The Old Man

Yes it was D's birthday when we went on our weekend adventure, but he is not the old man I refer to. We went to see Mt. Rainier up close and personal this weekend and it was so worth the trip that we want to go back soon (of course we have to go soon because when the snow starts you have to use chains to get up and neither of us know how). We left close to 11 and hit the base of the mountain about noon. We stopped numerous times for picture and "lets go see that" breaks. It was all just so beautiful and amazingly large. We hit our destination a bit after one; Paradise is the lodge/visitors center that is 5600 feet up and its name is fitting.

Sunday was cloudy so we couldn't see the peak which confused E and seemed to frustrate him. I am not sure G ever truly caught on that we were on the mountain that we look at all the time. M was not a happy camper; he had a really cranky day made worse by the fact that there were piles of snow still around and he got very panicky around the snow. I should have taken a video of him tensing and then screaming every time he saw the stuff. Here are a few pics to show some snow that was still left, and two scenic shots.

After lunch we walked to Paradise Inn because we have seen it on a TV show--- renovations have just been done and it looks beautiful. In the Inn parking lot we saw a fox---- strange and a bit sad that it was so used to humans. E and G wanted to pet it; I think D may have held G back while I took the pic because he loved it so much.

Next we decided to try a short trail. We chose one that was 1.2 miles, close to the Nisqually glacier, and a loop so there was less chance to get lost. Some of the trails are paved and this one was so we could take the stroller. What we didn't anticipate was how much snow would still be on the trail. D was a hero for carrying the stroller over snow patches with snowaphobic M screaming and thrashing all the way. The views of the glacier were worth it though. Here is a pic of the Nisqually glacier; glacier note: the glacier is the brown mound at the top of the gray rock area, portions are covered with fresh snow which is white. Over the past few years these glaciers have actually grown a bit with record snowfalls and cooler summer temperatures. What looks like fluffy cloud at the top of the picture is fluffy cloud--- there was an exact line where they started.


It was getting late by this point in the day so we headed back down the mountain by car. We stopped about halfway and got this shot of Rainier popping his head out of the clouds to say goodbye to us; he must know we are huge fans of his.

There are no words for seeing this in person. You all simply have to come and see it. I am adding two more pictures of scenic views.

I'll end with a video we made while walking the trail to see the glacier. I gave E two things to mention (Nisqually trail and Rainier) and he took it from there. As much as the child hates to have his videos posted he is really good about telling what is happening and can talk and fill time like a pro.

love and hugs and there are still openings at the Joyner bed and breakfast.

B