Easter Hike 2013-Flaming Geyser State Park

 

The geyser was a bubbling hole of mud, I understand sometimes there's a flame and sometimes there's bubbling mud, today was our lucky day. Sarah enjoyed removing her boots and going barefoot into the stream. Ironically, I thought this was supposed to be FLAT and like last year's Easter hike, we had some elevation ups and downs! The Mountain was out in full glory and the plum tree in my front yard in full gorgeous bloom.

What a spectacular day! Our Savior is risen! Thank you Lord for a fantastic day out in nature with my family!

Annual Visit Cherry Trees 2013

 

 

 

 

What a gorgeous day! There have been years that we FROZE under gray skies, but not today, it was nearly 70°F! We met Campbell in the Quad and couldn't believe how many people were there, both Ang and I said independently, "I've never seen this many people here before"! This year, our trip was the day before Easter on the first really super nice sunny day in spring...we didn't linger at the trees and headed to Red Square and down to the fountain where Sarah took photos of ducks and we played a rousing game of baseball with C!

We then headed to Ivar's on Lake Union, a favorite spot and then after leaving Matt & Ang to tend to a very tired Campbell, we finished off the evening with a trip to Menchie's!

Happy Easter (tomorrow)!

North Creek Park Boardwalk

Whoohoooo! Last hike of 2012 and first hike of Winter 2013! North Creek County Park Boardwalk (Mill Creek) is 2 miles round trip and virtually no elevation. About 40 degrees F today, should have taken hats and gloves to be more cozy. Love how Sarah is carrying her turquoise sequined purse and sporting bright pink sequined boots-such a contrast to the neutral hues of the park!

Gold Creek Pond

 

 

The goal for today was to get out on the trail for some fresh air and not get our feet muddy. I selected Gold Creek Pond just over Snoqualmie Pass. It turned out to be AWESOME for today, though I'd love to come back in the summer and see it against the blue sky.

The one mile path is PAVED around this manmade lake (used to be a gravel pit). POURING RAIN and totally FUN! It was cold up there, though and we saw a little (tiny) bit of snow, too. The lake itself is gorgeous and apparently quite deep. It was perfect because of the pavement-no mud. Even though we each had our own custom-trimmed garbage bag (!) we got pretty wet. Well, everyone except Sarah who enjoyed Gramma's umbrella.

The challenge was keeping the camera dry in the moisture-laden air, I'm going to have to think on that one. About half way around (we went counter clockwise), there's a peninsula. We walked out to the end. Gramma found a few rocks and the kids enjoyed "kerplunking" them into the water.

We decided to FORGET the picnic and head home...Gramma always packs terrific picnics and we all ate happily at home where it was warm and dry. :)