Mount Rainier with Karl

So my awesome friend Karl came to visit this weekend and we were fortunate enough to get a sunny, clear day on Mount Rainier. Well worth the drive and a much better view than when Maggie and I went.

Rainbow at Narada Falls


My brand new beauty at the peaks at Paradise.

Mount Rainier peeking out at Reflection Lake

Finally came out in all its glory!

Olympic National Park - Cape Flattery and Elwah River (Day 2)

We stopped by Cape Flattery and the Elwah River on our way home. Cape Flattery is the most Northwestern point of the contiguous United States - and I've been there now!

Spectacular caves.



Elwah River

Olympic National Park - Lake Crescent and Shi Shi Beach (Day 1)

Last weekend, my roommate, Dan, and I went on an overnight backpacking trip to Shi Shi Beach in the Olympic National Park. It was amazing. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Lake Crescent


Large Spruce Tree at the Hoh Rainforest




Shi Shi Beach - The most incredible sunset I've ever seen, period.






Our massive driftwood fire - yes they were allowed.

The view opposite the ocean.

The largest sunstar ever to live. I think.



Dan's Deluxe Breakfast - Eggs, Ham, Beans and Rice - Makes for a heavy pack.

Wreck of Peter Iredale

So, I'm behind. Imagine that. Life's tough when you're a real grown up. I never did believe you all. Anyway, over the July 4th weekend I also went to a beach where an old shipwreck still exists. I don't know the whole story and I'm not about to bore you with it, but the pics are cool.

Full Ship


Sometimes I'm artistic.

Whoever can tell me what would eat the head of a seal and nothing else wins a free beer courtesy of me, when I return to PA.

Sunsets over Henderson Bay and the Olympic Mountain Range

It's a tough life when you have this view from your balcony at the end of every day.


I hope you all had a fantastic July 4th weekend!

Mountain Biking Excursion at Banner Forest - Port Orchard, WA

Last weekend I went exploring up at Banner Forest. There were miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. I was lost the entire time. I think I was on this trail when I made the video.

Some of the trails mapped out - thanks to mountainbikebill.com.

Caution: This may make you motion sick. It's pretty hard to video yourself while biking and trying not to fall.

Crazy tricks throughout the trail.

This pal joined me on the trail. He looked like a hybrid frog vs. praying mantis.