Tag: Washington

• 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

• Solo Hiking – Why and How I Do it

  Posted at 8:40 AM by Brittany, on August 10, 2015

  Escaping to the mountains is by far one of my favorite things to do. I have a lifestyle that allows me to up and go practically anytime I want, but for others that’s not always conducive. Sometimes I make decisions last minute.

  

  Brittany, party of one.

  

  Fortunately for me, I sometimes prefer embarking on my hiking adventures alone.

  

  

  

  Melakwa lake was my recent destination of choice for a solo hike, an alpine lake nestled comfortably at the end of a 4.25 mi climb, and at 4600ft. On the way up my mind was being used to tell my lungs to inflate and deflate, but on the way down my mind filled with thoughts of why I enjoy solo hiking.

  

  

  There are many reasons why I hike solo, and there are also a handful of ways “how” I hike solo. While I know it may not be for everyone, it’s something I’d encourage if the thought has every crossed your mind. My only advice is to be prepared.

  Here are a few of my how and why’s.

  
  How(H) and Why(W) I Solo Hike

  • H: I always eat a large balanced breakfast. Always.
  • W: I love being on my own schedule, moving at my own pace, and venturing off on any (well marked) path I want.

  

  • H: I always read up on whatever trail I’m interested in before I go. Things like trail reports/conditions, distance, path information, things to expect and so on. This helps reduce any unknown surprises.
  • W: I work a job that requires a lot of talking, sometimes it’s nice to not talk. Aside from the greetings I provide fellow hikers. I crave alone time.

  

  The common stop spot for families. Thankfully the rest of the hike I was to myself a lot.

  • H: I tend to go on Sunday’s, a day I know there will be other hikers. I also go to hikes I presume will be populated enough that I’m not completely alone, but alone enough to have long stretches without seeing others.
  • W: Being alone means I don’t have to shower before I go, despite all the onions I ate the day before seeping out of my pores. I can also let any air trapped in my stomach escape. Beans, beans, the magical fruit.

  

  Fungus umungus.

  • H: I ALWAYS let someone know where I am going, and when to expect me home. By someone I mean my mom.
  • W: There is something immensely freeing about being alone on a mountain. Not like being alone in sketchy woods, that’s different. Being alone with nature (and enough fellow hikers that I feel safe from boogie men) gives me so much peace and I feel more alive in these moments than any other.

  

  • H: I always carry the essentials. Food, water, a knife, mace, a whistle/light, a poncho, nun-chucks, matches, sunscreen, my phone, beef jerky for Sasquatch. The knife I carry could use an upgrade though, if anyone wants to send one my way I’ll happily accept.
  • W: Independence, mental clarity, accomplishments, learning new things about myself, inner strength, inner peace, inner love–I’m a crunchy granola.
    

    Always in my hand, just in case.

  • H: My head is constantly swiveling, and I don’t get too lost in my thoughts. It’s easy to get distracted by all the beauty, but being aware of my surroundings keeps me safe. Falling branches are my nemesis.
  • W: I am my best when I feel strong and confident. I’m also my best when no one hears how heavy I’m breathing while climbing hills in 90+ degrees.

  
  

  • H: I always go early, ensuring that I have plenty of daylight should I somehow get off track. I also try to never get off track.
  • W: Solo hiking allows me to practice my terrible selfie skillz.

  

  I was going for 1980’s solo prom pose.

  

  

  • H: I listen to the cricket in my head. Pinocchio taught me not to listen to talking foxes, but also to let my conscious be my guide. The voice in your head and the feeling in your gut–listen to it. 
    
  • W: I can use the wilderness bathroom anytime. I can actually do this when I’m not solo too, but it’s a tad bit easier when I’m alone.

  

  

  

  

  I think that’ll do for now, but if you’re still not convinced solo hiking is for you I’ll leave you with this: No one will see you take the shoes you find mid trail.

  

  Just kidding, those weren’t my size.

  Q: Do you/have you/would you solo hike? If yes, what are your tips and tricks?

  

  | 65 Comments Tagged Adventure, Alpine Lake, Hiking, Melakwa Lake, Solo Hike, Washington

• Summer in the PNW

  Posted at 7:18 AM by Brittany, on July 16, 2015

  During the summer months, Starbucks likes to reserve Friday’s for themed attire. 90% of the time I want nothing to do with this high school nonsense because I am 80 years old and have no soul, but last week I was all about “Aloha Friday.”

  

  Mainly because this vibrant blue shirt is the most comfortable thing to wear second to my own skin. When it’s hot outside, black clothing raises the temperature at least 5 degrees, even when you’re inside. When it’s hot outside, I want to be somewhere cool.

  

  

  I’ve become that person that enjoys my days off more than I enjoy my days at work. This is normal for most, but I don’t want it to become a normal for me. I want to thrive in my workplace just as much as I do when I’m off exploring the mountains.

  

  On one of my days off last weekend I escaped to another town to spend the day with one of my closest childhood friends. I figured spending all my time with animals can’t be healthy, so once in a while I surround myself with my own kind.

  I’ve now met my human interaction quota for the month.

  

  Any restaurant that says “EAT” on the side has to be good.

  It was a perfect PNW summer day. We walked around a street festival, ate some food, and walked to the Ballard Locks. I had never been to the locks, and it was fun to play tourist in my own area. Plus the weather was perfect for wandering.

  

  Basically what this place does is keep the salt water of the Puget Sound, and the fresh water of Lake Washington separate from each other. It’s a spot for boats to cross over from the sound to the lakes in an efficient and safe way. Quite unique if you ask me.

  

  The big boats go in this spot.

  I would love to find a vocation that ties my passion for exploration together with my passion for food. I do love coffee, and don’t plan to leave my spot at Starbucks, but my mind wheels have definitely started turning.

  Oh the adventures of life. 🙂

  Q: Do you live for the weekend, or do you enjoy spending your time at work? I’ll blame the summer for my desires to be out exploring!

  

  | 47 Comments Tagged Explore, PNW, Starbucks, Washington

• Mount Rainier

  Posted at 7:46 AM by Brittany, on July 7, 2015

  Does anyone remember back in January when I had my first public, “I can’t even” moment? For those of you that don’t know what this means, (mom) it’s an abused phrase that I really can’t stand, yet found myself using…again.

  

  A phrase used when something is so monumental that “I can’t even” think of words to describe how I feel. All that comes out is “I can’t even.”

  

  I was so enraptured by the wonder that is Mount Rainier that I really had no words, just feelings. Lots of feelings. Like the kind you get when you are eating cake.

  

  I’d been wanting to make my way to Mount Rainier National Park for quite some time now. On most of my hikes this volcanic mountain is what I search for off in the far distance as it’s the highest mountain in Washington.

  It was indescribable to be this close to it.

  

  

  This park is so big that I was overwhelmed with where to start exploring. Thankfully I have adventurous friends that also like to explore, and when one of them asked if I wanted to go hike a specific trail I didn’t think twice before saying yes.

  Plus my dad appreciates when I take a buddy.

  

  

  

  Burroughs mountain trail brought me to the view in most of the photos above. I felt almost close enough to touch the top, yet we were only halfway there. The peak of this active volcanic mountain is 14,410 ft above sea level, and we were merely at the 7400 ft mark. We were like ants in a sea of evergreen trees.

  

  Because you gotta drink a Rainier while next to Rainier.

  

  Unless you don’t drink beer, then eat a Larabar.

  The Burroughs trail brought us to this view, but I wanted more. The thing about Rainier National Park is there are trails..everywhere. Literally days of exploration.

  

  A fire lookout sat atop an adjacent mountain, and I wanted to see the view from it.

  That was a great decision on my part.

  

  A perfect shot to celebrate independence day.

  

  This adventure filled my soul with 5 hours and 8.2 miles of mountain goodness. I can’t wait to get back and explore even more. Next time I want to camp.

  

  

  

  I started a pin collection, because I’m too lazy to work with patches. Now I need to get my fanny to more national parks and get my bag some legit bling. I also bought a mug because coffee tastes better in a good mug, and because I fell prey to the tourist traps.

  

  

  

  Yea, that coffee tasted like adventure.

  

  Q: Have you been to a national park in or near your state?

  

  | 70 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Hiking, Mount Rainier, National Park, Summer, Washington

• Mount Walker – Summer Sun

  Posted at 6:44 AM by Brittany, on June 12, 2015

  The weather in Washington is starting to look like summer. The days are hot, and the lack of AC in most places means for sticky, sweaty conditions.

  

  Check that sweat curl of hair by my face. Earned it.

  My fellow coffee slangin’ brotha from anotha and I escaped to the mountains on Wednesday after work, and by the time we got there it was 80 and humid.

  Thank God for the canopy cover of trees because it was H O T. The once snow capped mountains off yonder were as blue as a Southern crowned pigeon.

  

  As always, the view at the top made the steep grade worth ever step. Summer hikes are some of my favorite, simply because they are the most rewarding. Great things in life don’t usually come easy, and hiking is a perfect example of this.

  The hike here at Mount Walker is another one of my favorite solo climbs. If you squint real hard, you may be able to see Mt.Rainier in all her glory in the upper/middle left corner of the photo below. Any hike that highlights her beauty is a favorite of mine.

  

  

  Once upon a midnight dreary I thought I wanted to move away from Washington. How sad that would have been, I cannot imagine myself without these mountains.

  

  

  The journey down the mountain is almost always filled with thoughts of the day, thoughts of the views, and thoughts of food. Actually, the entire hike is usually mixed with thoughts of food let’s be real.

  

  I must have been extra hungry coming down this mountain, because my first thought upon seeing the above photo was food related. They look like some kind of red asparagus species, don’t you think? I tried to look it up, but couldn’t quite find it.

  The wild asparagus like plant sparked a fire in my stomach that could not be put out until fed. This inspired the most random food haul.

  

  Which turned into this.

  

  
  

  

  And the world spins madly on.

  Note to self: Buying a pea shoot plant was the best idea you’ve had all week.

  

  Q: What’s the weather like in your neck of the woods?

  

  | 67 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Mount Walker, Olympic Mountains, Vegan, Washington

• A Place of Zen

  Posted at 7:10 AM by Brittany, on July 11, 2014

  The older I get the more I realize how fluid life is, constantly changing and flowing in different directions. If you’re not prepared to bend and mold with the moving currents, reality tends to slap you in the face.

  

  

  As I stated a few posts ago, blogging has taken a bit of a back seat to other things in my life. Once upon a time I blogged every other day, but now I’m lucky to get 1-2 posts a week in. C’est la vie.

  

  

  

  Between work, school, and spending all my free time in the mountains I have changed my priorities around. Blogging has taken its place in hot seat number four. I stressed about this for all of 2 minutes before I reminded myself why I blog. I blog because I enjoy it, not because I have to.  Blogging is a hobby, to be done when I decide.

  

  

  My latest mountain extravaganza was one that I have wanted to check off my list for a few years now. I attempted to find this trail head in May 2012 (thank you blog archives) but was unsuccessful.

  

  

  

  I couldn’t be happier I tried again because this takes the cake for my favorite hike thus far. The Olympic Mountains have some of the most gorgeous valleys, and talk about breath taking views of the Cascades.

  

  

  Food tastes better up here.

  

  I literally sat in the same spot staring at these mountains for 20 minutes. I was waiting for Julie Andrews to run out from behind one of these hills singing about how they are alive, but she didn’t show.

  If I could build a tiny cabin anywhere in the world this is where it would be. I am either extremely under traveled, or I just adore the area I live in. I’ll say a little bit of both.

  

  

  I know I talk about it a lot, but hiking has really captured my soul lately. So much that I rarely think about running, and instead my thoughts are filled with high trees and snow capped mountains.

  It’s bizarre at times to think about how much my life has changed when it comes to running. I still love it (most of the time), but it’s not like it was when I first started. I feel like I’ve found something in hiking that I can completely call my own. Running has always had a slight connection to a part of my life that changed a long time ago.

  

  This is what I look like at 6280 ft, above the clouds, and with the sun in my face. OH and with a mountain sprouting from my head, look closely! Mt. Baker hat.

  

  I went to the bathroom near a bush with this as my view. I could get used to that.

  I’ve learned to change accordingly with my life as it continues to move forward. I have my moments of reminiscence, but I embrace each day for its own fresh start. Life is good, and I’m in a place of zen.

  

  Really what it all boils down to is perspective. Change your mind, change your life. The mountains look better when you’re at the top.

   Q: How do you handle the unavoidable changes life throws your way?

  

  | 44 Comments Tagged Adventure, Hike, Life, Mount Townsend, Mountain, Washington

• Shanked

  Posted at 8:59 AM by Brittany, on September 23, 2013

  Saturday night I went to the movies and saw Prisoners. I was thankful I emptied my bladder before the movie started, because I surely would have peed myself out of fear. Zombies and aliens don’t do it for me, but realistic events!? You can find me huddled in the corner with my thumb in my mouth for about three days after movies like this.

  The movie was great, and definitely had my mind racing after it ended. My mind continued to race when I went on a hike the next day. It was pouring rain outside, just like in all horror movies, but I didn’t let that deter me. I had my mind set on a hike, so off I went.

  

  Attempting to show the soaked parking lot. Please ignore my under eye bags the size of China, I’ve been tired lately!

  I was either a bad ass, or a crazy for going hiking in the middle of a down pour. I would like to pretend it was the former in this case. Throughout the hike I ran through every scary movie theme about stupid people going into the woods in the middle of a storm.

  

  Every crack, crumble, thud, or thunk had me spinning around in fear. I did not want to be lunch for a bear, and I also didn’t want to be thrown into a man made pit hole for the rest of my life. Ok I clearly watch too many horror films, but the paranoia has kept me safe!

  

  I’d like to think I look pretty scary, but let’s be real…so I try to come prepared.

  

  BOOM. Get shanked.

  I carried that knife up my sleeve the entire way (there was a cover on the knife, just in case I fell.) The knife is small, but it’s better than nothing. You can’t tell from this photo, but I assure you this is not a basic butter knife..it would do some damage to a small bear, frog, or salamander.

  

  Kidding about the last two. I couldn’t believe how close this guy let me get to him. I felt like a true Washingtonian getting soaked and welcoming the first day of fall with a nature hike! As you can tell, I made it home safe and sound without any attacks. Great success.

  

  Q: Do you get freaked out for dayyyyss after watching scary movies? I’m fine now, but when it’s dark out, or I am alone my mind races! 

  

  | 56 Comments Tagged Fall, Hike, Movie, Nature, Rain, Shank, Washington

• Exploration

  Posted at 10:49 AM by Brittany, on March 28, 2013

  One of my goals this year is to spend some quality time exploring my state. Having lived in Washington my entire life, I feel it’s time to really start appreciating all the beauty around me. Seattle is always an easy go to being that it’s only an hour ferry ride away, but there are still plenty of hikes, lakes, mountains, and restaurants that I want to explore!

  

  The trees in this city are different than in mine. Only an hour of separation, but completely different landscape. There are also new to me wildlife parks that make for great afternoon adventures.

  

  The sun was in hiding for the first part of this wildlife trek, but eventually made an appearance.

  

  There were birds, ducks, snakes, turtles, and lots of foliage to see. I’ve become a pro at identifying skunk cabbage, and could continue living contently if I never had to see or smell that stuff again..blech. Another smelly substance left me in fear every time packs of geese flew over my head.

  

  No body likes poop hair.

  I have walked so much this week that my legs feel as if I have run a half marathon everyday. It’s been a welcomed change from the constant running, and giving my knees a break every couple days has been nice. While I LOVE running in new areas, I find that walking helps me appreciate the scenery around me more.

  

  Spring time is a perfect time to start exploring, but I need serious fuel when it comes to hours of exploring. Spring time also means BRING OUT THE BBQ!

  

  Pre BBQ

  

  There aren’t many sights more beautiful than grilled veggies. Match made in adventure heaven.

  Q: Do you ever explore areas close to home, or do you prefer adventures further away? I like both, but close to home is easier to do on a whim! 

  

  | 56 Comments Tagged Adventure, BBQ, Exploring, Food, Grill, Running, Spring, Vegan, Walking, Washington

• Three Way “Cheese” Sauce

  Posted at 9:09 AM by Brittany, on February 22, 2013

  You know something is good when you use it not once, not twice, but three times in less than a week. I have found the most amazing “cheese” sauce recipe for my vegan friends, and those of you that enjoy vegan foods. I did not alter this recipe ONE bit, I left it completely alone..it is perfect. With that said you can find this nacho, movie theater like “cheese” sauce by clicking right here. Using water, cashews, nutritional yeast, red peppers, lemon, corn starch and spices…you get this.

  

  OH my gosh I died. I seriously died. My vegan body died and was reborn, all at the same time. I enjoyed this recipe with chips the first time I ate it. The very next day I made some mac and cheese.

  

  There are greens under these shells, but the shells steal the show.

  
  

  I have no complaints about this sauce. Not a single one. The ingredients are amazing. The third time, I made an enchilada/lasagna like creation. I love Pinterest.

  

  Before making that enchilada/lasagna, I earned my meal by going on my first hike of the year. It was COLD.

  

  Creep

  Despite the cold, the views were gorgeous.

  

  Maybe if we wore pants it wouldn’t have been so cold. Owell, I love my state!

  Q: Have you started hiking yet this year?  

  

  | 37 Comments Tagged Green Mountain, Hiking, Recipe, Vegan, Washington

• 

• 

• Search for:
• BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long hikes, deep connections, exploration, and lots of potatoes.

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

• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

• ¿Quieres Más?

  Like my witty attitude and delightful charm? Enter your
  e-mail below for the party to come straight to your inbox!

  Email Address:

  Follow the adventure

  Join 4,725 other subscribers
• 

•