12.10.09

Altitude Adjustment



The trip to Washington/Oregon was great. Highlights were hiking Mt. Rainier's trail leading to Muir Campground.





Being followed by a massive impermeable white/grey cloud, we hiked to appx. 9,000 feet where we heard a booming avalanche. Camping not being our objective for the day, we began our descent. Rainier is beautiful and frightening. Afterall, it is an active volcano.

We had a blast hanging out with a friend in and around Seattle, then drove to Cannon Beach, Oregon. We observed Haystack Rock from the beach and from the viewpoints around Ecola State Park. We hiked the Clatsop Loop Trail (a portion of the Lewis and Clark Trail) from Indian Beach then headed to Portland.



The city of Portland is practically empty. It's as if half the population has been abducted leaving only a few tragic hipsters behind. It's weird. There are very few tall buildings and it's really, really clean. The coolest thing about Portland is the lite rail that runs through town and the wide bike lanes. What is not cool about Portland are the streets with bus only lanes. This means there is only one lane for cars SO, if you aren't walking or riding the rail, you are S.O.L.

From Portland, to Mt. Hood, we only had time to hike the Mirror Lake Trail.
The view wasn't nearly as spectacular as we thought it would be so we continued to the viewpoint on Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain. Pretty soon, every Tom, Dick, and Harry showed up but that was alright. There was plenty of view to go around.



Here's a photo of Al and Mt. Hood. From this viewpoint, on a clear day, you can see Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and obviously Mt. Hood.

We left Portland and headed back to Seattle for one last night of fun. We saw Juliette Lewis at the El Corazon. Juliette is beautiful and wild and an okay singer but we couldn't figure out if her craziness was real or an act. We decided she was trying too hard and resigned ourselves to the bar. I didn't bother trying to take a photo because those who did got shook down by the ogre-sized slobs (or staff) at El Corazon.

All in all, it was a lovely trip. Hiking is my favorite outdoor activity. I love it, I live for it. It renews me, it keeps me going. I am so grateful for these places, and for the desire and ability to explore them.

Click if you are not bored by scenery photos.

Happy Trails ~ :)

11 comments:

skinnylittleblonde said...

Honey, I don't know where my comments from the other day went... but I LoVe all of your pictures. Hahaha, you look so tiny next to those men folk ;) I would love to some of that hiking with you! Maybe one day...
xoxoxox

skinnylittleblonde said...

BTW, I looked at all of your pics hahahah, they were there...couldn't help myself!

Dee said...

Thanks!

Yes, I envision us traveling to see each other at the beach and in the mountains as happy as littleneck clams floating in the sea.

BTW, You'd like Bill, he is an interesting charecter. (Single, too). ;)

Me said...

Wow, those are some real magical pictures. You don't see that sort of thing here, not something that beautiful ( and I'm not talking about Al ;).

You're damn straight I'm looking at the Picasa album of them.

Anonymous said...

hahaha...I have met Bill. Remember him to be quite personable & animated...full of life & full of character, but just as a reminder to you DeeBugg, I could care less if he is single or not...not looking for LoVe... busy living, loving and learning as I trip, stumble, tumble & slip through the days.
:) ILYSSVM

skinny

Dee said...

Orhan, you are too funny. I believe Austrailia has a different sort of beauty...that huge coral reef, is that right? Must be insanely gorgeous. BTW, congrats on driving again and for find love in the blogosphere (I finally put two and two together there). Enjoy yourself, young man!

Dee said...

Skinny,
I know, I know...forgive me for trying to play matchmaker. The future is wide open to you and I know you are going to enjoy every minute of it. Freedom!
Don't forget to indulge me with the skinny on Skinny (please) when you can?
Love you lots!
D.

singleton said...

Wow! Absolutely stunning! I didn't kow you guys went, I didn't know the house was for sale,
So much catching up to do!

Peace~love girl!

Dee said...

Hey Sing ~
Thanks :)
Yah, Vacation/Scouting Trip...we are setting ourselves up for an out of state move but don't know where or when that will be. I was bored to tears for a really long time and now things are starting to happen. Exciting/kinda scary but beats boredom anyday.

iamfallingfromgrace said...

amazing...i envy you.

Dee said...

IAFFG,
Aw, you are sweet. Don't though...if you knew me better...you might say, "See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya!" :P
I usually only blog when I'm feeling happy or really good about something. Notice I don't have many postings.