Goat Rocks backpacking trip

Brandi and I went on a backpacking trip in the Goat Rocks wilderness -- Berry Patch TH to Snowgrass Flats, up to the PCT and north along the PCT to a gorgeous camping spot under Old Snowy. And then in the morning, continuing north on the PCT to the Knife's Edge to an amazing view of Goat Lake and Mt Rainier and then all the way back down. About 20 miles, all told, in two days.

 

It was really misty and foggy on Thursday, all the way up -- we couldn't see anything but the trail and wildflowers.

 

 

 

  

 

 

So many marmots!! Especially in those one area near the spring. 

 

 

We set up the tent... and then found a better camping spot. So we carried the tent half a mile to the new spot. As the sun started to set, the clouds slowly lifted and we could see Mt Adams in all its glory.

 

 

 

This huge flat rock was absolutely amazing -- lying down on it to stretch out my back after lugging 35 lbs 7 miles uphill was the absolute best. 

 

 

Sunset, w Adams rising above the clouds.

  

Sunrise looking at Mt Adams and Mt Helens

 

 

 

 

 

Goat Lake nestled into the mountains, w Rainier on the edge. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mountain goats sunbathing on the snow! 

golf summer

Seb and his friends have taken up golf this summer -- they've been out a dozen times, at various courses, mostly playing 9 holes. A few of his friends have played for years, but most of them are just learning, so they play a lot of scrambles to keep things fun and moving. They've played Redtail, Wildwood, Claremont, Colwood, both early morning and after dinner tee-times. It's been fun to hear about their adventures and watch Seb try something new --

Princess Diva Sparkles

We are looking after Campbell's hamster while their family is on vacation. Liesl is in love with Princess. Jasper just wants to sniff her and play with her (not allowed). She's pretty cute for a small rodent, but it is disconcerting to watch her try and escape her cage every night. (She stands on top of her pink wheel and pushes at the top of the cage... and then the wheel spins and she falls off, but then she keeps trying!)