A Week of Family Bliss

The Buhler clan gathers once more

We headed to Qualicum Beach where Shawn's parents live. Shawn's brother and our family each had a condo at this lovely resort where we were able to rest, play, share, laugh, eat and enjoy each others company.

It sure was pure bliss!

A Week of Bliss

When Cousins Come Together

Lots of good times roll . . .

Camping Trip

The first time we camped in eastern Washington we could not understand what the draw was. Our friends said they loved it, and all we could see was brown hills and dust in the sweltering heat. We had just moved to the Pacific Northwest and were absolutely mesmerized by the green and lush surroundings. Now having spent a few summers here, which included coming back from some camping trips with wet gear and heavy fleeces in our packs, we understand what the draw is . . .

. . . the nice dry heat!

Once in a while we all have to heat up our bones!

This year the temps were much more milder and we even had some rain, but it was nothing compared to the down pour and chilly weather that awaited us when we got home.

Little Daisy was a hit among all these boys. Why not break the tradition and have popsicles by the fire. Of course, it was followed by smores. There is nothing quite like camping and all the junk food you are allowed to eat! Talking about food, it took a lot of it to feed ten hungry boys. The beauty of camping with friends is that you can pull together some lavish meals.

It was a great weekend and we all left talking and planning next year's trip.

See you soon!

A Look at Mt Shuksan

Most people see Mt Shuksan as a mountain to be admired and to draw inspiration from. It has also been said that it's the most photographed mountain, appearing in many different publications. I have countless pictures of it myself, one just can't resist to take another shot and gaze at this amazing mass of granite rock and snow.

Then there those who see Skuksan as a destination.

Shawn and three other great guys set off on their attempt to climb to the peak of Mt Shuksan. They were met with a misty rain which socked them in a cloud of whiteness. Their spirit of adventure was not damped by it, even as they met climbers on their way out who advised them to turn back due to the miserable weather. With the tents and kitchen set up, they enjoyed great food and company. I mean, who has fajitas and Guinness on a backpacking/mountaineering trip? Spoons are superfluous when one has an ice ax handy!

The next day greeted them with a beautiful sunrise and their trek to the summit began.

Mt Baker in the background.

The destination is looming ahead . . .

. . . but there is still a steep and arduous climb before they get there!

Nothing like a summit smile!

Of course that is just half the journey, what comes up must go down!

Rappelling down the rock face.

Here they are on their way back with all the gear back in their packs.

It was a long trek back, but I'm sure the excitement of having reach the top made the hike back just a little easier.

Since 1992

Our anniversary was spent with Shawn having to work a 12 hr shift. That is just the nature of things when you work in health care; even though our anniversary is a national holiday you still don't get if off. We did start the day by having breakfast together (@5am) and later having a delicious dinner of king salmon. We ended the day by watching fireworks dancing above our heads. However, it's not only the day that we celebrate, it's the day to day. Every single day of these nineteen years together is what counts. Every moment is precious and so much more enjoyable when spent beside the man I love.

Excelsior Peak Playground

Excelsior Peak was not our original plan, but a sea urchin is to blame for the change in the destination and party size. We had hoped to climb Ruth Mt with the Palmers, it would be a sort of a celebration of our Mt Baker climb anniversary. If it were not for Erika having to have a sea urchin spine removed from her heel the day before, which she brought back form a trip to Hawaii! We decided it was best to let her heel heal, and postponed our Ruth Mt hike to when all four of us will be able to go. So the three of us headed to Excelsior Pass instead. It took a bit of bush whacking and orienteering on the snow covered terrain to find our way to the pass.

Eventually we got there and were rewarded with amazing views under a blue sky.

One more push to make it to the peak.

It was a steep climb . . .

. . . but our lunch just tasted so much better being savored at the top.

These guys plan on climbing a few mountains in the near future, so this was a perfect opportunity to practice and improve their techniques.

Here they are building a snow anchor (I think that's what it's called) for crevasse rescue and guess who was their guinea pig?

Yep, down I go on my first rappelling experience. I really do trust my husband and our good friend Craig! Of course it helped not having a steep rocky ledge bellow me.

Perfect conditions to practice self arrest.

And they lived happily ever after!