Some photos from a recent trip to California. I usually fly the same route but this trip was at unusual hours for me resulting in new views of the same volcanoes.

We enjoyed a beautiful day in the sun shopping the Rotary Auction and paddling in Eagle Harbor. The views of the mountains in all directions were stunningly clear which reminded me (as did our recent camping trip) of some unusual photos of Mt Rainier and the neighboring ranges I took way back in November while traveling.

We have been camping in my backpacking tents but as a family we had outgrown them. When REI had their summer sale and the Marmot Limestone 4 family tent went on deep discount we bought it. So with sunny skies and nothing on the agenda we decided to put it to the test at no-longer-a-State-Park Fay Bainbridge.

Today marks the one year anniversary of I’m not here! A year ago I was returning from a trip to Israel, a year later I’m returning from a trip to California.

Some time ago I read a review about Window Seat and it stuck in my head. I was on a plane this morning and decided to try my hand.

A really cool sunset shown on Baker this evening.

So many old friends came out today, the sun, blue skies, Mt Rainier and an animal!

We’ve been experiencing crisp, clear days and nights coupled with stunning sunrises and sunsets – it’s been so clear Mt Baker has been visible the last couple of days.

The Mountain: morning, noon, dusk. Happy Thanksgiving!

For the Labor Day weekend, some friends invited us to their cabin in Packwood and we happily accepted. We drove from BI to Rainier via the Tacoma-Narrows Bridge, our first crossing of the infamous structure (it was considerably cheaper and faster to go this route – $28 for the ferry, $4 for the bridge). We arrived around midday on Saturday, ate some lunch with the kids and drove up to Sunrise.