Rattle Snake Ledge - Cedar River Watershed - 1/20/18

Today we already had plans to attend the Winter Workshop at the Cedar River Watershed, so we went early and climbed Rattlesnake Ledge before the event. This is a 1.9 mile hike with about a 1200-foot elevation gain. The ledge is a unique lookout, especially on a clear day, but even when the sky is cloudy. About 10 giant boulders dot the landscape on the hike up the mountain-side. We were greeted with snow at the top of the ledge, which added another element of fun. We would classify this hike as moderate, and would recommend it on non-peak days because it gets very crowded. After the hike was over, we met up at the Cedar River Educational Center for story-time and craft, today's topic: Rain. 

Claire, Levi, Jess - With Rattlesnake Ledge in the background.

One of a dozen boulders on the way up.

Sasquatch, dressed up as me.

Climbing up...

Don't fall...

Are we there yet?

View from the top.

A mountain top experience.

Heading back down.

Rattlesnake Ledge

Foulweather Bluff Nature Preserve Hike - Kingston - 1-15-18

Today we took the Edmonds-Kingston ferry (WSF) over to the North Kitsap peninsula for a day of adventure, exploring and hiking. Shown in the photos is our wonderful woods and beach hike through Foulweather Bluff Nature Preserve. The hike through the woods was calm and peaceful and the beach was just beautiful on this rare 55F and sunny January day. We found tide-pools with small crabs and anemones and turned over many rocks to watch the crabs scatter. The kids had a wonderful time searching the beach for treasure and we even found some live sand dollars. 

Our day also included a visit to Poulsbo, a fun little Norwegian town. We ate lunch at Cups, enjoyed treats from Sluys Poulsbo Bakery, and spent time in Liberty Bay Books. We also had a hard time getting Jess to leave behind Red Plantation antique furniture store. It really was a neat place with so many cool things to check out. Poulsbo was a super fun town and we recommend it on any sunny day.

Claire on the Ferry

On the Beach

Levi

Little Crab

Anenome

Sand Dollar

Madrona Trees

Mount Fremont Lookout Hike - Mount Rainier - 8/27/17

Today we were joined at Sunrise by friends Jill, Juliet, and August to hike to the Mount Fremont Lookout point in the Mount Rainier National Park. This 6.3 mile hike was a tough challenge for the kids, but they all did great and climbed the 800 foot elevation gain up to nearly 7200'. The weather today was hot and lots of sun. We made sure to carry enough water for everyone on this dusty trail. The Mount Fremont lookout post was built in the 1930's to serve as a fire lookout, and was a fun place to visit and explore. The location offered a 360 degree view of the mountain and surrounding areas. This hike is highly recommended for experienced hikers. 

Layers of mountains.

Most of the meadow flowers have lost their color.

Jessa, Jill, Juliet, and Claire.

The start of the Fremont Trail, at Frozen Lake.

The four kids, hiking together.

Frozen Lake with mystery red plant.

Mystery red plant.

The climb up the Fremont Trail.

A look back at Little Tahoma.

Great mountain views.

Rocky trail climb.

If you look carefully, at the end of the trail is the lookout tower.

A view of the mountain, from the Fremont Trail

Giant rock formations protruding from the other rock formations. Science.

Arriving at the Fremont Lookout Tower.

That's me.

In the lookout tower, getting some food in the bellies.

This was hanging in the lookout tower, interesting. 

Mr. Levi and Ms. Juliet, on the lookout tower.

Claire, on the lookout tower.

Sign at the tower.

On top of the world.

Interesting clouds forming.

A look back at the tower, from the trail.

Those beautiful red mystery plants again.

Levi, contemplating his next step.

A nice clear day at Sunrise.