Positioned somewhere on Mount Rainier, weary but feeling like a 'million dollars'.
A close-up of Rainier, we were in touching distance of one of 25 glaciers
Somewhere close to the beginning of the hike, a perspective.
We are back in the great State of Washington after a six weeks break. Home to one of the finest
mountains in the world and of course, Gav Laz, in no particular order of importance, although we are a
little biased. The weather in this region has been unseasonably warm although the locals would say ‘hot’.
Of course, they don’t know anything about heat such as in Arizona or they would count their blessings.
Talking of the latter state, we were saddened to learn of the recent tragic loss of firemen. It gave us
pause for thought, yet again.
Talking of weather, there seems to be a disconnect in this state. There is deep snow on the mountain
while the air is warm…um hot. We have no idea how the snow intends melting before summer is through.
In case nobody knows it, it’s already July. Are we the only ones worrying about these issues? From
the beginning of the hike, we were always in snow, thick 'stuff'. Europe had got our ‘eye in and our
feet’ ready. We've become snowbirds in a fashion.
Editor, budding track star, sprints down volcano
A Little premature. Perhaps we should have said 'bum-star' as editor hits the deck. Rainier has last laugh.
A combination of the blue Cascades and mostly virginal snow make a wonderful contrast.
We had the great pleasure of dining with old friends on Sunday morning, Gill and Clive Midgen
together with a new (also old) couple, Josette and Allan Bernstein. The last comment was not meant that
way but with our limited skills, we were not able to express it more elegantly. Clive, of course, is the
man who raised one of the great issues of the last century. He asked in a moment of deep introspection,
“If Denny’s Restaurants are always open, why do they have locks on the entrance doors?” With friends
like Clive, perhaps people will cut us some slack. We enjoyed a humorous and banter-full three hours
together—we also had some food.
Meantime, fellow in stripes tries to make headway.
Mount St Helens from Rainier
A happy boy in a spectacular environment, Mount Adams in background
We are in a very beautiful part of the world, Mount Rainier National Park. We have decided
not to rate today’s incredible experience as Gavin has taken to reminding us it is not feasible to
have forty top-ten hikes. That’s the trouble with the younger generation; they tend to hold us to
our word. Anyway, we set off from Paradise, headed to Panorama Point via Skyline Trail, retraced our
footsteps and joined the Muir Camp trail, (although there is no trail) on the way to the peak. One hikes
on snow the whole way in the general direction of the peak. Before we knew it, we reached an elevation
gain of 3,500 feet. It was incredible although not without some strain. Hopefully, the peak next visit.
The snow queen about to display more climbing skills
Editor gives us pointer on how to run down a mountain
We sweated at ground level and were cold at 10,000 feet and more. To stand on a mountain
covered in snow, very steep in many places, views of the Cascade Mountains, Mount Adams, Hood and
St. Helens, counts as a thrill that is unforgettable. Please note temptation was resisted in rating it.
On the drive to this area yesterday, we passed a church with a slogan that tickled us. ‘To get to
Paradise, you have to find faith'—faith is part of the church’s name and of course, on the route. We should stop
here, as should you have read to this point, you deserve a break.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
One of the few areas with respite from snow
Up close view of glacier on Rainier
Mount Hood (rear), a volcano in next state south, Oregon
This time, it's Mount Adams. The views are endless.
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