September 1, 2013 - Saint Edwards State Park Beach Hike, Kirkland Washigton

Today we went on a hike that was special for Jessica and her Mom. This is a hike they did very often as little kids years ago, and it was special to share that hike with Claire for the first time. We parked near the old Catholic Seminary building that is now part of the Saint Edwards Park and started off on the continuous downhill trail 1/2 mile to the beach on the shores of Lake Washington. We were joined by Nana Chris and Max the dog. Once we reached the lake, Claire was able to get her toes wet in the water and play inside a huge tree base. The walk back up was good exercise. There is also a very large play structure built in 2003 at this park near the seminary building.

Jessica, Levi, Luke and Claire at the start of the trail down to Lake Washington.

Seminary Building at Saint Edwards Park.

Claire inside the base of a large tree.

Christine, Max (dog), Jessica and Claire on the shore of Lake Washington.

August 31, 2013 - Twin Falls Hike at Olallie State Park, South Fork of the Snoqualmie River

The Twin Falls hike along the Snoqualmie River turned out to be our busiest hike of the year. With the combination of the Labor Day weekend, a hot sunny Seattle day, and this beautiful hike being only 25 miles East of Seattle; we were on the trail with many other adventurers. Also joining us on this hike was "Nana and Papa", Jessica's parents Chris and Jamie. The hike starts of along the South Snoqualmie River and follows along the river, with many up and down elevation gains. There are many spots along the way to leave the trail and go down the rivers edge. The Twin Falls were about 1.6 miles into the hike, and was our turn-around point. This hike is an out-and-back hike, not a loop. The bridge to view the falls is between the two falls, so one fall is below and one is above the bridge. The bridge is very narrow, and that made getting good pictures of the falls difficult. For over 3 miles, this was a good, athletic hike, and easily handled by Claire. This was a special hike for Claire, since she was able to share her hiking adventures with Nana and Papa.

      

Claire, Papa, Nana, and Jessica.

Claire peeks through a tree root growing on a fallen tree stump.

Claire and "Papa" Jamie, scale a giant rock in the woods.

Levi, Luke, Claire and Jessica on the bank of the Snoqualmie River.

The trail.

Adventure!

Upper Falls of the Twin Falls, the sun glare makes it hard to see the falls clearly.

Snoqualmie River.

Snoqualmie River.

Levi, Luke, Claire and Jessica on the bridge over the Falls.