HIKING CHAIN LAKES

As widely anticipated by Nolan, on Friday we set out for a "Baker" hike. Our friends Ann Davis and her son Christian joined our adventure. We were blessed by warm and sunny skies and started the hike at Artist Point. The three older boys set a good pace which they were able to keep throughout the hike. Little Ethan on the other hand, did not think he could go very fast or very far. We encouraged him to make it to the first lake for lunch. That seemed like a reasonable goal and once he got to that point he just kept on going!! We had lots of fun and lots of beautiful views. Ethan kept his little pace and found lots of entertaining things along the trail. As the afternoon wore off, Shawn decided to increase his pace and make it up to Artist Point. He got the car and brought it down to Heather Meadows. Thank you, Shawn!! Ann and the other boys, Shawn and the car were all waiting for us when Ethan and I completed our 7 mile hike. Not bad for a 5 year old! Nolan and Christian are planning the next hike already. Much to my pleasure, since hiking is one of my passions.

Starting the Hike on Ptarmigan Ridge Trail

Taking a break for lunch at Mazama Lake

Admiring beautiful Iceberg Lake

There is always time for throwing some rocks. We also had to replenish our water bottles. Nothing like fresh water from Hayes Lake

Where there is snow, there are boys playing in it.

What a handsome husband to I have !!!

There was a couple of times that Ethan needed a little help.

It was a great hike and we all rested well when we were done.

IT RAINED, IT POURED, BUT I FINISHED !!!

Yes! I finished my 1st Triathlon and lived to tell about it! It would have been a tough day in regular conditions, but Seattle experienced a winter day in the middle of August. The sun came out and temp rose in the afternoon when we were finished!! Go figure!! It was still a great experience and I'm glad I've done it.

KAYAKING TRIP

To celebrate Christian's 10th summer, he and Shawn went on an overnight kayking trip to Lumi Island. They had a great time and lots of adventures. They fitted all of their gear in to a double kayak and set out to sea. The tide, current and weather were all in their favor and they got to their destination in good time. They camped on a nice but secluded site reachable only by water. From their tent they had a nice view of the Bay, Bellingham and of Mt. Baker. They were on their site for only a short while before they saw a little puppy. Then they saw another one, and another one, until they had 5 little puppies around them. There was no sign of their mother or any other people. Those poor little puppies were dumped there!! Shawn called some friends and a "mini rescue team" was formed. His co-worker came on his boat to pick them up and by now each of the puppies has a nice home. That was an adventure that they did not expect but will not forget.

Fort Ebey Camping

Last week we returned to one of our favorite camping spots, Fort Ebey State Park. We were introduced to it by Shawn's brother Reyn, on our first summer here in Washington. He described it as being one of his favorite spots, and it quickly became one of ours too. It was nice to spend some good quality time with our boys. We rested by the bluff and read "The Wind and The Willows" with the sun warming us up. The kids enjoyed learning and practicing chopping wood and making a fire. All "4 boys" also braved the surf at the beach. And of course, there was alot of bike riding. We will definitely be back!!