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.

West Metro Mommy Reads

#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.

West Metro Mommy Reads

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 (including, of course, the biggie -- Mount Rainier): 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.

West Metro Mommy Reads

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.

West Metro Mommy Reads

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