Tag: PNW

• Tumwater Falls Park, Olympia WA

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on April 10, 2017

  When I have too much free time I get antsy. While I’m much better at just “being” than I was a year ago, sometimes an adventure is all that will do. For the times I want to get away, but don’t want to fully submerge myself in the woods, I find local (or semi local) places to explore.

  

  Last week an adventure took me to Olympia, the capitol of Washington and a city I spent a lot of time in a handful of years ago. It’s about an hour away from me, and I quite enjoy this city thanks to its low key vibes and its lake. I love the lake, I’ve run many miles around the lake.

  

  

  While this most recent trip did take me on a loop around the lake, up close and personal with the capitol building, and gave me a hug in a mug from a local coffee shop, the highlight was wandering around Tumwater Falls Park, a not so hidden park just a hop skip and a jump away from the lake.

  

  The falls you see upon entering the park aren’t filled with Hawaii like blue waters, the water looks like it was urinated in by a flock of seagulls, but the sounds of the rush are soothing. The park takes you on a .5 mile loop which I walked twice. It takes about 20-30 minutes depending on where and how long you stop.

  No rush here, it’s all about soaking in the beauty. 

  

  

  The trail takes you right alongside the rushing rapids, if you close your eyes and sink deep into your imagination it’s almost like being on the Grizzly River Run at California Adventure. You know, minus actually being in the water.

  

  

  My favorite part of this trail was a spot at the lower falls, where the loop brings you towards the other side of the trail. This spot brings you to a view of the old Olympia brewery, which apparently made the best beer in 1906. They claim “it’s the water” but I’m hoping they don’t mean the water in the falls.

  

  

  Brewery peaking over the trees.

  This lower fall area brought me up close and personal with a spot that gave me nostalgia from my Niagara Falls trip last summer. Not nearly as miraculous, but baby feels were still there.

  

  

  I also found a tree forest that spoke to my inner 12 year old. 

  

  While this spot is popular on the weekends I’m sure, I was able to go on a weekday and only encountered a handful of other people. It’s right next to the road so you wont be submerged by any means, but it’s still a nice escape for a walk. My favorite spots were the mini waterfalls along the way.

  

  

  If you’re anything like me and get hungry every 87582735 seconds there is a restaurant overlooking the main falls area. Or, there is a picnic area to eat your own food. Options people, options.

  

  Restaurant upper left.

  Just the nature boost my soul needed.

  Q: What’s your go to when you’re feeling bored? I try to read more, but my tried and true is getting outside. 

  

  | 59 Comments Tagged Explore, Olympia, PNW, Waterfall

• Coffee and Compadres

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on February 21, 2017

  Last Wednesday I celebrated another year of life. 365 more days of sunrises and sunsets, 365 more days of coffee sips and cupcake eats, 365 more days of snuggles with my cats, and 365 more days dreaming of the mountains.

  

  I’ve never been one to take off of work for my birthday, however I don’t work Wednesdays right now. I decided to spend “the day my mom blessed the earth with my presence” by combining three of my favorite things: coffee, cupcakes, and hiking.

  

  My hiking partner, who also happens to be my work partner, but most definitely not my life partner, took the day off of work to spend the day with me exploring. We left at 07:00 and we were stuck in traffic far longer than either of us would have hoped.

  As one of the many cars aggregated together on the road I found multiple reasons to smile, the most obvious being that I was not on my way to work like the majority of those around me. Another reason was the delirium that started to take over my brain from sitting too long. A pit stop at Starbucks nearby our destination was in order to fill up my tumbler.

  Waiting until we were close to our location ensured the coffee was still warm upon our arrival at the summit.

  

  

  The forecast called for rain, and despite the fact I never quite know if this is going to be true in Washington or not, it did indeed rain. In fact, it was somewhat of a downpour most of our hike. Thankfully it was warm enough outside that the rain wasn’t uncomfortable.

  Dare I say it was fun?

  

  My right hand man was kind enough to stow my cupcake in his pack because I carried the coffee in mine. In all my years hiking I’ve yet to drink coffee at the summit of a mountain. It was time for this to change, and a birthday seemed like the perfect day to change this.

  

  

  Hiking alone is great, and I often prefer it, but when I’m alone I don’t have anyone around to capture my true beauty as these candid outtakes showcase. The rain was a nice touch giving me a true drowned rat look.

  

  

  My name is Brittany, I am 28 years old, and I have zero shame. 

  I chose an easy hike, only 4 miles RT taking two hours of our time. This time of year I tend to stay away from the snow packed peaks, I’m still traumatized from this adventure.

  

  I’m humbled when I embark on a hike that was once easy as slicing pie, and find that it winds me. Instead of letting this destroy my mental peace I use it as motivation to get back to a place of strength that I know I am capable of. This hike was doable, and I surely could have kept going, but there were moments I found myself out of breath.

  A few days prior I embarked on a local 9.5 mile RT hike, one that took 4 hours. This hike was tiring, but in different ways. Just as running challenges different muscles than swimming, hiking trails of differing elevations and distances challenges different areas of my body. My birthday hike challenged my heart rate more, and the longer local hike challenged my hip flexors more. I love variety.

  

  Local hike views.

  

  I bought myself a new pair of day hike shoes thanks to REI’s garage sale. They were worn maybe once, and returned because they were “too heavy.” Similar to my previous day hikers I snagged these hideous pink/red walkers for $100 less than what they would have been brand new. Sold. I tested them out on the 9.5 miler, because I like to test my pain threshold.

  

  I love birthdays because they remind me that life continues to fly by, even when we feel like it’s stagnant. It’s never too late to take control of what we want to do with our time, who we want to spend it with, and how we plan to achieve happiness.

  As each day passes for me I become more in tune with what I want my life to look like, but my favorite part is that I become more accepting of the inevitable changes life entails. The ups and downs are all necessary, the emotions and trials we experience are normal, and the gut feelings we have are usually right. They all work together to write the stories of our lives. Are you living yours in a way that others would want to read about?

  Q: What’d you do for your last birthday? Post hike I ate my body weight in Thai food, and regret nothing. Autoimmune diseases take a back seat on birthdays. HA.

  

  | 74 Comments Tagged Birthday, Coffee, Cupcake, Explore, Hiking, PNW, Rattlesnake Ridge, Vegan

• The Grand Forest – Making Friends with Ferns

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on February 2, 2017

  I arrived at the forest around 10 am. I would later discover this time was comparable to the third bowl of porridge that Goldilocks tasted-not too hot, and not too cold. This arrival time was not too early, and not too late.

  

  Arriving at 10am meant there were other cars in the lot, but still a few spaces left. The parking is minimal here, and although I wouldn’t mind parking on the street, I do enjoy securing a space within the confines of an area where fast moving cars cannot nick the side of my vehicle. Other cars in the lot meant there were other people exploring the woods, which is a comforting sign for a solo adventurer.

  Cars in the lot, but a space left for me. Not too hot, not too cold. 

  

  I’d not yet explored this forest, but upon my arrival I was immediately overcome with feelings. Feelings of joy, feelings of excitement, feelings of energy, feelings of adventure. How had I lived so close to this forest, yet never stepped foot on its soil?

  

  These woods provided the illusion of being deep within the heart of a forest nestled below the mountains, but with a close proximity to the nearby roads. A common fear of solo adventurers is being so secluded that if something were to happen no one would know. These woods engulfed my being, but provided the comfort of safety should I need it.

  

  I arrived at the forest planning to walk, but the abundance of energy I received provoked me to run. Not hard, and not far, a simple thirty minutes which turned out to be one of the best runs I have had in a long time. The depths of the forest has a way of slowing down time. I didn’t focus on pace, I didn’t focus on distance, I simply focused on movement. What felt good, what didn’t? Time moved quickly and slowly all at the same time.

  

  The trails of dirt wove in and out of each other, reminding me of my childhood reading. I used to read books that allowed me to choose my own ending. “Go to pg. 167 for this kind of ending, or go to pg. 285 for this kind.” It allowed me to read and reread these books with a new story each time. The paths of this forest gave options that allowed me to cross similar paths from different angles, providing the continued illusion that this forest was larger than it really was.

  

  I crossed paths with a few people, but there was so much space between us all that it was easy to feel alone. My favorite. This came in handy for me when my run took a turn for the worse. Everything felt great, but I had consumed a beautifully balanced cup of coffee before arriving at the trail. I gave no extra thought to this decision as I allowed the full bodied notes of cocoa and nuts slide off my tongue. It was a harmony of flavor I tend to get lost in.

  It had been a while since coffee and running decided to scheme against me, but on this day they had. 

  

  There I was in the heart of this forest, with nothing but my car keys and a sense of endearment for my surroundings when the stomach discomfort hit me like a ton of bricks. I had no where to go but deeper among the trees. I prayed that the corner of earth I chose to stake claim of would provide me with enough privacy to release the demon within my gut.

  Runners trots are no joke my friends, there is no shame in this game. 

  

  I grew a new appreciation for ferns this day, we bonded on a level I hope never to bond with them on again. I can still feel the spores on my skin. I left a piece of me in the forest that day, and we are tied together in a way I’ll remember forever. Thankfully for the forest, ferns have the ability to absorb pollution. I love plants.

  

  Post expulsion I wandered the woods for another hour before calling it quits. I came upon abandoned sheds, the above tiny house nestled in the bushes, trails I didn’t get time to step foot on yet, and the below viewpoint. As I approached my car, others were waiting to claim my spot. Others had arrived to partake on their own adventure, I wondered if theirs would be similar to mine.

  I look forward to my next adventure in the Grand Forest, the trees and winding paths quickly became a local favorite, but next time I think I’ll finish my coffee before I leave.

  

  Q: Have you ever become one with the forest this way? Insert the *laughing with tears* emoji.

  

  | 33 Comments Tagged Adventure, Explore, Hike, PNW, Running

• S-NOOOOO

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on November 24, 2016

  My hiking adventures are coming to a stand still. Not permanently, but I can’t say I’m a fan of the snow and the white blanket of death is upon us.

  

  

  He loved it. I did not. Snow was not expected when we ventured to the mountains last week, but neither was getting stuck in the mud. The weather was dreary, but that’s not enough to stop me from an adventure. The plan was to explore a new trail, but plans quickly changed.

  The gravel road to the planned trail head was in terrible condition. We’re talking multiple mini lake like potholes, and soft mushy earth. This spells disaster when driving a car not equipped for the mountains. Fear swept through my body the entire time we attempted to find the trail head, fear we wouldn’t get past the mini lakes, fear we would glissade in the soft earth losing control of the vehicle and plummeting down the narrow side of the mountain, and fear the car would get stuck.

  Then, the latter happened. 

  

  After ten-ish minutes of heightened driving, the car got stuck in the mud. Momentary panic passed through our bodies, and after a few pedal to the metal attempts we were able to slip and slide out of the mud. We decided it was best to go to a trail we knew would be less sketch. With Jesus music blasting, and only a few external screams (with many, many internal screams) we made it back to the main road.

  Praise. 

  A tried and true trail, Mount Zion is not a difficult climb. 4.6 miles RT and a mere 1300′ gain, with the max elevation at 4274′. Typically I find that snow hits around 4500′ and above, but I stand corrected. Among all the snow was an abundance of Usnea, aka Old Man’s Beard. Known for its effects against certain bacterium, it can be used to fight sore throats, skin infections, inflammation, and more.

  So we ate some, because why not? 

  

  and yet, he’s wearing shorts.

  Quick and to the point, this trail provided just the right amount of burn. The snow covered the top completely (more so than in these photos), but there was only about an inch. Nothing we couldn’t trudge through. Any higher in elevation and a change of shoes would have been necessary. I begrudgingly accepted that winter is here.

  One perk of winter – my Friday evening commute, which gives me the below view. 

  

  We shall see how many more hikes I attempt above 4k’ this winter. Never say never.

  Q: Do you like snow? 

  

  | 70 Comments Tagged Hike, Mount Zion, PNW, Winter

• Talapus and Olallie Lakes

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on October 27, 2016

  Washington has had rain on the radar for the last week or so, but on the not so rare occasion the forecast is wrong (aka it’s always wrong) I take advantage of the incorrect report. Last weekend, October decided to play nice and remind me why it’s my favorite month.

  Crisp and cold air, with bright shining sun.

  Where’s the best place to go on a chilly yet sunny day? The mountains, for a lake hike. One lake is like a pancake, two lakes is like a waffle. I like waffles more than pancakes so when I find a hike that gives me not only one lake, but TWO within the adventure I’m sold!

  
  

  Social media never ceases to amaze me in its ability to bring people together. After many months of following each other on Instagram, Cailey and I met in real life a few weeks ago. She was just the spunky, upbeat hiking companion I was looking for, and she and I embarked on this quest together.

  

  Did I mention how amazing Washington is during the fall? This trail was very mild, which was a welcomed change from some of my typical hikes. 6.2 total miles and a modest 1,200ft elevation gain allowed my mental focus to soak in the trees around me and digest the conversations about food, dogs, and life.

  

  It didn’t take long to arrive at the first lake, and it showed up sooner than expected. I almost didn’t see it tucked down to the left of the trail, but after walking towards the opening trees I was enamored.

  A horseshoe like view with a dip in the middle of the mountain gave an awe worthy sight. A man and woman were to the left of us, enjoying a snack with their dog. If it weren’t for them, I’d not have realized this was the first lake. Often times on these hikes there are mini “lake like” bodies of water scattered among the trail, and I almost mistook this for one of those.

  

  In order to get the above photo I had to billy goat my way across a handful of wet logs. I saw my life flash before my eyes multiple times, and by my life I mean my body soaked from lake water. #worthit. I’ve perfected the billy goat, reminds me of this adventure…

  

  Another mile and some change up the path led to the other lake of the day. One thing I love about this area of trails is that there are many paths that intertwine together, making for endless possibilities. I had to laugh when I saw the sign that pointed towards Pratt Lake, also known as “the lake I thought I may die at.” #dramatic

  

  I plan to go back to Pratt Lake someday, but this trip was dedicated to finding Olallie Lake. At no point on this hike did I loose my breath to the point of not being able to speak, but my heart rate elevated a few times and my clothes needed a good wash when I came home.

  I sweat at the drop of a hat.

  

  Sunshine says summer, jacket says fall. 

  

  

  A beautiful day in the mountains with exceptional company. Filling my lungs with the open air and surrounding my sights with green sets me up for a week of success.

  Q: Would you balance on rickety logs to get a better photo?

  

  | 46 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Lake, Olallie Lake, Olympic Mountains, PNW, Talapus Lake

• Port Madison, Bainbridge Island

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on October 24, 2016

  Last week I found myself in the middle of a beach house community nestled on an island in Washington State. I visit this island often, but I tend to stay on the main roads. I travel here to commute to work each day, but I haven’t explored the heart of this city until recently.

  I have a friend that’s house sitting in one of the beach houses, giving me the excuse to explore. The houses wrap around in a curve shape hugging the Puget Sound on one side, and a lake of some kind on the other. These houses are quaint, but cost enough to fund my tiny house dreams for years.

  

  The time was 5:00pm, and the sky was putting on a show full of cotton candy clouds. The reflections had me enamored with the views. While walking to the nearby beach, I noticed an otter running up the road. I’m not sure where he was heading, perhaps the local supermarket, but he was clearly taking a break from the cold waters.

  The otter was just the start of the National Geographic episode I found myself in. Minutes later while balancing on shore washed logs, and sipping on my very first La Croix I witnessed a pod of killer whales in the distance.

  

  I almost didn’t notice the whales, but the steam like projections coming from the middle of the water gave them away. Washington is known for killer whale sightings, but I’d never seen them until then. They were too far for a photo, but the old faithful like streams shooting to the sky will forever be burned into my memory.

  As if the otter and the whales weren’t enough to elicit a sense of navigating the wild, a bald eagle perched high in a tree caught my eye. He was also too far away to photograph, and nearly too far to see, but his white head among the dark branches gave away his location.

  

  Split down the middle.

  I’m not usually a beach person, but when they are close by I find myself getting lost in the sounds of the waves. The crashes against the shore in the darkening light bring a sense of peace to my soul like falling asleep in front of a warm fire on a cool autumn evening.

  

  Next time you find yourself in need of being one with the wild, venture to an island and see what adventures you get yourself into.

  Q: Ever seen a whale outside of the TV box? The zoo doesn’t count.

  

  | 54 Comments Tagged Bainbridge Island, Beach, Explore, PNW

• Living for the Weekend

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on August 8, 2016

  I cannot remember the last time I had a schedule that gave me real weekends. You know, the ones where you have those two days in the week that start with “S” free to do whatever you choose. I used to have sassy mental thoughts towards those that would ask me, “what are your plans this weekend?” To which I would often reply: “I’m working.”

  

  Savoring this morning commute before winter comes.

  Now I can finally say I look forward to my weekends, and I already have a mini routine set up for the time away from work. I do use some time for homework, but I also make time for play. Monday through Thursday I try to get home and be in bed by 8:30, but once Friday comes I’m more apt to do crazy things.

  Like drinking nitro cold brew coffee at 5pm

  

  I loose my morals with this stuff, it’s that good.

  Saturdays I try to sleep in, which for me is waking up around 6am. This allows me to have a calm morning before jumping into errands. Summer months are the perfect time to utilize shopping local, so Saturday mornings I go to the farmers market for my week of produce.

  And for these VGF muffins that are divine. 

  

  Sometimes I run, sometimes I don’t. It all depends on my mood and plans for the following day. Sundays I enjoy going to church, but sometimes I take off for a trip to the mountains. Last weekend I headed north for a lovely 8.5 mile solo hike to Melakwa Lake.

  

  

  

  This hike gave me all the feels as I sat and savored the scenes around me. I was a bit chilly one I got to the lake, but I still sat in silence for about 30 minutes, which is longer than I typically stay at the destination of my hikes.

  This weekend was the same, Saturday I hit up the market and finished all my school work. Sunday I set out for a hike, but the universe had another plan for me. I typically drive 2 hours to get to a good hike, and an hour into my drive my tire pressure light came on.

  

  I filled my tires with air, but the light didn’t go off. It then started to pour down rain. I somehow got the feeling I wasn’t meant to go on a hike, and instead went to Costco to have a professional check out my tires. I got the green light that they were fine, headed out for a 4 mile run, and refueled at Whole Foods with vegan lasagna, roasted veggies, and a brownie.

  It’s a great feeling when your mind is at peace. You start to care less about eating two muffins in one day (I had to make up for lost time, I missed the muffin man two weekends ago at the farmers market), you start to appreciate little things around you, you start to do things you didn’t used to do, you start to make friends with people you typically wouldn’t talk to, and you let things like missed hiking adventures roll off your back.

  

  On that note, happy Monday.

  Q: Do you have a weekend routine?

  

  | 77 Comments Tagged Hike, Lake, Melakwa Lake, PNW, Starbucks, Vegan, Weekend

• Mount St. Helens Summit

  Posted at 8:00 AM by Brittany, on October 22, 2015

  I find great joy in standing on the peaks of mountains.

  

  I find even greater joy when it takes every speck of energy I have to get there.

  

  There are two large and active volcanoes that are very well known in Washington State. One of them is Mount Rainier, which I’ve visited twice now, but to summit Mount Rainier it takes training, and somewhat extensive planning.

  

  The other one, a bit more “active,” a bit more rugged, but a bit more accessible is Mount St. Helens. This has always been on my list of “must climbs,” yet wasn’t on my radar until I got a text two weeks prior to the climb that went something like this.

  “Hey, I’ve got two permits to climb Mount St. Helens on October 17th, do you want to go?”

  

  You don’t have to ask me twice. After requesting the day off, finding a hotel for the night before, and packing my bag FULL of food I was ready.

  

  The beginning of the hike was mild, I like to think it was the warm up before the real hike. Only 1000ft elevation spaced over two miles was more than manageable. Once we hit 4800′ though, not only were permits required, but perseverance was too.

  

  

  Just past the tree line were the first signs of a blow. Back in 1980 this active volcano erupted causing a catastrophe that killed many people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses. It is now known as one of the deadliest active volcanoes.

  Awesome.

  

  It was past this tree line that the hike really began, starting with the above field of boulders. With nothing but a handful of trail markers to guide us it was a bit of a puzzle to find where to go. What I knew for sure was that “up” was a solid direction.

  

  Like where’s Waldo, stick version.

  The boulders were fun, though a bit sketchy at times. The vertical climb was more mental than physical at this point of the hike. Each step needed to be precise to ensure avoiding any loose rocks.

  

  After 2500′ of ash pumice boulders, the final stretch came into sight. This is when the weather started to take a turn. The rain started to fall and the wind got stronger. From this point to the top it was a complete mental sludge.

  

  There was so much loose ash and rocks it felt like one step forward, two steps back. I had to keep my head down because anytime I looked up I was convinced I had made zero progress. I never wanted to stop, but I was definitely tired and cold.

  After sludging for what felt like lightyears I passed a girl that said something to me that lit a fire under my feet. She was struggling just as hard as I was yet with a smile said to me, “you can only go up for so long right?”

  Damn right, and thank you for that.

  
  After four hours, 2 bananas, 2 kiwis, 2 Kit’s Organic Clif Bars (obsessed), 2 servings of pumpkin seeds, and an apple – the crater from the eruption was found.

  

  I didn’t stay at the summit for long due to frozen hands and a thick fog cover, but the 10 minutes I did stay were 10 minutes of pure accomplishment.

  Photos don’t even begin to do this sight justice, but it’s all I’ve got.

  

  

  

  Unlike any terrain I’ve hiked before, and officially the tallest peak I’ve stood on (8365′) Mount St. Helens is my most unique summit to date. It also fueled my soul for more. I want to hit the 10,000′ spot on Mount Rainier so bad.

  The climb down was a bit of a cold blur, but provided a great view of the trees when we came upon the home stretch. It took 3hrs to get down making 7 hrs total.

  
  

  

  

  I’d like to thank the trail markers for keeping me sane, and lost in the right direction.

  

  From death comes life and despite the destruction the eruption caused, life is slowly but surely coming back on this volcano.

  

  Oh, and before I forget – shout out to the volcano for not erupting again on October 17th, I wasn’t quite ready for that.

  

  Q: What gives you a huge sense of accomplishment?

  

  | 54 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Mount St. Helens, Mountain, PNW, Volcano

• Mount Rainier – Reflection Lake

  Posted at 7:35 AM by Brittany, on August 20, 2015

  My last trip to Mount Rainier was so monumental I couldn’t get back there quick enough. To round out the end of my 4 day weekend I wrangled up a hiking buddy and headed south. Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to Rainier we go!

  

  

  The weather was a perfect 75ish in the mountain range, with sun sun sun. The only clouds in the sky waited to make an appearance until we were ready to leave.

  How kind, I made sure to thank them before we left. “Thank you clouds.”

  

  This time I took a trail that led away from the mountain through fields of wildflowers, marmots, and enough chipmunks to build me a Cinderella like dress. The destination was Reflection Lake, I’ll let you figure out how it got its name.

  

  

  Round trip we probably meandered for about 7 miles and ended up being spit out onto the road, where we discovered Reflection Lake was a spot most people drove to.

  What can I say, I like to do things the hard way.

  

  I’ve decided Rainier is one of my top spots for adventure these days. The endless trails enveloping this mountain require days of exploration.

  One of my goals is to hike up to Camp Muir, the highest point you can climb without a climbing permit. Muir sits at a lovely 10,080 ft, and is a grueling 8 mile round trip climb. I hear it’s harder than a half marathon. Perhaps it’s a good thing I’ve got six of those under my belt.

  

  After I accomplish Muir, to the top I must go.

  Post Rainier shenangans my hiking partner was hung-ray so we stopped for a road side burger. I noticed a guy picking what looked like small green chickpeas from a nearby flower plant, and naturally had to inquire about what he was doing.

  

  Turns out they were seeds for the above flower known as NASTURTIUMS. “One of the few edible flowers in this area.” And then he ate one…so I ate one too. Nothing like trusting a stranger at a small town burger stop eating flowers.

  HO-LY SPI-CY. Like, peppery spicy. I Googled the flower and sure enough the flavor is described as: “peppery spice similar to watercress.” I don’t think I’ll be sprinkling these on my salads anytime soon. First hiking to a location that you can drive to, second eating flowers with strangers, clearly I like to live my life on the wild side. 😉

  Q: Have you ever eaten edible flowers? 

  

  | 43 Comments Tagged Adventure, Explore, Flowers, Hike, Mount Rainier, PNW, Washington

• Mount Townsend Tumble

  Posted at 7:16 AM by Brittany, on July 23, 2015

  I’d been dying to get back to Mount Townsend since around this time one year ago. The way the snow sparkled atop the mountain peaks made my soul sing louder than a yellow canary, and I’ve literally thought about my last trip once every month.

  At least. 

  

  

  This time however, the snow was hard to spot. The hotter than normal summer we’ve been having must have melted it all away.

  

  

  This was a perfect example of how change is constant, which is funny because I mention something similar in my last post about this hike. Despite hiking this mountain during the same time of year, the views were slightly different.

  I did enjoy an apple in the sky though, just like last time.

  

  My friend and I got an early start to beat the heat this past Sunday, but I still felt the affects of the 90 degree stagnant air at a few spots. I’m a wuss with the heat.

  

  Quite the view at 6200 ft up.

  

  Sundays have become my day for adventure. I always have them off of work, and try to take advantage of them in any way that I can. Hiking is always my favorite choice.

  

  

  The trees are my happy place, even when I become so enraptured by them that I don’t see the large rocks in front of me. I took my first trail tumble, which was too close for comfort to a large ledge. It hurt like hell, but man was it comical.

  

  I’ll spare you the close up photo, but I’ll just say as I type this post my knee continues to throb. The first thing I thought of as I was going down was how much I regretted not purchasing the mini first aid kit each and every time I stepped foot into REI.

  I had it in my hand for purchase multiple times, yet always set it down. It’s now the first thing on my list for my next trip to REI. I rinsed as much as I could with the water I had, and continued the remaining 4 miles down the mountain.

  Lesson learned.

  

  Scraped knees aside this was a lovely way to spend the day. Four solid hours in the beauty of nature fills me with enough gusto to power through the week ahead.

  

  

  Until next time mountain trails, I’ll be prepared with band aids, antiseptic wipes, and a tourniquet. Just kidding on that last one, let’s hope I never need one of those.

  Q: Have you taken any trail tumbles?

  

  | 60 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Mount Townsend, PNW

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• BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long bike rides, deep connections, exploration, and lots of cucumbers.

• If this blog does not meet your standards, please lower your standards.

• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

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