Going Back to Cali...No, I Don't Think So.

We enjoyed a visit with brother Shawn and sister-in-law Lori in Port Hueneme, California. It was good to see them and their home & life of the past few years...and now they are off to Florida.

Tara, Josh, and 4-year old Pekay were there too. So, of course, we went to Disneyland! It was a first time for Brandon, Josh, and Pekay so it was a ton of fun.

 This little trooper made a full day at Disneyland...she looks a little tired here.

I wish I had the pic of us on Space Mountain...we're all screaming except for Pekay, who appears to be gazing at the stars in calm wonder. When we left that ride, she commented, "I didn't know I could fly!"

We also had to visit Venice Beach to see the interesting people. After walking down the boardwalk, Brandon & I were both grateful that we live where we do...no crowds, no thugs, no need for security to deal with regular fights, etc. Instead, we have isolation, snow, and ski bums...just our style.

 A 9-year old who won a world breakdancing comp the day before

Street entertainers (see dude flipping over the line of bent-over people)

A Swing in the Woods

The snow is falling heavy now...think the long-awaited winter is here. Here are a few pics from home.

Chikamin Peak, from our living room

A couple weeks ago, I came home from work and was so excited to find my world blanketed in snow. I'm still like a little kid about snow...so, I ran inside to change clothes and get out for a walk. I walked in the evening light, watching the small flakes fall past my face and hearing the crunch of the snow beneath my feet.

Along my path, I found a wooden swing hanging from some large trees and swinging out over the cross-country ski trail below. So, of course, I had to stop and swing beneath the snow-laden boughs.

Last of Fall

We headed to Leavenworth for a camping overnighter and some climbing, catching the last of the fall season. It was surprisingly cold but clear and beautiful. You all know already that I'm a bit obsessed with the beauty of trees. And, while we were in Leavenworth, we climbed a fun multi-pitch route called 'The Tree Route'. So, in honor of trees...

B looking contemplative...

B didn't like the chimney pitch

but I thought it was awesome.

 B cramming gear in an under-cling

Midway tree

 This pitch was more of a scramble between trees...

 At the top

Ranger Carly's Last Gig

I spent a night in the woods with my sister last weekend. It was her last weekend in the woods -for the season- as wilderness forest ranger of the Leavenworth forest service district.

We haven't managed to hook up for a weekend in the woods for the past two years so it was great to get out together. I'm sure she agreed, especially b/c I add a certain amount of adventure to any camp-mate's sleeping experience. Apparently, I sat upright and screamed, "Oh MY GOD!" and then settled in back to sleep, while she was left with adrenaline pumping and fear of a hungry bear attack. Good times with Heather...this is pretty typical. ;)

We had one sunny day with great views.

We camped at Tops Lake, near the PCT.

...which leads me to the next topic: the Pacific Crest Trail, many an outdoorsman's life goal. A good friend is talking about trying to do it -the entire thing- this spring. Its not official or for sure yet but I look forward to helping out when she commits to it.

Carly & I ran into a guy, probably in his 50s, who was about to complete the PCT solo. It sounds like a pretty cool experience. Hiking for that long is bound to have an interesting impact on your body, mind, and soul.

Mountains & Desert

I tend to post only about trips so thought I'd post some pics of a typical, great weekend.

While Brandon worked, Melissa & I spent several hours picking huckleberries in the mostly-sunny mountains close to home. This clearly beat the hypothermic, wet conditions we've been picking in this fall. (It turns out that only Melissa & I are crazy enough to be out there in long underwear, fleece pants, and snow pants.)

We each got over a gallon!

Then, Brandon came home for a day so...we headed east for some sun. 

We must've misread the weather report b/c we were prepared for high 60s/low 70s and it turned out to be 81 degrees. I wasn't about to complain though...it's always so nice to note the bank of clouds hanging over Western Washington as you head home after having spent a day in the warm sun.