Sandra Nachlinger's Blog, page 7

August 3, 2018

Emmons Overlook, #MountRainier - #SaturdaySnapshot

Last week I posted a picture of the White River near Greenwater, WA. Several days after that excursion, I joined the senior center group for a hike in Mount Rainier National Park and got a view of the White River at its source - the Emmons Glacier. (Click on photos to enlarge.) 


Our first good look at the Emmons Glacier
and the small lake below it.
A shady spot for lunch with a gorgeous view. Our hike had only 300 feet of elevation gain, but the starting altitude of 6,400 feet made the air a little thin. The trail to the overlook wasn't difficult, except for the last stretch that led to this viewpoint. Whew!
The view was worth the climb. That ribbon of white (lower left) 

is the White River. The lake really is that color. Beauty - no matter which way we looked. This trail was more fun to walk down
than up. We kicked up a lot of dust, too.
We took a short detour to explore Shadow Lake.
A selfie to prove I was there.
I love my new hat.
Even though I've lived in Washington State for fifteen years, I never tire of the sight of magnificent Mount Rainier. It takes my breath away! The views on this hike were truly amazing and worth the uphill trek.






More about Mount Rainier's glaciers and the Emmons Glacier in particular here: Glaciers
Info and map of hiking trails from the Sunrise Visitor Center here: Sunrise Area Trails



Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. To participate: Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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Published on August 03, 2018 22:17

July 27, 2018

Federation Forest State Park - A #Walk Among Giants - #SaturdaySnapshot

The official park service website describes Federation Forest State Park this way:

Federation Forest is a 574-acre day-use park with hundreds of acres of old-growth Douglas-fir trees, mature western hemlock, Sitka Spruce, and western red cedar. Its short, flat interpretive trails make the park an ideal destination for families with children.

The park is also the perfect place for a 3-mile senior center walk and picnic lunch. [Click on photos to enlarge.]


The trail names alone are enough to lure walkers and hikers into the park. Who could resist "Whispering Hemlocks" or "Wind in the Woods?"


We walked past towering giants that had been downed by fierce winds.

This stairway led us to a scenic picnic area alongside the White River. According to info I found online: The White River is a white, glacial river in the U.S. state of Washington. It flows about 75 miles (121 km) from its source, the Emmons Glacier on Mount Rainier, to join the Puyallup River at Sumner.


The white color is the result of glacial runoff.


On the way home, we stopped for a reward for our activity - delicious ice cream on the deck at Wapiti Woolies.


Info: Federation Forest State Park



Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. To participate: Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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Published on July 27, 2018 21:43

July 20, 2018

#Kayaks - #SaturdaySnapshot

This has been a busy and active month for me! The highlight of the past week came on Monday when I joined six intrepid adventurers from the senior center on a kayaking trip. 

This was my first attempt at kayaking, though I'd been a passive passenger on a two-person kayak once before. I'll admit I was a little bit apprehensive. Maneuvering the sleek narrow boat turned out to be much easier than I'd anticipated. Since I was afraid I'd drop my phone into the water (it was sealed in a plastic bag), I didn't take any pictures from the boat. Here's what I saw when we stopped for a rest halfway through our "voyage."
[Click on photos to enlarge.]


Our helpful guide taught us how to properly sit in the canoe, how to paddle, and how to turn, using the paddle and the rudder. At first, I held my breath every time the kayak wobbled, but after a while, I became more comfortable with the motion of the waves. The hardest parts for me were maintaining proper posture while in the kayak (legs in ballet's plié position for stability) and getting in and out of the small opening. (I have long legs.)


Mount Baker looks like a puffy white cloud on the horizon.


We saw quite a few eagles along the shoreline. They nest in trees near beach houses. Wish I could have taken a photo of one of them, but they didn't fly by until we were out in the water. One circled overhead as we headed back to the dock.


The reward for our vigorous exercise? Lunch at Doc's Marina Grill. My rockfish tacos were delicious. (There were three but I ate one before I remembered to take a picture.)


I wish we'd had time to explore Port Townsend's historic downtown, restored Victorian structures, and lighthouse. I'd love to stay in Manresa Castle, too. Looks like I have another weekend getaway to add to my bucket list.







Links to more info:
Port Townsend Tourism Guide




Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. To participate: Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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Published on July 20, 2018 23:28

July 13, 2018

Crystal Mountain Gondola, #MountRainier Natl Park, Washington - #SaturdaySnapshot

Another fun day in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! This excursion took us to Crystal Mountain Resort, near the northeast entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. We couldn't have picked a more perfect day to visit. 
(Click on photos to enlarge.)
We rode the gondola to the Summit Restaurant and
as we crested the hill, a glorious view of "The Mountain"
dominated the horizon. 
So magnificent that I couldn't 
resist taking a bunch of photos. 
The river looks white because it carries glacial melt.

Because the sky had few clouds and no haze, we were able to see all the major peaks: Mount Adams, Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mount St. Helens (what's left of it!) 

That's snow-covered Mount Adams on the horizon.
It kinda looks like another cloud!
No matter which way we looked, we faced an awe-inspiring view.Even the gondola mechanism didn't spoil this view.

Facts and Figures: Mt Rainier=14,410 feet
Perfect day.

Perfect views.
Good food.
Delightful company.
Who could ask for more?




Links to Resources: 
Crystal Mountain Resort / Gondola
Mount Rainier National Park



Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. To participate: Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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Published on July 13, 2018 21:39

July 6, 2018

Northwest Trek - #SaturdaySnapshots

Our granddaughter is spending most Wednesdays with us this summer, so we have lots of interesting plans in place. This past week we took her (and her mom) to Northwest Trek, Eatonville, WA, near Mount Rainier. The park features animals and birds native to the Pacific Northwest. Here are some photos from our adventure.





While my granddaughter did enjoy the birds and animals, the big attraction was the zipline. 




For more info about Northwest Trek, check out their website HERE.






Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. To participate: Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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Published on July 06, 2018 21:38

July 1, 2018

Rollin' on the River - #Sasee Magazine

Sasee Magazine is featuring another one of my short stories in its July issue. This one is about a family canoe trip on the Neches River in Southeast Texas. I hope you enjoy the ride!

Here's the link: Rollin' on the River


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Published on July 01, 2018 14:05

June 22, 2018

#Seattle Stairs - #SaturdaySnapshots

Seattle is hilly. Back in the day, when people walked from place to place, staircases were built to help citizens navigate the hills. Recently, the Auburn Senior Activity Center hikers tackled some of these stairways in the city's Magnolia section. What a workout! My thighs and calves were sure sore afterwards.

The senior center brochure described our outing this way:


MAGNOLIA STAIRWAY HIKE MILES: 5 RATING: 3 This hike offers spectacular views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and the Olympics. Historic stairways provide 327 steps down and 405 steps up. The route winds through a variety of neighborhoods from high end custom view homes to post WWII housing. The longest flights of stairs connect Perkins Lane, site of destructive landslides, to Magnolia Blvd. After completing the entire hike we will have the opportunity to dine in one of the many Magnolia Village restaurants.

Here's a sample of the ups and downs we experienced on this cool, overcast day, as well as views along the way.






Some of the stairs led us to beautiful neighborhoods.  I stopped to catch my breath after
climbing this. Whew! Seattle Skyline Some of the stairways are cloaked
in foliage. It's always fun to come across a little free mailbox. Cruise ships. Sailing for Alaska?


You'll find an interactive map of Seattle's stairways HERE.
Several books about Seattle's stairways have been published, too: 
Seattle Stairway Walks


Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. To participate: Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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Published on June 22, 2018 21:20

June 15, 2018

Olympic Sculpture Park, #Seattle - #SaturdaySnapshots

This past Tuesday I went on a lovely walk at the Olympic Sculpture Park on the Seattle waterfront. The site was a former fuel storage and transfer facility, and clean-up of the contamination began in the 1990s. The sculpture park opened in January, 2007, and is part of the Seattle Art Museum. It overlooks Elliot Bay of Puget Sound. 

The nine-acre park is adjacent to Myrtle Edwards Park and Elliott Bay Park, which our group also enjoyed. The parks are free and open to the public. Here's a sample of what I saw:

"Split" by Roxy Paine, 2003 "The Eagle" by Alexander Calder, 1971
Olympic Mountains in the background. Cyclists, joggers, families, school groups -- all enjoying a beautiful day Clever bench design. I don't know the artist's name. "Perre's Ventaglio III" by Beverly Pepper, 1967 "Schubert Sonata" by Mark di Suvero, 1992
This kinetic sculpture moves in the breeze.  "Echo" by Jaume Plensa "Father and Son" by Louise Bourgeois, 2004-2006 An inviting rose garden, too.


More info: Seattle Art Museum Map and Guide

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. To participate: Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.

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Published on June 15, 2018 21:17

June 1, 2018

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA - #SaturdaySnapshots

Called "The Gateway to the San Juans," Friday Harbor is one of those places I've been wanting to visit ever since we moved to Washington State. This past week that finally happened. We traveled with a group from Auburn to Anacortes, Washington, via bus and then walked onto the ferry and sailed to Friday Harbor. Here are a few photos of this charming town.

The town of Friday Harbor, viewed from the ferry dock.
San Juan Island boasts a population of just over 2,000 people.

We had limited time on the island (day trip), so we had to set some priorities. First thing: visit San Juan Vineyards! We hired a taxi and headed for this charming winery out in the countryside, about 10 minutes from the ferry dock.



The tasting room used to be a schoolhouse, built in 1895
and beautifully remodeled. 

The vineyard's previous owners built this chapel,
but it looks like it's always been there.

This small winery offers only four selections (fruity white wines) and they can only be purchased on the island. We tasted them all and brought home four bottles. 




I'm enjoying a glass of Siegerrebe
and a little sunshine.
After our wine tasting, we taxied back to town, had lunch, and ate an ice cream cone before boarding the ferry for our return trip.

Views from the ferry ride. The day started out overcast but slowly cleared and turned into a beautiful afternoon.






I'd like to come back again and spend a few days at a B&B, take a whale watching excursion, explore the town's many museums, and sample its restaurants. One afternoon definitely wasn't enough.

More info:
San Juan Vineyards Website
San Juan Islands / Friday Harbor Info
Rhode Trips Taxi & Tours Website


Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. To participate: Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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Published on June 01, 2018 15:05

May 19, 2018

What's In a Name? - #Hiking Trails - #SaturdaySnapshots

Since I love words and names, the designations given to hiking trails fascinate me. Some are named after naturalists, historical figures, or landmarks. For others, the source of the names is obscure.  

Cougar Mountain Trails: 
Anti-Aircraft Peak Trailhead at King County's Cougar Mountain Wildland Park was renamed in honor of Harvey Manning, a longtime open space advocate and hiking guidebook author.
FYI: During the Cold War of the 1950s, this area housed anti-aircraft missiles and radar.


Red Town Trail: A mining town by the same name existed here in the late 1800s. It served as a railroad depot where coal was transported from the mines to Lake Washington. Most of the houses were painted red. 
By the way, we walked on the "Wildside" too.



Rattlesnake Mountain Trail: An article in The Seattle Times says:  "The lake and nearby ridge are said to have gotten their inapt name from Seattle pioneer Arthur Denny when the rattle of seed pods on a nearby meadow frightened a road surveyor into thinking he was being attacked by a rattler. The surveyor didn't know there were no poisonous snakes in Western Washington."  

My online research didn't uncover the history of the name Dewey Lake. However, the Naches Peak Loop (pronounced "NAT cheese") is named after a Native American tribe. Anyone who has read Wild by Cheryl Strayed has heard of the Pacific Crest Trail.

The idea behind the name of the High Ridge Trail is obvious.  The pathway snakes across a ridge in Olympic National Park.


Are you as curious about place names as I am?



Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. To participate: Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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Published on May 19, 2018 07:29