https://travelingthepnw.com/2022/01/01/2021-reading-list/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/library-6-1.jpgLibrary-6 (1)2022-01-01T19:41:59+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2021/04/18/mckinley-park-wetlands/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pxl_20210228_204511341.mp_.jpgPXL_20210228_204511341.MP2021-04-18T13:31:09+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2020/01/29/2019-reading-list/2021-04-10T13:08:42+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2021/01/04/2020-reading-list/2021-04-10T13:08:01+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2021/04/10/were-back-baby/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pxl_20210105_003709031.jpgPXL_20210105_0037090312021-04-10T13:07:34+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2019/06/15/behind-the-scenes-summer-vacation-june-13-update/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/skinning-stone-1.jpgSkinning stone 1https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/craig-hiking.jpgCraig hikinghttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/vero-swinging.jpgVero swinginghttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/pololu-valley-beach.jpgPololu Valley beachhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/pololu-valley-3.jpgPololu Valley 3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/weirwood-1.jpgWeirwood 1https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/flower-1.jpgFlower 1https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/waipai-valley-lookout-2-copy.jpgWaipai Valley Lookout 2 copyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/waipai-valley-lookout-3-copy.jpgWaipai Valley Lookout 3 copyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/surfer.jpgSurfer2021-04-10T12:40:23+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2019/08/10/garden-2019/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/66691132_10157007644305081_7384013221025284096_o.jpg66691132_10157007644305081_7384013221025284096_ohttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/68848769_10157709658927755_7447918855466254336_n.jpg68848769_10157709658927755_7447918855466254336_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/67214599_10157654435462755_1685690216033026048_n.jpg67214599_10157654435462755_1685690216033026048_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/60335728_10157481566647755_8298672243815219200_n.jpg60335728_10157481566647755_8298672243815219200_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/p1150907.jpgP1150907https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/p1150901.jpgP1150901https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/p1150892.jpgP1150892https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/p1150891.jpgP11508912021-04-10T12:39:32+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2020/01/02/exploring-the-kuna-caves/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_20191230_152337.jpgIMG_20191230_152337https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_20191230_151536.jpgIMG_20191230_151536https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_20191230_1508101.jpgIMG_20191230_150810(1)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_20191230_1521251.jpgIMG_20191230_152125(1)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_20191230_1527082.jpgIMG_20191230_152708~2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_20191230_152719.jpgIMG_20191230_1527192021-04-10T12:38:50+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/about/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pxl_20210408_211501244.jpgPXL_20210408_211501244https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pxl_20210408_210321958.jpgPXL_20210408_210321958https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pxl_20210403_003300491.mp_.jpgPXL_20210403_003300491.MPhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pxl_20210319_233242442.mp_.jpgPXL_20210319_233242442.MPhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pxl_20210228_204720641.jpgPXL_20210228_204720641https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pxl_20210228_204247051.jpgPXL_20210228_204247051https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/34343780_10156074067710081_8597272075473780736_o.jpg34343780_10156074067710081_8597272075473780736_ohttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dsc7772.jpg_DSC7772https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/53041_488185935080_3977795_o.jpg53041_488185935080_3977795_ohttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn1379.jpgDSCN1379Traveling the PNW at Mt. Rainier.2021-04-10T12:26:29+00:00weekly0.6https://travelingthepnw.com/contact/2021-04-10T12:13:54+00:00weekly0.6https://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/28/west-texas-living/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/sunset.jpgsunsetThe sunsets are amazing in Odessa, partly because of the lack of obstructions which makes it feel like you are driving directly into the sun.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/thunderstorm.jpgThunderstormThe cloud formations during thunderstorms in West Texas are crazy. And scary.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/oil.jpgoilThere are pump jacks everywhere in Odessa, which makes sense since the Black Gold is the lifeblood of the town and region.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ratliff.jpgRatliffThis is a pretty small crowd for a Permian game, but that's because they were playing a team from Washington.2019-09-01T14:01:05+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/07/05/gardening-in-idaho/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_7147.jpgIMG_7147This is the most recent picture of our garden. It is a tad bit out of control. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_7148.jpgIMG_7148https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_68301.jpgIMG_6830This picture was taken in late May/early June. Since then it has blown up! https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_6830.jpgIMG_6830https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_6917.jpgIMG_6917We are doing out best to keep this tree alive. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_6967.jpgIMG_6967See this plant? It was a gift to Catarina. It was dead when she got it so planted it in the Three Sisters box to see what would happen. This thing has taken over the box and we still aren't sure what it is!https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_6979.jpgIMG_6979A recent harvest of kale, zucchini and cucumber. The cucumber was so sweet! https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_20180526_101401539_hdr.jpgIMG_20180526_101401539_HDRCatarina helps me tend to the stawberries. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_20180610_170842485_hdr.jpgIMG_20180610_170842485_HDRhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_20180421_194356185_hdr.jpgIMG_20180421_194356185_HDRWe had to hire help to fill up our four boxes! 2019-05-17T21:41:06+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2019/04/20/idahos-wilson-creek/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/p1140252.jpgP1140252https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/p1140221.jpgP1140221https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/p1140207.jpgP1140207https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_1599.jpgIMG_1599https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_1581.jpgIMG_1581https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/p1140204.jpgP1140204https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/p1140202.jpgP1140202https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/p1140243.jpgP1140243https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/p1140148.jpgP1140148https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/p1140224.jpgP11402242019-04-20T13:17:50+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2019/01/10/memories-of-the-viaduct-and-joe-torre/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/viaduct.jpgviaduct2019-01-10T23:36:25+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2019/01/04/2018-reading-list/2019-01-04T19:28:40+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/07/28/ernest-hemingway-changed-my-life/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_20180709_120532.jpgStarbucksThe vault at the Starbucks, featuring Hemingway history and photos.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hemingway-grave.jpgHemingway graveErnest Hemingway's grave in the Ketchum Cemetery. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/cat-and-hemingway.jpgCat and HemingwayCat hamming it up at the Ernest Hemingway monument in Ketchum, Idaho.2018-09-19T03:22:09+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/07/26/silver-creek-nature-preserve/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/silver-creek-1.jpgSilver Creek 1Silver Creek is astoundingly clear. You could see plentiful trout swimming around.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hemingway-monument.jpgHemingway monumentThe monument dedicated to Ernest Hemingway, who often fished at the Silver Creek Nature Preserve.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/fly-fisherman.jpgFly FishermanA man fly fishes on Silver Creek, standing where Ernest Hemingway and his son Jack once stood.2018-07-26T16:35:25+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/07/02/there-is-just-something-about-that-view/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/sawtooths-black-and-white.jpgSawtooths black and whiteThis was our first view of the Sawtooths on our drive. Not a bad rest area view.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ranch-entrance.jpgRanch entranceThe Sawtooth Mountains framed by a ranch entrance.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/sawtooths-river-2.jpgSawtooths River 2The Salmon River raging with the Sawtooths in the distance.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/sawtooths-farm-equipment.jpgSawtooths farm equipmentThe Sawtooth Mountains with some old farm equipment in the foreground.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/redfish-lake-1.jpgRedfish Lake 1The Sawtooth Mountains reflected in Redfish Lake.2018-07-05T22:30:20+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/06/07/alturas-lake-inlet-camping-trip/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/alturas-lake-reflection-2.jpgAlturas Lake Reflection 2Another reflections photo from Alturas Lake. The water was crystal clear.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cat-on-the-trail.jpgCat on the trailCat hiking back to the campsite. Note the winter coat and ear warmers. Nothing like some sub-freezing weather in June!https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/alturas-lake-reflection-1.jpgAlturas Lake Reflection 1The lack of people at Alturas Lake helped keep the water perfectly calm, making for fantastic reflections of the Sawtooth Mountain Range.2018-06-07T17:29:33+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/05/31/historic-boise-depot/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/newsstand.jpgNewsstandThe historic Barkalow Brothers Newsstand that is in its original form inside the Depot's Great Hall.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/depot-reflections.jpgDepot reflectionsThe Boise Depot reflected in one of the ponds in the Platt Garden.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/capitol-crop-1.jpgCapitol crop 1The Idaho State Capitol Building as seen from the Boise Depot bell tower.2018-05-31T18:09:24+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/05/21/mission-san-juan-capistrano/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/historical-chapel.jpgHistorical chapelThe interior of the oldest standing building in California, a chapel built in 1782.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/new-chapel.jpgNew chapelThe interior of the new church built in 1984.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/church-model.jpgChurch modelThe remains of The Great Stone Church in the background with a model of what it looked like before it was destroyed in 1812 by an earthquake.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/hummingbird-2.jpgHummingbird 2While the mission is well known for its swallows, we mainly saw tons of hummingbirds and lizards.2018-05-21T16:57:40+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/05/14/bolsa-chica-ecological-reserve/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/p1100650.jpgP1100650Veronica scaling the boardwalk to fetch her wedding ring out of the mud.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/great-egret-eating-1.jpgGreat Egret eating 1Nom, nom, nom. A Great Snowy Egret eating a lizard.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/baby-heron-2.jpgBaby Heron 2Great Blue Heron babies are weird looking, but it was still an amazing sight to see.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/angel-shark-2.jpgAngel Shark 2Saw this shark cruising the shallows. Weird looking creature.2018-06-08T19:42:44+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/04/23/shoshone-falls/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cat-at-the-falls-2.jpgCat at the falls 2Catarina isn't afraid of heights. That gene skipped her, I guess.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/falls-overlook-1-copy.jpgFalls overlook 1 copyA wider look at the falls, which are taller than the Niagara Falls but not as wide. And you can't get as close to them as you can their eastern counterpart.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/pigeon-2.jpgPigeon 2A pigeon just chilling as water crashes over the rocks just behind it.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/raging-falls-copy.jpgRaging falls copyShoshone Falls raging on a recent spring day.2018-04-23T20:32:20+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/03/14/jump-creek-falls/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/rocks.jpgRocksLots of caves in this rocky, narrow canyon.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/red-waterfall.jpgRed waterfallJump Creek Falls are about 50 feet tall.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/mountain.jpgMountainA dusting of snow on the mountains back toward Boise.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cat.jpgCatCat decked out in winter clothes enjoying the waterfall.2018-04-23T18:25:08+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2018/03/12/halverson-lake/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/landscape.jpgLandscapeBasalt boulders, grassy hillsides and buttes in the distance. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/haverson-lake.jpgHaverson LakeA stark landscape with a body of water in the middle. I bet there would be lots of critters you could see if you sat here long enough.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/colorful-lake-part-2.jpgColorful lake part 2Halverson Lake reflections.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cat-and-vero.jpgCat and VeroCat and Veronica before we lost the trail. Much more happiness at this stage.2018-03-12T20:45:49+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/12/22/an-afternoon-in-downtown-boise/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/capitol-reflections.jpgCapitol reflectionsThe capitol building reflected in a glass building across the street.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/look-up.jpgLook upLook up!https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/rotunda-side-view.jpgRotunda side viewThe Idaho state capitol building was built from 1905-1920 using four kinds of marble imported from throughout the country.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/rotunda-blue.jpgRotunda blueThe interior of the rotunda at the Idaho State Capitol building is amazing looking.2018-01-09T02:27:43+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/12/17/idaho-botanical-gardens-winter-garden-aglow/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/tunnel.jpgTunnelVeronica, Andrew, Dustin, Olivia, Ethan and Catarina enjoying a tunnel of lights.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/lights-1.jpgLights 1The lights were really well done, just not sure about going to see them every year.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cat-touching-the-tree.jpgCat touching the treeCat breaking all the rules and touching the lights.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cat-and-ethan.jpgCat and EthanCatarina and Ethan checking out a cool light tree.2017-12-17T23:24:04+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/08/12/garden-haul/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/garden_box.jpggarden_boxhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/garden_cat.jpggarden_cathttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/pickle.jpgpickleI'm still eating these bad boys!https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/peas2.jpgpeas2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/peas.jpgpeasCat enjoys eating these right off the vine. We've stopped telling her "no."https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/gardenwork2.jpggardenwork2This was taken in the spring. Our garden was just barely getting started. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/gardenwork.jpggardenworkhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/garden.jpggardenhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cat_worm.jpgcat_WormAnother picture from spring. This is Cat showing me the worm she caught!https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cat_garlic.jpgcat_garlicWe pulled the garlic a little too early. We are still learning! 2017-08-12T23:23:32+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/08/09/the-perfect-game-10-years-later/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/we-were-young.jpgWe were youngWho is that young couple? I barely recognize them.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/vero-on-assignment.jpgVero on assignmentVeronica and Josh Scheide on assignment. They look way more important than they really were.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/vero-modeling.jpgVero modelingVeronica doing a glamour pose while covering some story for the Odessa American.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/swing-set.jpgSwing setSwinging away in Grandfalls, Texas. A tiny town west of Odessa with a K-12 school.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/perfect-game-4.jpgPerfect Game 4An example of a Saturday morning sports page from Odessa. As you can, football is a bit of a big deal there.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/perfect-game-1.jpgPerfect Game 1We found plenty of time on the Football Tour to take cool photos of ourselves on oil field equipment.2017-08-09T14:40:17+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/08/07/abandoned-lime-cement-plant/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/lime-5.jpgLime 5The hillside in the distance was mined for limestone.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/lime-6.jpgLime 6Nature is slowly taking back the area.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/lime-4.jpgLime 4Would you go in that door? I passed.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/lime-3.jpgLime 3There was lots of creative graffiti at the site, including this train.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/lime-1.jpgLime 1The main section of the old cement factory in Lime, Oregon.2023-02-23T02:45:11+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/07/21/visiting-the-blueberry-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_2534.jpgIMG_2534https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_2533.jpgIMG_2533https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_2532.jpgIMG_2532https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_2528.jpgIMG_2528https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_2526.jpgIMG_2526https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_2536.jpgIMG_25362017-09-19T20:56:36+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/06/21/a-day-in-st-louis/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn9990.jpgDSCN9990The St. Louis Arch with a historic church in the foreground.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn9977.jpgDSCN9977The Old St. Louis Courthouse framed by the St. Louis Arch.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/tombstone-3.jpgTombstone 3Some tombstones in Bellefontaine Cemetery.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn0001.jpgDSCN0001Imagine the Mississippi River nearly overtopping the bridge in the distance! That was what the Great Flood of 1993 was like.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/courthouse-reflection.jpgCourthouse reflectionThe Old St. Louis County Courthouse reflected in a nearby building.2017-06-17T17:40:39+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/06/19/battle-of-fort-davidson-historical-site/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/img_20170604_122332.jpgAmmoThe type of ammunition shot from the cannons at Fort Davidson. Horrifying to say the least.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fort.jpgFortThe remnants of Fort Davidson.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn9863.jpgDSCN9863If only this sign existed in the 1860s, a whole lot more folks would have lived.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn9856.jpgDSCN9856Some of my traveling companions standing atop what is left of Fort Davidson. You can see Pilot Knob in the background and some of the cannon ramparts to the left of the photo.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cardinal.jpgCardinalA cardinal I spied in the bushes near Fort Davidson.2017-06-17T16:27:49+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/06/14/missouris-elephant-rocks-state-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn9965.jpgDSCN9965Three walls of the old Engine House remain, featuring a distinctive pattern that almost looked like mosaic artwork.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn9964.jpgDSCN9964Remnants of the rail line that ran out of the old Engine House into the woods.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn9933.jpgDSCN9933Reflections in one of the old rock quarries.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn9928.jpgDSCN9928I love how trees can grow anywhere, even in a giant crack of a granite boulder.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn9923.jpgDSCN9923Remnants of the quarry work in the park were visible in rock faces like this one.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/brooding-gigi.jpgBrooding GigiGianna takes a break next to one of the quarry lakes we stumbled upon in the park.2017-06-10T17:39:46+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/06/12/cathedral-basilica-of-st-louis/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn0037.jpgDSCN0037The All Saints Chapel was designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany of New York, and is dedicated to the early classification of saints as either apostles, confessors, martyrs or virgins.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/main-hall.jpgMain hallEverywhere you look in the sanctuary, your eyes are drawn to a scene, the color, the light streaming in from outside. It is truly a marvelous building.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dscn0071.jpgDSCN0071The East Transept portrays Christ's resurrection and his appearance to Mary and the disciples.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dome.jpgDomeThe Central Dome rises 143 feet above the ground and is symbolic to the power of God's love.2017-06-10T17:06:38+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/05/25/exploring-titlows-tide-pools/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_20170513_125420.jpgPointingCat saw something apparently, though I'm not sure what.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_20170513_130643.jpgCat hairCat enjoyed tromping around the muddy, seaweed covered beach.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/heron-and-bridge.jpgHeron and bridgeA Great Blue Heron flies over the Puget Sound with the Narrows Bridge in the background.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/dscn9693.jpgTide poolCat enjoyed playing in the tide pools more than looking for critters. Titlow Beach features some cool tide pools inside of old pier posts.2017-05-25T21:21:21+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/05/16/tacomas-war-memorial-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/pow-wall.jpgPOW wallThe Prisoner of War and Missing in Action wall.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/dscn9649.jpgDSCN9649The US flag and the POW flag is reflected in the Pierce County World War II monument.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/bell.jpgBellThe USS Tacoma was commissioned in 1903, broke up in high seas in 1924 and its bell was salvaged and sent back to Tacoma.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/dscn9633.jpgWar Memorial viewThe Olympic Mountains as seen from War Memorial Park in Tacoma.2017-05-15T16:31:48+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/05/22/our-garden-is-planted-and-hopefully-it-grows/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_20170506_151454.jpgGarden 2017Now that it is sunny, we can finally plant the garden. I'm sure it won't rain again. Right?2017-05-13T17:35:38+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/05/13/remodeling-the-never-ending-story/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_20170513_092751.jpgRemodel finishedOur new Great Room. Crazy how taking out one wall makes your house feel huge.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_20170318_140724.jpgRemodel wiresMick labeling the wires hanging from the ceiling. How can one wall have so many wires?https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_20170318_124636.jpgTear Down That WallTear down that wall. This was the fun part.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_20170321_125154.jpgColor wheelHaving a seafoam wall and a red wall with a racing stripe down the middle was not ideal.2017-05-13T16:35:59+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/04/30/kobayashi-park-a-hidden-gem/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2617.jpgLeach Creek waterfallA beautiful little waterfall on Leach Creek, which joins Chambers Creek in Kobayashi Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2607.jpgChambers CreekThe confluence of Chambers Creek and Leach Creek in Kobayashi Park in University Place.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2594.jpgReflectionsThere is more than just the flowing creeks in Kobayashi Park. There are also wetlands filled with creatures and fallen creatures.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2592.jpgWoodpecker!This woodpecker was a bit farther away than my camera lens could handle, but you get the gist. Really pretty bird. I've seen a pair of them in my backyard before as well.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dsc0818.jpgPicnic shelterKobayashi Park in University Place features two picnic shelters, numerous benches and grass areas to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dsc0769.jpgBridgeThere are paths on the other side of Chambers Creek, and the only way we could see to get to them is by crossing this log. Be careful, as the water flows fast and is somewhat deep underneath it.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dsc0719.jpgOut for a walkCraig and Catarina enjoying the trail at Kobayashi Park in University Place. It's a kid-friendly environment, though younger kids need to be watched because of the fast flowing creek.2022-08-26T04:23:47+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/03/05/i-bought-a-rain-barrel-am-i-a-hippie/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_20170304_142041.jpgMaterialsFour cinder blocks is all you need to install this bad boy. Pretty easy.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_20170304_142634.jpgLevelThere is a pretty big mound here from years of pine needles falling in this area, so I had to do some major construction.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_20170304_145154.jpgHidden barrelThanks to our giant rhododendron, you can't even see the barrel.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_20170304_145203.jpgRain barrelNote the master craftsmanship of the gutter not extending all the way down.2017-03-06T15:30:36+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2017/01/03/2016-reading-list/2017-01-04T05:14:48+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/11/11/no-longer-just-a-spectator/2016-11-11T22:29:34+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/10/24/tacomas-wapato-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/dscn2480.jpgWapato LakeWapato Lake in South Tacoma has been used as a swimming hole since at least the 1870s.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/dscn2466.jpgCat on a bridgeThis historic bridge makes a great frame for photos.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/dscn2459.jpgFall color wapatoWapato Park has lots of fall colors.2016-10-24T16:21:54+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/10/07/what-is-a-home/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/wp-1475862694741.jpgHomeOur home in University Place on a recent rainy afternoon.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_20161005_191837.jpgStory tellingDrunken Telegraph co-founder Megan Sukys talks about her recent discovery into what makes a place home during the Creative Colloquy Crawl at B Sharp Coffeehouse in Tacoma.2025-02-04T04:48:58+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/10/05/touring-seattles-historic-smith-tower/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/wp-1475546240514.jpgSkylineThe Columbia Tower is now the tallest building in Seattle, easily overwhelming the Smith Tower.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/wp-1475546218188.jpgChinese RoomThe ornate Chinese Room features a full bar and restaurant.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/dscn2409.jpgUrban CanyonThe Space Needle in the background highlights this urban canyon as seen from the Smith Tower.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/dscn2395.jpgSmith TourThe new historic self-guided tour features lots of information about the Smith Tower from its early days.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/dscn2358.jpgSmith TowerThe Smith Tower, white building in the center, was completed in 1914. It is quickly being surpassed by modern buildings.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/wp-1475546109116.jpgWishing ChairThe Wishing Chair incorporates a dragon and a phoenix and is said to grant single folks their wish of getting married.2016-10-04T02:08:17+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/10/03/scarecrow-festival/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/sparky.jpgsparkyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/scarecrow2.jpgscarecrow2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/scarecrow.jpgscarecrowhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/hayride.jpghayridehttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/games.jpggameshttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/doughnut.jpgdoughnuthttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cover.jpgcoverhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chicken.jpgchicken2016-10-02T08:48:23+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/09/30/an-impromptu-tour-of-tacomas-first-presbyterian/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/wp-1475164635911.jpgTower historyA page out of "The Message of the Symbols," a historic account of Tacoma First Presbyterian Church written for the 100th anniversary of the congregation in 1973.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/wp-1475164469912.jpgThe TowerYou can see the square symbol on the tower which rises 160 feet above the street. The square represents earthly life, and is surrounded by a circle which represents eternal life.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/wp-1475164090595.jpgThe PorticoThe Portico is the main entrance to the sanctuary.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/wp-1475164079842.jpgChurchTacoma's First Presbyterian Church rises high above city streets.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/wp-1475164061582.jpgRose windowOne of three Rose Windows, which measure 16.5 feet and consist of 2,500 separate fragments of stained glass.2016-09-29T16:00:34+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/08/31/seattles-volunteer-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dscn2015.jpgCorpse FlowerThe Corpse Flower, which is not flowering in this picture. This ultra rare plant is stunning to see in person.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dscn2008.jpgHouseOne of the stunning houses located near Volunteer Park in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dscn2004.jpgDowntownThe Seattle skyline framed in a view from the top of the Volunteer Park water tower.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dscn1988.jpgThe Water TowerThe historic Volunteer Park water tower was built in 1906. You can climb 107 steps to the top for 360-degree views of the surrounding city.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dscn1976.jpgSpace NeedleThere are lots of big views of the Space Needle from Volunteer Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dscn1966.jpgConservatoryThe Volunteer Park Conservatory only costs $4 and features a Corpse Flower. It is a must visit.2016-09-26T21:38:27+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/08/19/driving-an-electric-car/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dashboard.jpgDashboardThe car charges up to 95 miles at its peak, though I've gotten more than 100 miles out of a charge.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/charging.jpgChargingPop the charging hood, attach the cable and plug it into the wall. Easy peasy pumpkin squeasy. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/back-end.jpgBack endThe Leaf has a surprising amount of room thanks to its hatchback, folding back seats and a battery that is under the car which saves room in the cabin.2016-08-19T17:51:46+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/08/15/my-2016-garden/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_20160711_210454.jpgCarrotsOur Romance Pelleted carrots grew like crazy this year. Really impressed with this sweet variety from Territorial Seed Company.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_20160710_174817.jpgZinniaThis Zinnia-Queen Red Lime flower is the prettiest flower I've ever grown. Hoping to have more than one bush come up next year.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_20160702_204244.jpgZucchini plantIt always amazes me to think that one little seed could become this massive bush in just three months.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_20160627_183103.jpgMarigoldsThese Mr Majestic Double marigolds have grown like crazy in our yard this summer.2016-08-09T04:44:51+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/08/12/tacomas-puget-creek-natural-area/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470711587360.jpgWalkingCatarina and Veronica enter the Puget Creek Natural Reserve in North Tacoma.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470711571830.jpgCatarina walkingCatarina loved this trail because it was full of one of her favorite things in life - gravel.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470711564610.jpgFloraSome of the trees that line the Puget Creek gulch.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470711555283.jpgThe trailThe trail which winds down the hillside to reach Puget Creek is filled with staircases to help hikers with the steep path.2016-08-09T04:29:39+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/08/08/a-musical-tour-at-seattle-center/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470370309368.jpgGove and GiaChris Gove and his daughter, Gianna, pose in front of radio station KEXP's vinyl library.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470370273336.jpgStar WarsThe Science Fiction exhibit featured cool Star Wars memorabilia. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470370260742.jpgPrincess BrideI was appalled to find out that Gove and his daughter had never seen one of the greatest comedies every filmed - The Princess Bride.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470370218453.jpgNirvanaNirvana's Nevermind album with KEXP DJ notes stuck to it.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470370185271.jpgNirvanaSome of the Nirvana exhibit. The classic sweaters that Kurt Cobain wore are on display.2016-08-06T22:02:10+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/08/05/a-little-push-goes-a-long-way/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470410978519.jpgLovebirdsCody, left, asked Tabitha to marry him at Reflection Lake in Mt. Rainier National Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470366242293.jpgPanorama PointMt. Adams sits back left, Mt. Hood is faintly visible in the center and Mt. St. Helens is in the back right with the Tatoosh Range in the foreground. Stunning views from near 7,000 feet at Mt. Rainier.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470366218990.jpgInto the FogTori, closest, Tabitha and Cody leave me to continue up the switchbacks. They eventually came back for me, giving me the push I needed to continue up the trail.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470366094085.jpgFlowersThe wildflowers weren't at their peak, but they were still showy.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470366073115.jpgSwitchbacksThe fog on the switchbacks gave the Golden Gate Trail a surreal feeling.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470366055660.jpgPhoto of meHad to get a photo of myself to prove that I had hiked up near Panorama Point.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470366026590.jpgSwitchbacksThis is the hill that the Golden Gate Trail switchbacks up. It is steep to say the least.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wp-1470366018180.jpgEdith CreekEdith Creek gurgles in the foreground as Mt. Rainier looms in the background.2016-08-05T15:31:27+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/07/06/we-wont-forget-big-creek-campground/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dscn1579.jpgDSCN1579Certainly looked like a mountain lion track to us. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dscn1569.jpgDSCN1569Thomas pretending he isn't lost in the woods near our campground. Just a man in his element.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dscn1515.jpgDSCN1515Thomas and Tori checking out the crazy scenery near our campsite.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dscn1444.jpgDSCN1444Catarina camping in style.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dscn1440.jpgDSCN1440The sippy cup Craig was forced to drink out of after we forgot coffee cups at home.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dscn1436.jpgDSCN1436Catarina and Veronica warming up next to the fire at Big Creek Campground.2016-07-06T16:58:36+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/06/30/trail-of-the-shadows-mt-rainier-national-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dscn1463.jpgDSCN1463The Longmire Cabin is the oldest structure in Mt. Rainier National Park and was built in 1888.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dscn1456.jpgDSCN1456One of the mineral springs discovered in the 1880s by James Longmire. Unfortunately, it was not hot.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dscn1475.jpgDSCN1475I couldn't get over the immense trees in this area. So enjoyable to just be awe-inspired by them in the forest.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dscn1452.jpgDSCN1452Catarina was thinking of making a break for it over the fence.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dscn1448.jpgDSCN1448This giant meadow showcases everything from a wetland to a marsh to beaver dams to the discolored earth because of the area mineral springs.2016-06-30T02:44:51+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/06/01/guillemot-cove-nature-reserve/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stump-pic.jpgstump pichttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1464538204864.jpgThe treesA stand of Alder trees surrounded by sword ferns. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1464538243701.jpgNature winsA tree is slowly overtaking the homestead house.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1464538222836.jpgGuillemot CoveBoyce Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dscn1180.jpgStump HouseThe Stump House, thought to be built in the 1800s originally to house Dirty Thompson a criminal on the run from the law.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dscn1172.jpgBig mapleThere were some giant maple leaves in the park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dscn1170.jpgMarshThe marsh area with Boyce Creek running through it features a variety of trees and lots of moss.2016-06-23T23:33:52+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/05/23/playing-in-the-past/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fb_img_1463748392306.jpgFB_IMG_1463748392306https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fb_img_1463748724083.jpgFB_IMG_1463748724083https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/20160507_130045.jpg20160507_130045https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/20160502_184951.jpg20160502_184951https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/20160507_130034.jpg20160507_1300342016-05-23T15:35:49+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/05/04/sherman-alexie-quotes-anecdotes-and-one-liners/2016-06-09T19:22:40+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/05/02/sherman-alexie-on-books-life-and-editors/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/img_20160429_192902.jpgAlexieAuthor Sherman Alexie speaks in Lakewood recently as part of the Pierce County READS program.2016-05-02T17:23:05+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/04/27/ten-things-we-like-about-you/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn2477.jpgDSCN2477https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/to-the-sky-2.jpgTo the sky (2)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/to-the-sky.jpgTo the skyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/12662642_10153719675885081_3285596534073140508_n.jpg12662642_10153719675885081_3285596534073140508_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dsc2599.jpg_DSC2599https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0977.jpgDSCN0977https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dsc3868.jpg_DSC3868https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/work-and-trip-023.jpgwork and trip 023https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dsc2844.jpg_DSC28442016-04-26T04:00:43+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/04/25/fort-steilacoom-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0843.jpgViewParts of the park offer big views of Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0901.jpgCemeteryThe cemetery contained more than 3,200 graves of patients of Western State Hospital, many were just numbered with no names attached.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0900.jpgGraveMany of the graves were of the John Doe variety.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0878.jpgStrollingTori, left, Catarina, back, and Veronica on the hunt for some ancient ruins ... and enjoying a nice sunny stroll.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0866.jpgHill WardAfter years of decay, the city, county and state paid to demolish the falling down structure and build this monument out of the Hill Ward Dormitory.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0824.jpgRuinsPart of the Hill Ward Dormitory ruins on the grounds of the old Western State Hospital. There is lots of graffiti covering the ruins.2016-04-25T13:14:05+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/04/20/the-museum-of-flight/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_120304.jpgRandy's RestaurantNo trip to the Museum of Flight is complete without a visit to Randy's Restaurant for some old fashioned diner food. Come for the food and coffee, stay for the model airplanes hanging from the ceiling. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_115114.jpgApolloAn Apollo capsule, which held three astronauts. Can you imagine flying into outer space in this sucker?https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_114159.jpgGreat GalleryThe museum's Great Gallery features numerous aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters and plane cars.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_114009.jpgAmelia EarhartThis is the type of plane that Amelia Earhart was flying when she went missing on her flight around the world.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_111341.jpgSoyuzA Russian Soyuz capsule which was developed in the 1960s for flights to space, and a variation is still used today.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_110749.jpgShuttleThe space gallery across the street from the Museum of Flight features this giant training shuttle, which every astronaut who flew on a shuttle used. It also had a ginormous model of a space shuttle, left.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_110158.jpgIron CrossOne of the coolest parts of the Museum of Flight is that it has aircraft from both sides of the war, not just the USA's side.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_110115.jpgWorld War I planeThe Sopwith Triplane was a single seat British plane used during World War I. The Museum of Flight has a huge display of World War I and World War II fighter planes.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_105514.jpgMustangThe World War II fighter exhibit had lots of cool airplanes from nearly every country that fought in the war.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_102802.jpgAir Force OneThe state of the art communications center inside the Air Force One that was used when John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson were presidents. 2016-04-19T11:39:06+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/04/18/dreaming-of-a-blackbird/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_113737.jpgCockpitMe pretending to fly over Russia during the Cold War. This SR-71 Blackbird cockpit is on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_113128.jpgEngineI don't know much about engines, but that looks like something straight out of Hollywood.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160410_112824.jpgGreat galleryThis M-21 is one of only two built and the only one surviving. It is the precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird.2016-04-16T16:59:18+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/04/12/visiting-seattles-neighborhoods-green-lake-edition/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn07401.jpgTight ropeApparently this is a big thing now?https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0761.jpgCherry blossomsThere were so many beautiful cherry blossoms all over the park. Loved it.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0746.jpgDuckThis duck was giving me the stink eye.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0732.jpgPaddle boardThere were lots of transportation types being used at Green Lake when we were there, including this guy on a paddle board.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0729.jpgSignHopefully Catarina one day puts up a sign like this for me.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dscn0720.jpgDog in a bagLots of fantastic people - and dog - watching to be had at Green Lake in Seattle.2016-04-12T17:43:05+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/03/21/sequalitchew-creek-trail/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-03-19-08-07-39.jpg2016-03-19 08.07.39https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-03-19-08-05-42.jpg2016-03-19 08.05.42https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-03-19-08-04-47.jpg2016-03-19 08.04.47https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-03-19-08-03-37.jpg2016-03-19 08.03.37https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-03-19-07-55-45.jpg2016-03-19 07.55.45https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-03-19-07-54-22.jpg2016-03-19 07.54.222016-03-23T03:39:48+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/02/29/black-violin/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/wp-1456470689198.jpgThe stageBlack Violin opens its concert in Tacoma on Feb. 25. The show was sold out.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/wp-1456470671658.jpgThe venuePantages Theater in downtown Tacoma is a treat. A stunning venue built in 1918.2016-02-29T07:57:56+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/02/26/the-bridge-at-night-unreasonable-expectations/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/dscn04191.jpgSkyline at nightMy camera did grab this so-so picture of some nearby restaurants and apartments giving ghostly reflections on the water.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/dscn0420.jpgDark bridgeThis is the best that my digital camera could do. I'm sure I could mess with the settings, and I tried, but it's hard to do when standing on a pitch black beach late at night.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/wp-1456304860023.jpgPhone bridgeSurprisingly my Nexus 6P cell phone took the best photo of the night. I can't imagine what a professional photographer with a good camera could've done.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/wp-1456304847302.jpgNight lagoonI was hoping to get a reflection of the Snow Moon in the lagoon, but failed at that also! This was also taken with my phone.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dscn0145.jpgTitlow BeachTitlow Beach in Tacoma offers dramatic panoramic views of the Narrows Bridge.2016-02-24T09:20:32+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/02/24/browns-point-lighthouse-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/dscn0409.jpgBoathouseThe boathouse and another historic building built in the early 1900s.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/dscn0406.jpgHistoric cottageThe historic lightkeeper's cottage built in 1903, which is open to the public for tours from 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays during the summer. It is also available to rent as a vacation home.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/dscn0397.jpgDog swimmingA black lab chases after a tennis ball thrown by its owner. The beach was bustling with people, even on a windswept February afternoon.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/dscn0393.jpgBrowns Point LighthouseThe lighthouse stands guard at the end of Browns Point helping direct the massive container ships headed to the Port of Tacoma.2016-04-27T18:30:23+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/09/07/burning-washington/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smokefeature.jpgsmokeFEATUREhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smoke6.jpgSMOKE6https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smoke5.jpgSMOKE5https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smoke4.jpgSMOKE4https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smoke3.jpgSMOKE3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smoke2.jpgSMOKE2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smoke1.jpgSMOKE1https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smoke.jpgsmoke2016-01-30T03:48:15+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/01/29/hiking-and-history/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/dscn5727.jpgInside train carThe interior of an abandoned train car in Pasco.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/dscn5721.jpgTrain carAn abandoned train car near Pasco.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/dscn2405.jpgFort WordenThe upper reaches of Fort Worden, which overlooks the Puget Sound.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/wp-1454040173610.jpgMissile siloThe entrance to a Cold War era missile silo in Eastern Washington near Royal City.2016-01-29T04:24:54+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/01/20/bresemann-forest/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/wp-1453170635675.jpgwp-1453170635675.jpghttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/wp-1453170596456.jpgwp-1453170596456.jpghttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/wp-1453170569312.jpgwp-1453170569312.jpghttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/wp-1453170542088.jpgwp-1453170542088.jpghttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/wp-1453170513939.jpgwp-1453170513939.jpghttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/wp-1453170467869.jpgwp-1453170467869.jpg2016-01-20T12:51:22+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/01/06/my-2016-washington-bucket-list/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/dscn0089.jpgRainier loomingMt. Rainier looms over downtown Tacoma during the first sunset of 2016.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/dscn0075.jpgChurchThe Holy Rosary Church of Tacoma with Mt. Rainier looming in the background.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/dscn0071.jpgRainier churchAs beautiful as Mt. Rainier looks with all of her winter snow, we can't wait for summer time when the mountain becomes accessible to those of us who are poor winter drivers.2016-01-24T04:46:26+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2016/01/04/2015-reading-list/2016-01-03T20:12:43+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/12/30/replacing-a-faucet-or-becoming-all-that-is-man/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151229_145628.jpgThe new sinkIsn't she beautiful?https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151229_144857.jpgHelpingCat made sure to do her best to help, including climbing onto my chest at one point while I was laying under the sink attempting to work two wrenches at once. That was fun.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151229_142823.jpgThe valveThis hot water line valve became my savior when the hot water valve under the sink refused to turn off.2016-01-01T20:41:01+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/12/21/vegan-cookie-exchange/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151220_143924.jpgIMG_20151220_143924https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151220_143145.jpgIMG_20151220_143145https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151220_143130.jpgIMG_20151220_143130https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151220_1431231.jpgIMG_20151220_143123https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151220_143156.jpgIMG_20151220_143156https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151220_143135.jpgIMG_20151220_143135https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151220_143123.jpgIMG_20151220_1431232015-12-24T14:35:37+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/12/16/double-decker-fudge/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/image5.jpegimageThe original recipe, which Craig failed to properly make recently. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/image3.jpegimagehttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/image2.jpegimage2015-12-16T22:13:14+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/12/07/guilt-free-eggnog/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151124_072301.jpgIMG_20151124_072301https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151124_072257.jpgIMG_20151124_072257https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151124_072249.jpgIMG_20151124_072249https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151124_072022.jpgIMG_20151124_072022https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151124_071850.jpgIMG_20151124_071850https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151124_071547.jpgIMG_20151124_0715472015-12-10T16:00:32+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/12/03/thanksgiving-family-football-fun/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151128_101817.jpgSleepingYou know it was a good trip when your kid passes out immediately in the car on the way home. Now, if only Molly could learn to sleep in the car.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151128_090202.jpgCousinsCatarina was not interested in standing with her cousins to take a photo. She had her shoes on and she was out of there, thank you very much.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151126_092204.jpgTurkeyFor some reason, my brother-in-law Dustin, is always in charge of the turkey. He does a good job with it.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_20151125_080352.jpgPassWhile the top of Snoqualmie Pass offered some beautiful views, we were lucky and had clear roads the entire way.2015-12-10T15:58:38+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/11/25/just-call-me-clark-griswold/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dscn0012.jpgMonkey treeOur version of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. Our Monkey Puzzle Tree is a strange beast, so we decided why not dress her up for the holidays.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dscn0007.jpgVeronica decoratingWe bought giant ornaments at Goodwill and put up small lights on the Monkey Tree, and plan to add fake Christmas presents later.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dscn0005.jpgOn the roofTori said she wanted to climb on the roof, so I put her to work immediately.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dscn0004.jpgChristmas cover photohttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dscn0001.jpgLightsThe old school, multi-colored lights are my favorite. In the future, I plan to gussy up the fence as well.2015-11-25T18:19:11+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/11/23/a-quintessential-saturday-in-tacoma/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151121_143213.jpgOld buildingIn the historic district in downtown Tacoma a lot of the really old buildings are painted bright colors, which is fun.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151121_142905.jpgOld City HallOld City Hall in downtown Tacoma is one of my favorite buildings. So stately.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151121_142504.jpgFireman's ParkThe views on a sunny day of Mt. Rainier from Fireman's Park in downtown Tacoma are amazing.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151121_140854.jpgPantages theaterThe historic Pantages Theater in downtown Tacoma.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151121_140453.jpgMural2One of the many beautiful murals that adorn buildings in Tacoma.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_20151121_140410.jpgOpera AlleyOpera Alley is a very short block in downtown Tacoma, littered with colorful buildings, wall murals, and lots of shops.2015-11-22T22:39:17+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/10/26/schilter-family-farm/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9337.jpg_DSC9337https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9389.jpg_DSC9389https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9388.jpg_DSC9388https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9355.jpg_DSC9355https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9340.jpg_DSC9340https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9331.jpg_DSC9331https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9318.jpg_DSC9318https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9315.jpg_DSC9315https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9312.jpg_DSC9312https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9300.jpg_DSC93002015-10-29T16:58:44+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/10/23/tacomas-wright-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dscn1810.jpgColorThere is lots of color in the trees at Wright Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lion-statue.jpgLion statueOne of the two lion statues at the 6th avenue entrance to Wright Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/conservatory.jpgConservatoryThe Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park is filled with hundreds of plants from around the world.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc8742.jpgCat in the leavesCatarina loves playing in leaves, and there are a lot in Wright Park.2015-10-23T18:10:05+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/20/paradise-found-part-i/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/the-pack.jpgThe packThe main trails around the Jackson Visitor Center are paved, but if you want to get away from the tourists you will have to hoof it up the dirt and gravel trails.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/skyline-trail.jpgSkyline TrailMount Rainier looms above hikers making their way up the Skyline Trail.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/reflections.jpgReflectionsMount Rainier reflected in the windows of the Jackson Visitor Center.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/close-up.jpgClose upThe views of Mount Rainier are stunning in their immediacy when you are at Paradise.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dsc5260.jpgNational Park InnThe National Park Inn with the Tatoosh Range in the background is an iconic shot.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dsc5245.jpgParadise parking lotThe second you exit your vehicle in the Paradise Historic District parking lot you are greeted with an overwhelming site.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dsc5203.jpgLongmireThe Longmire area of Mt. Rainier National Park is the first main stop you come to when coming in the Nisqually Entrance. 2015-10-22T21:05:14+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/29/these-shoes-were-made-for-remembering/2015-10-22T21:02:49+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/10/19/the-case-for-halloween/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9138.jpg_DSC9138https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dsc9153.jpg_DSC9153https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/fall2.jpgfALL2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/halloween2.jpghalloween2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/halloween.jpghalloween2015-10-21T18:16:27+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/10/16/family-dinners-and-food/2015-10-16T02:50:28+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/10/14/bonding-over-books/2015-10-15T22:13:32+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/10/09/ten-things-we-love-about-fall/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dscn9859.jpgBoulevardGrandview Boulevard near Chambers Bay is awash in color this time of year.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dscn9856.jpgStreetI love this street no matter the time of year thanks to all the trees, but when the leaves are orange might be my favorite.2015-10-15T22:09:24+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/10/05/two-hours-to-kill-in-west-seattle/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dscn9820.jpgFallThere wasn't much fall color at this point in Lincoln Park, but we did see a bit of yellow leaves.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dscn9811.jpgWhale signAccording to this sign, you can see myriad whales from this beach.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dscn9808.jpgFerryThe ferry between West Seattle and Vashon Island cruises near Lincoln Park in West Seattle.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dscn9801.jpgPathThe path to the beach at Lincoln Park is a bit steep, but it didn't stop our crew from going down it.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dscn9797.jpgFerry part 2A ferry in the distance from Lincoln Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dscn9792.jpgMellow yellowWe weren't sure what type of tree this is, but it had glorious yellow color on this early fall day.2016-09-04T02:15:33+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/10/02/kale-chips-roasted-carrots/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/photo-2.jpgphoto (2)2015-10-12T00:32:25+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/09/30/conquering-fears-one-bridge-at-a-time/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dscn9838.jpgPortland bridgesThe city of Portland, Oregon, has a lot of bridges. Here are just a few crossing the Willamette River downtown.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dscn9670.jpgWalking bridgeSpokane has lots of beautiful bridges in its downtown. This is a walking bridge spanning over the Spokane River.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dscn5694.jpgKennewick bridgeA train bridge on the Columbia River near Kennewick.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dscn2246.jpgTwin bridgesHidden Beach in Gig Harbor allows you to stand directly underneath the mighty Narrows Bridge.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dscn2220.jpgWalkingCatarina and Craig take a stroll at Hidden Beach in Gig Harbor.2015-10-07T17:43:10+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/04/24/fbf-moran-state-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn0997.jpgCascade FallsI love this photo. It is so wild. So Western Washington. The downed trees, the waterfall in the background, the creek in the foreground, and a solitary human dwarfed by the nature. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn0992.jpgSignsA year after taking this photo it is a bit confusing. I'm pretty certain the (3) means there are three waterfalls ahead, because it definitely wasn't a four-mile hike in each direction. Anyway, we only saw one waterfall, but there are more if you are willing to put in some serious uphill climbing to reach Mountain Lake.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn0988.jpgVero and the root ballThis tree fell over a long time ago. Made for a good photo opp with Veronica, who was dwarfed by the root ball.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn0983.jpgGiant treesTwo things to notice here: 1. The trees in this part of Moran State Park are enormous. They remind of the Redwoods to a degree. 2. That thing growing on that tree looks like a creature. Made me feel like I was in a Lord of the Rings movie.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn0974.jpgCascade LakeCascade Lake was both gorgeous and eerie at the same time.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cropped-1622585_10152558634797755_345890202257030379_o.jpgcropped-1622585_10152558634797755_345890202257030379_o.jpg2015-09-29T09:16:52+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/03/what-were-reading/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bookscat.jpgbookscathttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/books.jpgbookshttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bookshelf.jpgbookshelfhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/book-cake.jpgbook cake2015-09-29T09:15:23+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/01/lets-talk-about-hemp/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/hemp3.jpghemp3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/hemp1.jpghemp1https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/hemp2.jpghemp22022-12-25T06:34:46+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/29/skookum-falls-is-it-worth-it/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/the-trail.jpgThe trailThe Skookum Flats trail is well defined and winds its way through amazing old growth forest, as well as spots next to the White River. It features very little elevation gain, and is a good family hike.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/the-falls.jpgThe fallsClimbing the side of a mountain was a bit intense to reach this point, but I think this photo was worth it. Skookum Falls is gorgeous. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/skyward.jpgSkywardThese two trees are actually one at the base. Huge old trees at the beginning of the Skookum Flats trail.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/skunk-cabbage.jpgSkunk CabbageI've read about skunk cabbage, but never seen it in the wild. There was lots of it growing in the forest on this hike. I also know why they call it skunk cabbage now.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/resting.jpgRestingA flat spot about halfway up the hillside to the base of Skookum Falls. Molly enjoyed cooling off in Skookum Creek.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/long-distance-view.jpgLong distance viewSkookum Falls is at least 200 feet tall, and has multiple cascades. This was shot from further down the trail. There is also apparently a viewpoint from the highway that affords similar views.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ephemeral-falls.jpgEphemeral FallsInitially we thought this was Skookum Falls and were a bit disappointed. This was beautiful in its own right, though. A very gentle stream, misting down the side of a giant rockface. It has no name, as far as I can find online.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/climbing.jpgClimbingMy friend Thomas Kyle-Milward scaling the debris pile to reach the vantage point where we got our good photos of Skookum Falls from. We eventually climbed to the middle of the moss-covered tree to his upper left.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/big-trees.jpgBig treesMy friend Thomas Kyle-Milward is 6-foot-5, which tells you just how enormous the trees are on the Skookum Flats trail. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/bench.jpgBenchHilarious bench that someone cut out of a fallen down tree. Need a rest? Why not sit here.2015-09-29T09:15:01+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/27/gardening-project-part-ii/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2795.jpgFlowerThe pea pods will be showing up soon, as our plants have lots of flowers on them. We even have a random red and a random pink flower.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2789.jpgStore boughtAfter failing to get our cucumbers and zucchinis to grow, we gave in and bought green and yellow peppers, white and orange pumpkins, kale and broccoli at a local grocery store.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2673.jpgCilantroOur cilantro is going crazy. We have too much, honestly.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2671.jpgPeasOur peas are growing nicely, even if the cucumbers and zucchinis aren't. Most of the peas are about two-feet tall now.2015-09-29T09:14:49+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/25/sunsets-more-than-just-the-end-of-the-day/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/sunferris.jpgSUNFerrisThis is stretching it a bit as far as sunsets go, as the sun is pretty high still. But it is still one of my favorite photos. I shot this from the overlook near the corner of Union and 1st Avenue in downtown Seattle.If only the giant tanker ship wasn't behind the Great Wheel ...https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/sunchamberstree.jpgSUNchamberstreeI waited until this tug boat and barge were framed by the sun on the water and the tree at Chambers Bay Golf Course to give a bit of action to this shot. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/sunbirdbeach.jpgSUNbirdbeachThis is one of my favorite photos I've ever taken. I only include it in my sunsets post because I don't think all sunset shots have to include the actual sun. I love the color in the water, and the reflection of the bird in this shot at Venice Beach.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/sun-on-the-waves.jpgSun on the wavesAfter not taking my time shooting the sunset at Hermosa Beach, I took my time at Venice Beach and got lucky when I captured the sun shining on the top of the wave.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/sailboat.jpgSailboatI was shooting photos of the sun going down with the sail boat in the background, and I got lucky with the man walking out of the surf in this shot. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/pillar-of-fire.jpgPillar of fireThe sun gave a strange pillar of fire effect on the water for this shot from one of the overlooks next to Grandview Drive above Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/olympics.jpgOlympicsI love the shadow the mountain peak casts on the glowing water in this shot. A really random effect I wasn't expecting when I was taking the photo.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/hermosa-beach.jpgHermosa BeachI took this photo from our hotel room in Hermosa Beach, and while I really like it, I think I could've done much better if I would have invested the time needed to get a great shot.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/odessa-sunset.jpgOdessa sunsetThis was taken with my iPhone in Odessa, Texas. It is so flat in Odessa, that when the sun sets it appears you are driving straight into it. It is an amazing sight.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/2013-09-09-19-45-52.jpgThe riverThe Tri-Cities has lots of river access, and since it is relatively flat, you can get some fantastic late night sunsets on warm summer evenings. I always liked this shot because of the color reflecting on the Columbia River.2015-09-29T09:14:38+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/22/fbf-twin-sisters/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/540616_10150822726980081_1474473770_n.jpg540616_10150822726980081_1474473770_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/75268_10150822725310081_1932785629_n.jpg75268_10150822725310081_1932785629_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/154742_10150822726875081_1864998523_n.jpg154742_10150822726875081_1864998523_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/vista.jpgVistaLooking north back toward the Tri-Cities from the north sister. The park extends to the vista across the small valley, and you can climb the hill to the rock base.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/panorama2.jpgPanorama of the signAn iPhone panorama of the Twin Sisters from the parking lot at their base, including the sign with the Native American legend on it. The no trespassing sign that is cut off says, "No trespassing after dark."https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/sisters.jpgSistersThe Twin Sisters from the other high point in the park, a vista just south.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/panorama1.jpgWallula GapAn iPhone panorama of the Wallula Gap shot from between the two sisters. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/molly-on-the-mountain.jpgMolly on the mountainMs. Molly enjoying the view and wondering how hard it would be to leap down the mountain to get at the birds below.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/giant-cable.jpgGiant cableThis giant cable surrounds the north sister and is a bit freaky, as it appears to serve no purpose. I assume it has something to do with rock climbing, but I could never figure it out. It reminds me of the TV show LOST - maybe Benjamin Linus will pop out and explain everything.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/2013-06-04-12-49-21.jpgWallula GapOn a sunny day, the Columbia River looks spectacular from the Twin Sisters. The river runs through a wide valley in the Tri-Cities before passing through Wallula Gap and then going into a gorge type setting. If you've been to the area, it's hard to imagine this exists nearby.2015-09-29T09:14:20+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/20/easy-black-bean-corn-salsa-vegan/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/blackbeanclose.jpgblackbeanCLOSEhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/blackbeanmix.jpgblackbeanmixhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/blackbeancilantro.jpgblackbeanCILANTROhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/blackbean1.jpgblackbeanhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/blackbean.jpgblackbean2015-09-29T09:14:07+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/18/happy-birthday-you-are-now-officially-old/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc3085.jpgEaster SundaysEaster Sunday is a special occasion in our household, and we took a family photo every year. Upper left is with my Grandpa and Grandma Craker in 1985 in Leavenworth, upper right is with my family in 1986 in Leavenworth, and the bottom is in Kirkland in 1991.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc3082.jpgBaby bookMy wonderful mother, who looks pretty annoyed about having a screaming baby in her lap in the lower left, put together this amazing baby book for me to chronicle my growing up years. We started one for our daughter, but this blog has pretty much replaced it.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc3074.jpgBirthday partyCelebrating my 3-year-old birthday party in Leavenworth. Sporting my cast from when I broke my arm falling off a toy bike in my driveway. Good times.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc3070.jpgWe're No. 1My dad is announcing that we're No. 1, or that I'm 1-years-old.2015-09-29T09:13:48+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/15/flying-with-a-toddler/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fly2thisone.jpgfly2THISONEhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fly4.jpgfly4Jamba Juice for dessert. Cat loves the carrot mango karma smoothie.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fly3.jpgfly3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fly.jpgfly2015-09-29T09:13:28+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/13/mt-rainier-a-castle-in-the-clouds/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2499.jpgSoccer fieldsMt. Rainier looms above the soccer fields and the cherry blossoms at Chambers Bay Park in University Place. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn1161.jpgOwen BeachMt. Rainier in the spring from Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn1117.jpgMurray Morgan BridgeThe Murray Morgan Bridge frames Mt. Rainier on a gorgeous sunny day in June 2014. You can get this shot from Fireman's Park in downtown Tacoma. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn1116.jpgFireman's ParkMount Rainier floating above Tacoma. This was shot from Fireman's Park in downtown Tacoma. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn1245.jpgTacomaI'm not entirely sure where this was taken. I think on 19th Street in Tacoma or Fircrest. But that's the beauty of Rainier. You are driving along some random city street and you look over and suddenly - bam! - there is Rainier in all her glory. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2170.jpgKerry ParkKerry Park has the best views of Seattle you can ask for. And if it is clear, you get the added bonus of Mt. Rainier in the distance. On the day we went, it was extremely hazy and the only way to get Rainier to show up at all was to convert the photo to black and white, and even then Rainier is just visible in the back right. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn3250.jpgWhite PassThis is another view that may not be familiar to a lot of Western Washington folks. This was shot from a viewpoint on the west side of White Pass. (Photo by Veronica Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/toned-mt-rainier.jpgBridgeportMount Rainier floating above the trees. Veronica took this on her way home from work one day near the Fred Meyer on Bridgeport in University Place. (Photo by Veronica Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2012.jpgChambers BayMount Rainier is just visible from the waterfront area of Chambers Bay Park in University Place. Chambers Bay Golf Course is hosting the 2015 U.S. Open in June and is certain to wow spectators with its views of Rainier and the Puget Sound. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn1368.jpgParadiseIn the summer of 2014, we drove up to the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. This was the only time we saw the mountain that day, and it wasn't very much of it. (Photo by Craig Craker)2015-09-29T09:13:06+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/11/suntop-mountain-fire-lookout/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc2824.jpgRainier up closeA close up shot of Mt. Rainier and what appears to be an avalanche of some sort. With the mountain just 10 miles away, our long lens afforded us extremely close shots. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc2844.jpg_DSC2844My co-worker, Thomas Kyle-Milward, enjoying the spectacular views from a rock on the side of Suntop Mountain. This was a great place to catch your breath and relax in the true quiet of nature. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc2798.jpgMount RainierMt. Rainier's north face shot from the trail up to the Suntop Mountain summit. The mountain is just 10 miles away at this point - which is almost too close to show the true scope of how huge it really is. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc2789.jpgSuntop Mountain summitThe summit area has a parking lot, vault toilet, outbuilding and the historic fire lookout (building in middle). While there are 360-degree views from near the lookout, the best views of Mt. Rainier are on the trail leading up to the summit, where there are less trees.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc2772.jpgRainier hikersThese nice people told us they come to this mountain a lot for exercise. They are hardier folks than I, as I was gasping for air at the elevation (5,280 feet) and the steepness of the trail. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc2759.jpgCentral CascadesThe Central Cascades in the distance. There are 360-degree views from the top of Suntop Mountain. On a clear day you can see Mount Baker 150 miles to the north. We saw her, but she was a bit out of range for my camera. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc2750.jpgThe lookoutMy co-worker, Thomas Kyle-Milward, and my dog, Ms. Molly, relax in the beautiful May weather. The fire lookout was built in 1932 or 1933 and was placed on the National Historical Register in 1987. (Photo by Craig Craker)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc2744.jpgRainier from the summitMount Rainier looks different from this part of the state, as you are seeing the north face of the mountain. Not the same view you get from Seattle or Tacoma. (Photo by Craig Craker)2015-09-29T09:12:45+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/08/fbf-palouse-falls-state-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/palouse-falls-map.jpgPalouse Falls mapPalouse Falls State Park map courtesy of the Washington State Parks website.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/palouse-falls-2011.jpgPalouse Falls 2011This is my favorite photo we have of Palouse Falls. I no longer have the original, just this small version from Facebook, but the waterfall was running hot on this day ... much wider at the top than our other photos.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn5880.jpgThe SpiresThe Spires hover above the waterfall on the upper left. You can reach them via a hiking trail and get great views down the canyon.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn5857.jpgThe Thinking ManThe Thinking Man overlooks the Spires just to the west of the waterfall.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn5847.jpgUpstreamLooking down the Palouse River toward Palouse Falls, which is just around the corner. Avoid getting into the water here, as there are strange, whirlpool currents that can quickly take you downstream.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn5839.jpgThe CastleThe Castle is a giant rockface overlooking the Upper Palouse Falls, which you can see on the right side of this photo.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn5836.jpgPath downAvoid going down the path in the upper middle of this photo, it is steep and slick. Use the trail that switchbacks on the right side - you can see it faintly cut into the railroad rocks.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn5821.jpgPalouse River canyonIf you visit in the spring time you can see plenty of green in the Palouse River Canyon. This is looking downstream from the Palouse Falls overlook.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn5816.jpgRainbowPalouse Falls is 198-feet tall and was the area was carved out by glacier floods in Eastern Washington. This was shot from the railing at the base of the staircase from the parking lot.2015-09-29T09:12:25+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/06/point-defiance-park-part-i/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2656.jpgThe NarrowsThe views of the Tacoma Narrows from high on the bluffs in Point Defiance Park are stunning.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2649.jpgCanopyThe old growth forest in Point Defiance Park provides many stunning images. Looking toward the sky is just one.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2636.jpgThe OlympicsUsed a red filter to try and get a bit of definition on the Olympic Mountains floating above Gig Harbor.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2633.jpgThe cliffEnjoy the scenery, but be careful not to stumble off to the side in this section of the Outer Loop Trail. It is a long fall to the beach below.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2625.jpgThe trailThe stretch of the Outer Loop Trail we hiked recently was mainly a wondrous stretch through forests made up of a variety of trees.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2624.jpgCatarinaCatarina walked for awhile, but we had just come out of the open cliff section where we decided to carry her rather than risk her squirming away from us and falling off.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/point-defiance-trail-map.jpgPoint Defiance Trail MapTrail map at Point Defiance Park courtesy of Tacoma Metro Parks.2015-09-29T09:12:03+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/05/04/navigating-the-farmers-market/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/farmersmarketeditsquash.jpgFarmersMarketEDITSQUASHhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/farmersmarketvendor.jpgFarmersMarketVENDORTaking time to speak to the farmers is all part of the shopping experience.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/farmersmarketonions.jpgfarmersmarketONIONShttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/farmersmarketflowers.jpgFarmersMarketFLOWERShttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/farmersmarketcrowd.jpgFarmersMarketCROWDhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/farmersmarketchard.jpgFarmersMarketCHARDhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/farmersmarketsquash.jpgFarmersMarketSQUASHhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/farmersmarketsband.jpgfarmersMarketsBANDhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/farmersmarketapples.jpgFarmersMarketAPPLES2015-09-29T09:11:48+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/04/22/gardening-project-part-i/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2532.jpgRabbitHere is the friendly rabbit we've seen in the backyard. I'm guessing once my plants get to a certain age, it will find a way through my fence and into my front yard.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn18991.jpgBefore gardenThis is what our front yard looked like before we bought the house. I prefer the look with the garden box. Grass is such a waste of resources.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2583.jpgGarden box (April)The snap peas are starting to grow, and we also bought a new bamboo trellis.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-04-09-18-17-23.jpgLifeYou can see the snap peas to the right, the two surviving pumpkin plants to the left, a few zucchini plants in the foreground and a mess of carrots in the back. I can almost taste them ...https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-03-18-14-18-18.jpgTransplantsWe transplanted a lot of cucumbers, pumpkins and zucchinis - very few survived the elements, or our dog (notice the paw prints).https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-03-05-13-28-29.jpgOriginal trellisWe initially built a trellis out of left over cedar from our new fence, but it didn't really work out. So, bamboo it is.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-03-04-16-36-30.jpgLook at that dirtWe bought a yard of 50/50 topsoil from McClain's Soil Supply in Tacoma. It was not only cheap, but so far the veggies have grown very well in it.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-02-22-13-00-47.jpgCat attacksSomething we weren't necessarily expecting was how much our daughter, Catarina, would love climbing, digging and walking in the garden box. It's been a bit of a challenge to keep her away from the young plants.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-02-14-14-17-40.jpgClearing the sodEven though our dirt was going to be more than a foot deep inside the garden box, we chose to remove the sod to not only help anchor the box into the ground, but also make it so no grass would even think about growing in our 50/50 soil.2025-02-12T08:55:47+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/04/27/hiking-and-camping-with-newborn-toddler/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2370.jpgCat in the sandhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/10430492_10152471434857641_314248705381576215_n.jpg10430492_10152471434857641_314248705381576215_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/10701980_10152753003717755_8252666127690412985_n.jpg10701980_10152753003717755_8252666127690412985_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/10527747_10152611544352755_6024049148355747073_n.jpg10527747_10152611544352755_6024049148355747073_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/10518327_10152518344380081_6236400488244100381_o.jpg10518327_10152518344380081_6236400488244100381_ohttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/1978532_10152285382700081_1957345562_o.jpg1978532_10152285382700081_1957345562_o2015-09-29T09:08:34+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/09/25/whitman-mission-historical-site/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/whitman-mission-house.jpgWhitman Mission HouseThe foundation for the Whitman Mission house, where Marcus and Narcissa were killed.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/oregon-trail.jpgOregon TrailThe Oregon Trail. I did not die of dysentery. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/obeslik.jpgObeslikThe memorial obelisk on top of a hill on the mission's property.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dead.jpgDeadCraig has always been one for gallows humor. Here he pretends to have died in the massacre.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/mass-grave.jpgMass graveThe headstone for the mass grave of many of the 13 who died in the massacre.2015-09-26T19:36:41+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/09/23/friends-are-friends-forever/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/180266_10150137953645081_6750135_n.jpg180266_10150137953645081_6750135_nVeronica and former OA Photographer Josh Scheide ready to work.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/oa-reunion.jpgOA reunionIt was an Odessa American reunion at the Geoff and Maria's wedding! Craig, far left, Veronica, Ben Maki and Geoff Folsom. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/football-tour.jpgFootball tourThe old crew. Former Odessa American sports editor Chris Gove, left, former Permian beat writer Joel A. Erickson, and photographer extraordinaire Kevin Buehler.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/folsoms.jpgfolsomsGeoff and Maria cut their wedding cake.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cat-at-work.jpgCat at workEven journalists' children are subject to events. Catarina at her first football game, the Class 1B eight-man state championship in 2013 at the Tacoma Dome.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/basketball-work.jpgBasketball workCraig looking ultra-interested in a Kamiakin boys basketball game a few years ago.2015-09-25T03:51:08+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/09/18/a-foggy-visit-to-yaquina-head/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/yaquina7.jpgyaquina7If you go on the lighthouse tour, be prepared to climb 194 steps up the spiral iron staircase to the top of the tallest lighthouse in Oregon.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/yaquina8.jpgyaquina8The fog lifted long enough Sunday morning to give panoramic views of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the Head itself.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/yaquina6.jpgyaquina6The black rocks that make up Cobble Beach.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/yaquina4.jpgyaquina4Remnants of how the lighthouse use to be lit before modern technology took over.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/yaquina3.jpgyaquina3The volunteer tour guide did a wonderful job explaining how the lighthouse works, was built and what jobs the keepers had. He dressed in clothing of the period and remained in character throughout. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/yaquina2.jpgyaquina2The Yaquina Head Lighthouse shrouded in fog.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/yaquina.jpgyaquinaLooking for the mythical tide pools at Cobble Beach. They are there, just covered in water at the moment.2015-09-19T23:39:13+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/09/21/a-quick-trip-to-newport-oregon/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dscn9753.jpgMuralMany of the buildings in downtown Newport had beautiful murals painted onto them.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/newport.jpgnewportNewport was rather foggy while we were there, which was OK because then we got to use the fireplace in our hotel room.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/newport4.jpgnewport4Sea anemones were the only tide pool life we saw on our visit to Cobble Beach.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/newport3.jpgnewport3Cobble Beach in Newport is said to make music as the waves wash over it. We didn't hear it, but search YouTube. I'm not making this up. Seriously.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/newport2.jpgnewport2The reason for our visit! Geoff and Maria are married.2015-09-21T15:00:03+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/09/04/cooking-season/2015-09-04T13:31:45+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/31/gardening-update-watering-is-fun/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_0722.jpgPumpkinsHere come our pumpkins! They are about softball size at this point.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_0724.jpgGreen pepperIt seems rather late in the season for a green pepper to be growing, but I'm not going to complain.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_0725.jpgGardenThe soaker hose has been a Godsend to our garden's growth in the late summer months.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_0720.jpgCarrotsOur carrots are finally starting to pay off. We almost have more than we know what to do with.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/image3.jpgPowdery mildewThe white spots on the leaves is the powdery mildew that has hammered our pumpkins pretty hard.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/image2.jpgsolutionWe read online that mixing one part water with one part 2 percent milk and spraying it on the damaged leaves will cure your plants of Powdery Mildew. Whether that works remains to be seen.2015-08-31T16:50:58+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/29/fun-links-for-weekend-reading-10/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/catandi.jpgcatandi2015-08-28T19:21:57+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/26/visit-green-bluff/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/photo-aug-11-12-19-18-pm.jpgGreen Bluff churchThe Green Bluff church.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/photo-aug-11-10-52-29-am.jpgSignA fun sign at an antique store at one of the Green Bluff farms.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/harvest2.jpgHARVEST2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/harvest.jpgHARVEST2015-08-27T16:35:17+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/09/02/playground-by-the-sound/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/photo-aug-17-1-23-15-pm.jpgswingingCatarina doesn't love swings, as was evidenced by the freakout four seconds after this photo was taken.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/photo-aug-17-1-20-28-pm.jpgOrcasWho doesn't love Orca Whale rockers?https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/photo-aug-17-1-18-08-pm.jpgCrab shackThe playground has a fun seafaring theme complete with a lighthouse and a crab shack.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/photo-aug-17-1-17-58-pm.jpgViewThe Playground by the Sound offers stunning views of the Puget Sound, and Chambers Bay Golf Course.2015-08-26T02:12:15+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/24/the-30-day-yoga-challenge/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/photo-1.jpgphoto (1)2015-08-24T05:30:35+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/22/fun-links-for-weekend-reading-9/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/catcarrots.jpgcatcarrots2015-08-22T12:43:24+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/21/the-davenport-hotel/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn9702.jpgHistoric photoThe walls of the balcony overlooking the lobby of the Davenport Hotel are lined with old photos like this one.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn9695.jpgAntoinette BallroomThe Maria Antoinette Ballroom, which has three massive chandeliers and a beautiful balcony ringing the room.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn9693.jpgChandelierOne of the three chandeliers in the Maria Antoinette Ballroom, which cost the hotel $10,000 each in 1914.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn9685.jpgBalconyLooking up at some of the detail in the lobby of the Davenport.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn9684.jpgLobbyThe lobby in the Davenport is stunning with plenty of opulence.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn6825.jpgHall of DogesThe Hall of the Doges, which is now the foyer to the Grand Pennington Ballroom.2015-08-21T00:16:14+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/19/curran-apple-orchard/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/applepark9.jpgapplepark9https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/applepark8.jpgapplepark8https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/applepark6.jpgapplepark6https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/applepark5.jpgapplepark5https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/applepark3.jpgapplepark3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/applepark2.jpgapplepark2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/applepark1.jpgapplepark12015-08-19T12:01:47+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/15/its-a-girl/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/11845121_1160266550653968_2646603279514425080_o.jpg11845121_1160266550653968_2646603279514425080_o2015-08-15T15:50:20+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/17/spokanes-riverfront-park/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/image1.jpgWorld's FairDonald and Lydia Craker, Craig's grandparents, attended the 1974 World's Fair in Spokane. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn9676.jpgSpokane fallsSpokane Falls is beautiful even when the water is low in the summer.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn9670.jpgBridgeThere are numerous pedestrian only bridges passing over the Spokane River offering tremendous views of the falls.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn9661.jpgThe pavilionThe Pavilion was built for the 1974 World's Fair in Spokane. During the fair it was covered with a cloth. These days it has different color lights on it that are lit up at night.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn9656.jpgslideCatarina and Veronica cruise down the slide on the giant Radio Flyer wagon at Riverfront Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn9647.jpgClock towerThe Great Northern Clock Tower was built in 1902 and still looms over the city's skyline today.2015-08-12T04:11:01+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/14/an-ode-to-single-parents/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/photo-aug-07-7-15-53-pm.jpgCroquet anyoneCatarina getting in some early practice on the croquet course.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/photo-aug-10-10-54-15-pm.jpgpeekabooCatarina rocking her Grandma Robbie's hat on a hot day at the amusement park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/photo-aug-07-1-54-19-pm.jpgLife is hardPapa Randy fought the battle of wills with a weeping Catarina, eventually convincing her to just hang out and drink her bottle.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/file-aug-10-10-23-18-pm.jpegPool partyEleanor, left, and Emmett, were huge helps for this single parent. Catarina would only play with the two of them, while ignoring all other adults.2015-08-11T22:19:47+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/12/ethnic-fest/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ethnicfestvendors4.jpgEthnicFestVendors4https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ethnicfestvendors3.jpgEthnicFestVendors3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ethnicfestvendors2.jpgEthnicFestVENDORS2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ethnicfestvendors.jpgEthnicFestVENDORShttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ethnicfestlives3.jpgEthnicFestLives3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ethnicfestlives2.jpgEthnicFestLives2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ethnicfestlives.jpgEthnicFestLIVEShttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ethnicfestkids.jpgEthnicFestKIDShttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ethnicfestfeature.jpgEthnicFestFEATUREhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ethnicfestart2.jpgEthnicFestART22015-08-10T04:25:54+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/10/two-hours-to-kill-in-tacoma/2015-08-10T19:20:08+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/07/homestead-park-in-university-place/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/slug.jpgSlugWhile the playground at Homestead Park is meager, it does offer forest related themes, including this slug climbing toy.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/path-through-the-trees.jpgPath through the treesLots of serene paths to enjoy in Homestead Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/wagon.jpgWagonThis cool old school wagon is adorned with colorful flowers in the middle of the park.2015-08-07T14:06:13+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/05/oregons-lower-salmonberry-river-hike/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/salmonberry11.jpgSalmonberry11Mother Nature has almost reclaimed this stretch of the tracks. (Photo by Erica Trapold)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/salmonberry6.jpgSalmonberry6A proud sentinel standing tall, still ready to provide refreshing water to a train in need. (Photo by Thomas Kyle-Milward)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/salmonberry5.jpgSalmonberry5As we went further, it got harder and harder to fight through the brush. Here's the third bridge, almost entirely swallowed up. (Thomas Kyle-Milward)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/salmonberry2.jpgSalmonberry2The tracks start out fairly well maintained, fading off into a sea of green. (Photo by Erica Trapold)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/salmonberry3.jpgSalmonberry3This bridge is proudly stamped "1925" -- almost a century of duty. It was a little hard convincing Maya the Labrador to cross, but after she made it over the first one she was a champ the rest of the way. (Photo by Thomas Kyle-Milward)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/salmonberry1.jpgSalmonberry1The water was particularly beautiful under the first bridge. You could stare all the way to the bottom ... and it's supposed to be an excellent spot to fish! (Photo by Thomas Kyle-Milward)https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/samonberry10.jpgSamonberry10A few of the 17 train cars abandoned out at Enright. Perfect spot for a picnic. (Photo by Thomas Kyle-Milward)2015-08-04T22:51:30+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/03/john-muir-and-the-power-of-nature/2015-08-03T18:37:30+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/08/01/fun-links-for-weekend-reading-8/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/cat.jpgcat2015-08-01T06:48:52+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/31/art-on-the-ave/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/artavenue8.jpgartavenue8https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/artavenue6.jpgartavenue6https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/artavenue5.jpgartavenue5https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/artavenue4.jpgartavenue4https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/artavenue3.jpgartavenue3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/artavenue2.jpgartavenue2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/artavenue1.jpgartavenue1https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/artavenue.jpgartavenue2015-07-31T08:23:47+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/06/mt-rainier-wildflowers/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/catarina-and-veronica1.jpgCatarina and veronicaVeronica takes her turn carrying Catarina in the pack. It was hot, and Catarina is starting to get heavy, but with views to die for at Paradise, it was worth it.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/tatoosh-flowers.jpgTatoosh flowersThe meadow above Myrtle Falls at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park was full of Broadleaf Lupine flowers. Here, the Tatoosh Range looms in the distance.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rainier-close-up.jpgRainier close upHiking up the Golden Gate trail gives a sense of serenity and oneness with nature, as tourists tend to stop with the pavement at Myrtle Falls. A little sweat equity gives you amazing views like this one.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rainier-and-flowers.jpgRainier and flowersWhen it is sunny, the views at Paradise are hard to top.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/flowers.jpgFlowersA group of Cascade Aster, growing in the meadows above Paradise in Mt. Rainier National Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/blue-carpet.jpgBlue carpetThe Broadleaf Lupine flowers were everywhere, giving off a feeling of blue carpet - with some red and yellow flowers mixed in.2015-07-31T02:30:36+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/22/paradise-found-part-ii/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/waterfall.jpgWaterfallI'm not sure what this waterfall is called, but it is beautiful and soars down the hillside in the distance up the Golden Gate trail.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/to-the-sky.jpgTo the skyThe further you get from Myrtle Falls and the paved trail, the steeper the route becomes. The stairs actually made it a bit harder to climb because they are randomly placed.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/path-up-2.jpgPath up 2Craig working hard carrying Catarina up the hill.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/edith-creek-falls.jpgEdith Creek FallsThe Middle Edith Creek Falls traverse 60 feet down this slope to the meadow below.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/catarina1.jpgCatarinaCatarina enjoys an apple while Craig tries not to pass out from exertion.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/myrtle-creek.jpgEdith CreekEdith Creek runs through a meadow with Mount Rainier looming in the background.2015-07-31T02:29:44+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/27/sunrise-heed-the-name/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/silver-forest-trail.jpgSilver Forest TrailMount Rainier in all her glory from the Silver Forest Trail. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/meadow-view.jpgMeadow viewMount Rainier towers over the landscape.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/day-lodge.jpgDay LodgeThe Sunrise Day Lodge with the network of trails in the background.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/catarina.jpgCatarinaCatarina enjoying the scenery from one of the glacier overlooks.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cat-in-the-pack.jpgCat in the packCatarina was having a high old time while Veronica packed her up the trail.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/valley.jpgValleyThe Nisqually River Valley with the Emmons glacier was visible for most of our hike. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dscn9542.jpgPicnicAfter our never ending drive to Sunrise, Veronica, left, Catarina, Olivia and I enjoyed a picnic in the parking lot.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dsc5871.jpgsnowThe side of the mountain had this creepy cave/hole in it. Not sure what it is, but it was a bit frightening. 2015-07-28T00:53:42+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/24/summer-potluck/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/veganpotluck6.jpgveganpotluck6https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/veganpotluck5.jpgveganpotluck5https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/veganpotluck4.jpgveganpotluck4https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/veganpotluck3.jpgveganpotluck3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/veganpotluck2.jpgveganpotluck2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/veganpotluck.jpgveganpotluck2015-07-24T05:56:33+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/18/fun-links-for-weekend-reading-6/2015-07-18T13:02:53+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/17/flashback-friday-rialto-beach/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/132.jpgMoraCriag, Veronica, Eleanor, Mick, Emmett and Kim pose for the camera at the entrance to the Mora Campground, near Rialto Beach on the Olympic Peninsula.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/096.jpgHole in the wallThe Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach on the Olympic Peninsula is an amazing natural sight. The ocean waves have carved out the tunnel through the sandstone rockhead, creating this spot.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/088.jpgstarfishThere are plenty of tidepools near the Hole in the Wall, offering a variety of sea creatures.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/086.jpgRialto BeachThe Hole in the Wall from a distance. When high tide hits, you can't access the hole - as the tide recedes, however, you can walk on the rocks to reach the tunnel.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/079.jpgArrowheadsAs the clouds rolled back at Rialto Beach, they offered an amazing blue sky which augmented the arrowhead looking sea stacks near the Hole in the Wall.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/049.jpgSeastacksRialto Beach has plenty of sea stacks just off the coast, offering a look back at wilder times.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/039.jpgTreesMolly and I trying to scale the driftwood to get to the beach.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/012.jpgBinocularsOur nephew Emmett hamming it up on the ferry ride to the Olympic Peninsula.2015-07-17T19:59:44+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/15/easy-eating/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cherry2.jpgcherry2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cherry.jpgcherryhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cherryfeature.jpgcherryFEATURE2015-07-15T22:46:23+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/13/describe-idaho-in-one-word/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/warm-lake.jpgWarm LakeDespite its beach-less shores and muddy bottom, Warm Lake provides a wonderful place to wade and fish.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/summit-lake.jpgSummit LakeSummit Lake offered an under-used beach area that was perfect for swimming. Here, Andrew wades in and beats the heat a bit.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rocky-cliffs.jpgRocky cliffsAt nearly a mile high, the terrain offered burnt out trees, rolling hills and craggy rock outcrops. Combined with the blue sky, it was beautiful to say the least.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hammock.jpgHammockThe Warm Lake Campground offered plenty of shady trees, and a wonderful place to hang our hammock. Ethan enjoyed it in this photo.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/gone-fishing.jpgGone FishingFishing is a family affair, though Dustin, rear, is the one who untangles the lines, baits the hooks, and cleans the fish.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dam-the-creek.jpgDam the creekDamming Chipmunk Creek was fun for the whole family, as Andrew, left, Dustin and Ethan join in.2015-07-14T01:27:17+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/11/fun-links-for-weekend-reading-5/2015-07-11T13:37:00+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/10/reflection-lake/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/walking.jpgWalkingCatarina and Craig strolling down the path next to Reflection Lake.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/reflection-lake.jpgReflection lakeMt. Rainier sits above Reflection Lake in the southwest corner of Mt. Rainier National Park. The lake used to have a bustling lodge, fishing and much more near it, before it was all cleared out and turned into a peaceful place to sit and admire the surrounding beauty.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/pond-reflection.jpgPond reflectionBecause of the breeze, the lake wasn't offering much in the way of reflections - so we grabbed this partial reflection in a pond nearby.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/falling.jpgFallingCatarina doing something to her head about .2 seconds before she face planted into the path. Walking over rocks is hard when you are a kid.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/climbing.jpgClimbingCatarina loved Reflection Lake, as it gave her a flat place to run around and climb on the rocks.2015-07-22T16:13:52+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/08/gardening-in-the-desert/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/zucchini.jpgZucchiniAfter a very slow start, our zucchini plant has been growing leaps and bounds during our recent heat wave. I guess it likes the hot weather.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/yellow-peppers.jpgYellow peppersOur yellow peppers are doing fantastic, as evidenced here. Our green peppers, however, are not. I saw a few flowers three weeks ago, but they died and fell off. Now nothing. Oh well, hopefully the yellow peppers keep going strong.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/tomato.jpgTomatoVeronica built these awesome DIY tomato trellis out of fallen branches from the Douglas fir trees in our backyard and some twin from the store. A very creative and cheap way to help support the tomatoes. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/tiger-lily.jpgTiger LilyOne of the best parts about buying a new house is seeing what plants the previous owners planted. The older guy that lived here before us left us this beautiful Tiger Lily. It is amazing.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/broccoli.jpgBroccoliOur broccoli plants that we bought at the local store were doing so well until the heat wave, but since the non-stop 85-degree days, the broccoli bolted and now all we have is nice yellow flowers.2015-07-08T17:06:45+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/04/fun-links-for-weekend-reading-4/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1385803_10151974441850081_1218432915_n.jpg1385803_10151974441850081_1218432915_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/542460_3288680939044_317781965_n-1.jpg542460_3288680939044_317781965_n (1)2015-07-04T08:56:33+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/01/titlow-beach/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/tide-pool.jpgTide poolWe found these colorful sea anemones in a tide pool at Titlow Beach. Lots of color in the tide pools.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/tide-pool-part-2.jpgTide pool part 2Tide pools don't have to be full of visible life to be beautiful. The color of the rocks alone can make for a fun day.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/the-bridge.jpgThe bridgeTitlow Beach in Tacoma offers sweeping views of the Narrows Bridges.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/titlow5.jpgtitlow5https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/titlow4.jpgtitlow4https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/titlow3.jpgtitlow3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/titlow2.jpgtitlow2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/titlow1.jpgtitlow12015-07-01T14:45:01+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/30/curious-catarina-turns-2/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/swimming4.jpgswimming4https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/swimming3.jpgswimming3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/swimming2.jpgswimming2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/swimming1.jpgswimming1https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/birthdayfeature.jpgbirthdayFEATUREhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/birthday4.jpgbirthday4https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/birthday3.jpgbirthday3https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/birthday2.jpgbirthday2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/birthday1.jpgbirthday1https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/10507077_10152824859502755_9169055816166682969_o.jpg10507077_10152824859502755_9169055816166682969_o2015-06-30T16:33:43+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/29/animals-in-our-yard/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/squirrel.jpgsquirrelhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/yellow-bird.jpgYellow birdTo help the birds in our yard combat the hot weather, we put out these DIY bird baths. They all seem to like them. I love the color on this American Goldfinch.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn2526.jpgRabbitThis rabbit eats a lot of grass in our front and backyards. So far, it hasn't eaten anything in my garden that I can tell, but I'm sure it will eventually.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn2097.jpgRaccoonThere are two raccoons that live in our neighborhood. I wasn't too fired up to see this one during the day, but it seemed pretty harmless. Normally they are walking around our yard at night.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bird-feeder.jpgBird feederThe American Goldfinch is the state bird of Washington. It is a brilliant yellow with distinctive black markings.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/pacific-tree-frog.jpgPacific tree frogThis Pacific tree frog showed up recently in our garden box. He spent most of his time in our sprinkler shutoff valve area. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_0209-2015-06-25_070548.jpgCoyote eatingThe coyote was eating some bread I had thrown out there for our rabbit. Guess I need to stop throwing bread into the yard.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_0204-2015-06-25_070520.jpgCoyoteA little coyote action late one night. I was sitting at my table on our computer when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. Freaked me out a bit.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/deer-lick.jpgDeer lickWith the drought, it appears more animals have been moving into our neighborhood in search of water. Not much to be had in our sprinkler, however.2015-06-29T18:12:51+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/27/fun-links-for-weekend-reading-3/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/summer2.jpgsummer22015-06-27T13:16:53+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/06/fun-links-for-weekend-reading/2015-06-27T09:57:31+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/13/fun-links/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/links-post.jpglinks post2015-06-27T09:57:20+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/20/fun-links-for-weekend-reading-2/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/links.jpglinks2015-06-27T09:57:10+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/26/a-tiny-person-lives-here/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/toys2.jpgtoys2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/toys.jpgtoyshttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/catface.jpgcatfacehttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/books1.jpgbookshttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bear.jpgbear2015-06-26T16:19:31+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/07/03/flashback-friday-vista-house/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/vista-house-sign.jpgVista House signThe Vista House is in the vicinity of Multnomah Falls, which is one of the most famous falls in the country.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/twin-sentinels.jpgTwin sentinelsThe Vista House atop Crown Point with Beacon Rock looming in the background in the smoky haze. Stopping at the Women's Forum State Park just down the road from the Vista House affords awesome views as well.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/portrait.jpgPortraitWhy does it seem like I am wearing this Wilco shirt in every photo we ever post?https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/gorge-view.jpgGorge viewThe views from the Vista House are too good to be true. Here a lush valley and the mighty Columbia River can be seen looking upstream.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ceiling.jpgCeilingThe interior of the Vista House is stunning. Stained glass windows, Alaskan marble, and this amazing roof. It is a must see if you are driving on I-84 in Oregon.2015-06-25T08:35:01+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/24/oceans-a-lovehate-relationship/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wave-breaking.jpgWave breakingHuge waves, like this one breaking at Venice Beach in California, are a blast to play in, especially at warm weather beaches.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/orca.jpgOrcaPart of Craig's fear of the ocean is the possibility of sea creatures touching him. Can you imagine an Orca swimming nearby? That would be awesome and terrifying!https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/kalaloch-beach-for-wordpress.jpgKalaloch Beach for wordpressA rip tide changed Craig's viewpoint on the ocean when he was in high school. Needless to say, when we were camping recently at Kalaloch Beach, we didn't test out the water - not because of riptides, rather because it was freezing.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/fort-worden.jpgFort WordenA very calm Pacific Ocean at Fort Worden State Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ferry.jpgFerryOur nephew Emmett showing no fear while standing at the back of a Washington state ferry motoring through the Puget Sound.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/boardwalk.jpgBoardwalkIf you are afraid of the ocean, then walking out on a pier like this one near Venice Beach in California can be quite terrifying.2015-06-24T19:44:53+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/22/baseball-games-a-family-tradition/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn0229.jpgYankees winAfter watching the Yankees beat the Mariners, we posed for a photo near the Yankees dugout in 2014. From left: Craig Craker, Mick Craker, Dustin Metcalf (back), Andrew Metcalf and Randy Craker. The Craker men have been going to games since the early 1980s together, thanks to Randy's love for baseball. It is a passion he passed down through the generations.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn0158.jpgDerek JeterMy daughter, Catarina, won't remember it, but she can at least tell people that her first baseball game was also the last time Derek Jeter played in Seattle. It was a special night, as he went 3-for-4 and the Yankees won.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/yankeekids.jpgyankeekidsAll the grandkids together next to Ivar's in downtown Seattle before a Yankees game in 2014. Clockwise from bottom left: Emmett, Ethan, Andrew, Eleanor, and Catarina (on Eleanor's lap).https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/familyyankee.jpgfamilyyankeeA blurry cell phone photo by my dad of the whole family at a Yankees game in 2014. It's not often we all get together since we are spread across two states, but a Yankees game is a good excuse.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/yankeesfamily.jpgyankeesfamilyCatarina at her first Major League Baseball game in 2014 at Safeco Field in Seattle. She was even rocking a Yankees sweatshirt, and saw a Yankees win!2015-06-21T07:32:17+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/19/flashback-friday-whale-watching/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/blogs.jpgblogshttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/10394771_10152473203260081_498756135195317707_n.jpg10394771_10152473203260081_498756135195317707_nhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn0241.jpgDSCN0241https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn0951.jpgDSCN0951https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn0920.jpgDSCN0920https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn0902.jpgDSCN0902https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn0876.jpgDSCN0876https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn0248.jpgDSCN0248https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dscn0243.jpgDSCN0243https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2014-06-13-15-24-30-1.jpg2014-06-13 15.24.30-12015-06-19T22:04:27+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/17/ruby-beach/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/waves-crashing.jpgWaves crashingCrashing waves like this one had created a tunnel in the rocks on the shores of Ruby Beach.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/twin-sisters.jpgTwin sistersI loved this pair of sea stacks jutting up out of the water in a near mirror image of each other.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/man-made.jpgMan madeMan-made meets nature-made at Ruby Beach. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cat-and-i.jpgCat and ICraig and Catarina in awe of Ruby Beach. Or tired. Or cold. Hard to say, really.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/beach-hike.jpgBeach hikeCraig going for a hike up Ruby Beach, with Catarina riding on his back. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/artsy-driftwood.jpgArtsy driftwoodThere a metric ton of driftwood on Ruby Beach. I can only imagine the violent winter storms that toss these giant logs onto the beach.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/angry-bird.jpgAngry birdA giant sandstone rock guards the creek which flows down the hillside into the Pacific Ocean. I also think it looks like one of the birds from Angry Birds, the popular iPhone game.2015-06-18T15:35:22+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/10/the-not-so-peaceful-camping-trip/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/familypic.jpgfamilypichttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/readingtocatuse.jpgreadingtocatusehttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/badcamp-featured-one.jpgbadcamp featured ONEhttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/badcamping1.jpgbadcampinghttps://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/badcamping2.jpgbadcamping2https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/badcamping.jpgbadcamping2018-08-11T01:01:19+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/15/chambers-bay/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/tori-and-cat.jpgTori and CatVeronica's sister, Tori, and Catarina look for the frisbee as it flies their way. This is in the Central Meadow part of Chambers Bay regional park. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/shadows.jpgShadowsRemnants of the old quarry at Chambers Bay provide a stunning view as the sun descends recently.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/martian-heat-rays.jpgMartian Heat RaysSun rays pour over the Puget Sound with the Chambers Bay Golf Course in the foreground.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dark-sunset.jpgDark sunsetA sunspot appears over Chambers Bay, with the bridge to the beach in the foreground.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cat-climbing1.jpgCat climbingCatarina climbs part of the cement structure near the waterfront at Chambers Bay regional park. This is part of the old quarry that used to occupy this part of University Place.2015-06-15T07:11:20+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/12/the-big-cedar-tree/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/vero-in-front-of-tree.jpgVero in front of treeVeronica posing in front of the Big Cedar Tree, with Catarina thinking about scaling it in the background. It's hard to show just how huge this tree is, but this should give a bit of scale.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rain-forest.jpgRain forestThis is not the Big Cedar Tree, but a big cedar tree. We saw this one nearby, and it was impressive in its own right. The entire forest in this area is a wonder to behold.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/multiple-trees-in-one.jpgMultiple trees in oneLooking up at the Big Cedar Tree. Makes one feel rather tiny.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lots-of-trees.jpgLots of treesThe Big Cedar tree supports lots of other trees. It is truly an amazing sight.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/gaping-maw.jpgGaping mawA closer look at the gaping maw from whence the giant piece of the Big Cedar Tree fell off.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cat-climbing.jpgCat climbingCatarina is a climber, and though this is no high peak, she certainly loved climbing all over the Big Cedar Tree.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/angel.jpgAngelSomeone left an angel statue inside of the tree, perhaps as a blessing on all who passed by it.2015-09-26T18:19:02+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/05/flashback-friday-ponytail-falls/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2854.jpgThe groupPhoto of our hiking group, (from upper left going clockwise): Craig, Chris Gove, Gianna Gove and Veronica. We were posing on a bridge above Oneonta Creek on the Horsetail Falls loop trail in the Columbia River Gorge.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2838.jpgThe viewThe view from the top of the bluff on the way to Ponytail Falls. You can see Beacon Rock on the Washington side of the Columbia River in the distance. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2833.jpgPortraitThe crew in the best photo spot possible. This is one of my most treasured photos and hangs on our wall at home to this day. Such a unique place to visit.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2820.jpgPonytail FallsPonytail Falls with the hiking trail behind it. Really beautiful and peaceful scenery, as few tourists bother to put in the effort to climb the bluff to see this area.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2811.jpgTexansOur poor Texas friends were laboring up the switchbacks. It wasn't very warm at the start of this day, and we did about 400-feet elevation gain in a little under a mile to kick the hike off. They didn't seem enthused at this point.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn2798.jpgHorsetail FallsHorsetail Falls is right on the Old Columbia River Highway, which runs parallel to Interstate 84 in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.2015-06-05T21:46:16+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/06/08/kalaloch-beach-and-campground/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/woodhenge.jpgWoodhengeSomeone built this wood version of Stonehenge at Kalaloch Beach. It was pretty creepy looking in the fog.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/trees.jpgtreesReally cool trees in the Kalaloch Beach campground. https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/trail.jpgtrailThe trail from the campground down to the beach. The driftwood was pretty intense.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/the-fort.jpgThe fortCrazy structure built out of driftwood on Kalaloch Beach.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/tent.jpgtentOur tent all set up in the forested part of Kalaloch Beach campground.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lighthouse.jpgLighthouseThe Destruction Island lighthouse is barely visible in the distance. Gray whales migrate between the island the beach, offering views up to campers at certain times of year.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hand-in-hand.jpghand in handCatarina also loves the water. This was insanely cold, but she was deadset on putting her feet in at least.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cat-in-the-sand.jpgCat in the sandCatarina loves the beach. So, when we actually go to one that has sand, she goes crazy running around, throwing it, laying in it, digging, etc.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cat-eating.jpgCat eatingCatarina eating blue berries while we try to get a fire going.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cat-and-molly.jpgCat and MollyCatarina and Molly had the highest of high times together on this trip. 2015-06-08T22:24:35+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.com/2015/04/07/port-townsend/https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dsc0236.jpgBattery RowBattery Henry Benson was in a little better shape as someone had recently painted it. I'm not sure why, though movies have been filmed at the Fort, so maybe it was related to something like that.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2383.jpgRuinsThere are a lot of old, rusty mechanisms still in the buildings. Trying to guess what they were used for is half the fun of walking around. Maybe pulling up supplies from down below?https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dsc0194.jpgThe trailThe trail up Artillery Hill is not for the feint-hearted. It is a steep, though short, climb. It is even harder when you are carrying your child on your back.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dsc0122.jpgPoint Wilson LighthouseThe Point Wilson lighthouse is just one of many awesome things to see at Fort Worden State Park.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2307.jpgFerryA Washington State ferry comes in to dock in Port Townsend with the Olympic Mountains in the background.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2287-copy.jpgThe harborThere were lots of colorful sailboats in the Port Townsend harbor.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2340.jpgVictorian boutique hotelThere are lots of gorgeous Victorian homes around town that were built in the late 1800s and are remarkably preserved today.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2259.jpgWaterstreet HotelThis is just a small part of the suite we stayed in. Notice the vaulted ceilings and beautiful furniture. You definitely aren't getting the perks of a modern hotel here, but that can be a good thing in my book.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dsc0228.jpgBattery Henry BensonThe batteries on Artillery Hill are tucked into the trees on top of the bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. They must've been an imposing sight when they were built and had giant guns on them.https://travelingthepnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dscn2379.jpgKinzieFort Worden is showing its age in many places, with concrete broken and falling apart. Considering it is more than 100 years old, though, it is in remarkable shape.2015-05-25T08:03:39+00:00monthlyhttps://travelingthepnw.comdaily1.02025-02-12T08:55:47+00:00