Tag: Mason Lake

• Seattle Life

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on September 23, 2016

  Of all the house sitting gig’s I’ve had, the one I’m doing right now is hands down the best of the best. The bee’s knees. Crème de la crème. Typically my pet-ventures are in my neck of the woods, but this one is in Seattle.

  And I’ve been here for thirteen days, with three more to go.

  

  My excited face.

  First and foremost being in Seattle puts me literally 15 minutes from work. Opposed to two hours. Granted I still don’t mind my commute, but hot damn is it nice not having one right now. I’m in for a rude awakening when I go home.

  No commute means more time for running.

  

  My current running spot.

  

  Will run for V/GF cupcakes

  Secondly, being in Seattle puts me only an hour away from some of my favorite hikes. Typically I travel two hours to get here, which I also don’t mind, (clearly my perception of time is much different than most) but again SO NICE to chop off an hour.

  

  

  

  Thirdly, I am so close to ALL THE VEGAN FOOD. Again, I happily travel to Seattle in my spare time JUST TO EAT sometimes, but here I am SMACK in the middle of it all. So many options, so little time. My mind is like a tornado, and my mouth is like a suck hole.

  

  Cafe Flora – Italian burger GF/V

  

  How cute is this restaurant setup?

  

  Portage Bay Cafe – V/GF pancakes with UNLIMITED BERRY BAR

  

  Sugar Plum – V S’mores Brownie

  

  Chaco Canyon Cafe – Quinoa, kelp noodles, tempeh bacon with ginger sesame sauce.

  Disclaimer: I make sure to also eat a vegetable based meal of greens to balance out the above goodness. 

  My housemate is a cat, so my job is not only easy, but enjoyable. I love cats. We just get each other. She is black just like my little, and she roams the land in the daytime like a gypsy warrior. She eats well and runs around to burn it off.

  

  Basically we’re twins. Although she has better self control than I do, I offered her some bread I made and she denied.

  Good, more for me. 

  

  Grain free chocolate zucchini bread. Yusss.

  I’m never bored over here, there is always something to do. So many cafes, so many restaurants, so many people. If anyone wants to move to Seattle and split the $48496438967 rent with me that’d be great.

  Or I’ll just house sit forever. Or I’ll sleep in abandoned churches and lighthouses.

  

  

  That’s all for now. I run. I work. I hike. I eat. I study. I explore. & Repeat.

  Q: City or suburb dwelling?

  

  | 57 Comments Tagged Hike, Mason Lake, North Bend, Running, Seattle, Solo Hike, Vegan

• Ira Springs Trail – Mason Lake

  Posted at 6:56 AM by Brittany, on June 6, 2016

  It’s here, it’s here! Summer is *almost* here! 

  

  I used to be neutral about summer, and then one year I discovered my love for hiking. The longer and warmer days made these hikes more doable and more enjoyable.

  

  

  Last Tuesday I kicked off the season with a solo hike to Mason Lake. I had never been to the lake before, but I had been to Bandera Mountain which shares the same beginning of the trail. I’ll never forget the hike to Bandera because the bug swarms were out of control, and Tuesday was even worse.

  I was like one of those barn animals with fly’s swarming their faces. 

  

  The beginning of the hike was familiar, with steep hills and rock fields. I was breathing like a labored donkey thinking to myself how out of shape I am, but after passing 6 people I realized perhaps I was trying to bulldoze up the mountain too fast.

  I’m still somewhat out of shape though. 

  

  

  This hike was a much needed soul revival. Summer months bring out my desires to explore, and when I explore I feel balanced and centered. Insert “ommmmm” chants here.

  

  

  The trail climbs 4300 ft into the sky providing amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the ever so gorgeous Mount Rainier as shown above. Conditions this time of year were fine, just a few trees down towards the lake that allowed me to practice my show horse leaps.

  

  

  I did feel a bit nostalgic missing my hiking partner from the last adventure to this area, but I very much enjoyed being on my own clock. Solo hikes mean bathrooms are everywhere, and sweaty hot mess appearances are no big deal.

  Actually let’s be real, sweaty hot messes are never a big deal in the mountains.

  

  Fun fact: my nostrils are shaped differently.

  

  

  The lake was so still and quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Plenty of giardia looking water too.

  

  

  

  I sat. I savored. 

  

  

  Great view of Bandera mountain.

  

  One of the things I love about hiking, aside from the immediate sense of accomplishment and relaxation, is that it inspires me to be creative. For me this is something as simple as taking photos, and sharing them in this space.

  

  

  

  It’s imperative for our well being to find things we are passionate about and to DO THEM. Make the time, because nothing is more important than self care.

  Q: What inspires you to be creative?

  

  | 62 Comments Tagged Bandera Mountain, Hiking, Mason Lake, Solo Hike

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