have been doing a lot of thinking.
My little adventurer is gone, but I must carry on our traditions as though she is still here with me.
I must make it a prerogative to get out there and let myself be vulnerable.
I mean, you are on your own journey. No one can tell you what they think you should do with your life. No one. It is your right to be happy.
So, if you wanted to go out and leave the nest, that's great! If you wanted to spread your wings and fly, perfect. Explore new lands, phenomenal! Want to start over from scratch? Why not? You can do whatever you want.
Looking outside in this crazy dry winter we are having it's letting me focus more on what I want. I see people I know all around me doing what they want in there lives and making it happen. Why can't I have it all too? I can, I'm just afraid. That's what it boils down too in all reality.
I'm a chicken. I need to leave the nest and I haven't. I need to start anew and believe me, I've thought about it and know what I want. It's just figuring out how to pull all the pieces together where I start to get a little freaked out.
But today is a new day and we are going to make it ours.
My little adventurer is gone, but I must carry on our traditions as though she is still here with me.
I must make it a prerogative to get out there and let myself be vulnerable.
I mean, you are on your own journey. No one can tell you what they think you should do with your life. No one. It is your right to be happy.
So, if you wanted to go out and leave the nest, that's great! If you wanted to spread your wings and fly, perfect. Explore new lands, phenomenal! Want to start over from scratch? Why not? You can do whatever you want.
Looking outside in this crazy dry winter we are having it's letting me focus more on what I want. I see people I know all around me doing what they want in there lives and making it happen. Why can't I have it all too? I can, I'm just afraid. That's what it boils down too in all reality.
I'm a chicken. I need to leave the nest and I haven't. I need to start anew and believe me, I've thought about it and know what I want. It's just figuring out how to pull all the pieces together where I start to get a little freaked out.
But today is a new day and we are going to make it ours.
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