Back in the US of A

Color, Cascades, Captivating

Sunrays on Mt. Rainier

Fall Colors (click to enlarge)

Wednesday 29th

The big fellow approached us with a bottle in his hand. Although we were apprehensive, we were not afraid. We had experience in matters of men and bottles of liquor. He made a gesture with the Vodka and we looked him directly in the eyes and said, “Nyet”. Instead, our editor picked up her own bottle and poured us each a glass of diet Coke. We were at shul in Bellevue for Simchat Torah. Just before Hakafot time, their custom is to stop for Kiddush and a ‘L’Chaim’, the latter a euphemism for a few drinks or more. The new language learned in Israel proved to be useful as 50% of the shul’s members are Russian, the rest Israelis, and a mix of others. Now that we are back in the United States, we look forward to meeting some Americans at shul, too. We worry that since Switzerland and Israel, our English is becoming rusty.

Falling for Autumn

Back in the USA. Okay, that’s not original but it is true. Lack of sleep, almost endless sitting on an airplane going nowhere, wears a person down. However, the journey was finite although at one stage it did not feel that way. Settle down and the next day, off to tackle a wonderful mountain after a day’s rest, sort of. Granite Mountain Lookout. One of our top ten hikes of all time. It’s located about 45 miles east of Seattle, part of the cascade mountain range, arguable one of the most dramatic views of hundreds of mountains we have observed, from atop. The prize was the view of perhaps our favorite, the incredibly ‘haunting lady’, Mount Rainier. Halfway up, we caught a first glimpse of it protruding above the fore mountains and trees.

Mt. Rainier & the Cascade Range

Each step higher provided more exposure until we could see as much as was possible from the north side. A spectacular sight on a clear day for two fortunate people. To its left, we gazed down over thick clouds. Another incredible feeling, much liking flying in a jet, looking down at thick cloud cover.

Choosing granite countertops!

Jagged foreground & Volcano Helens

Some brief statistics: The hike length—8.5 miles, elevation gain of 3,950 feet and rated very strenuous. The problem with a hike of this nature is that one becomes spoilt—there are so many great features. The first part of the trail begins and carries one through a forest, then semi-forest followed by full exposure to the surroundings as one breaks the tree line and finally, climaxes with a climb to the peak, the lookout tower.

Tower on the summit

We only spotted the tower, our destination, after nearly 3 miles of hiking. At that stage, we wondered how we would make it up the seemingly loose granite rocks.
Fall has arrived showing colors that an artist would envy. The reds, yellows and oranges delight the eyes and of course, pick up the soul. The workings of the seasons are remarkable. As the wind picks up, the branches begin to sway and the older leaves don’t have the traction of their ‘green days’. We watched as the ‘old-timers’ floated to the ground, creating a colorful trail before our eyes.


Free as a bird...

In addition to the unique Rainier, we spotted Mount St Helens, the infamous volcano. With these two stars so prominent, the hundreds of other mountains are shortchanged. To look down on the Cascade Range from Granite Mountain is a privilege. It was difficult to leave the lookout tower but we had to be home early for the beginning of the Chag. It is one of the spots that we could pitch a tent and spend the night—it is that stunning.
At the trailhead, we read the various warnings, information and the usual about animal activity. We were pleased to read that the bears in the vicinity are ‘very shy’. Our editor will have to visit the zoo if she wants to see bears. We think this suits her just fine. Us, too.

Resting before the ascent to the tower

We are preparing to leave the wonderful hospitality provided by our son, Gavin. We have been here almost a week and between the Chag, Gavin and unfortunately, only one hike, it has been an enjoyable experience. San Diego according to our vast directional experiences appears to be to our south. However, we are heading east at first and then will make the turn later in the week.

Meadow & lake below

We remember the days when we were raising our children. Clearly, Gavin harbors no resentment to our apparently ‘strict’ home. Not once did he tell us to sit up straight at the table, finish our food, say ‘excuse me’ when burping, clean the bathroom or tidy our room. Perhaps our only gripe is that it is a five-mile round-trip to shul, exacerbated by the chaggim. We would never suggest that he move a couple of miles closer although we hope he reads this.

Once more but with feeling this time


Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey