This was easily one of my most favorite days. Period. We decided that since Dad finally had a long awaited day off we would take advantage of it and go exploring. I had woke up at 4 am that morning, and decided to catch up on some much-needed cleaning...needless to say, as the day went on, things became funnier and funnier. I had a serious case of the giggles and we were cracking ourselves up the whole trip...
We left home, intersecting a parade and driving past homemade floats as we left, it was a great preview without all the shenanigans of finding a place to park/sit/ect... All was well until we realized we hadn't brought any food. Dippies. So, we stopped at the nearest deli, loaded up on corn-dogs and pizza sticks (the perfect brunch) and off we went.
We FINALLY-after two years of living here- took on "The Pass." Since we drove it on the move over I have BEGGED to go exploring. I LOVE it there. It's one of my favorite places ever. So much to see. Case in point, as we entered the woods Clint pointed out an animal crossing the road. What was it, you ask?... A CHICKEN! I, again, started into my laughing hysterics as Clint yelled out the window "Why? WHHHHHHYYYYY?!?!" The kids didn't get it. The existential question still remains unanswered...
Here's where we began.
Again, "Old Growth"= Andrea's happy place. Those big, tall, wise trees speak to my soul.
View from the lot...
The rundown...
Breath of fresh air...
My cute girl standing in front of a fallen tree, it's root system displayed.
We took the long loop. It was a perfect trek for a family.
Our first obstacle.
Mom and the babe.
Big tree and the little boy.
My favorite tree shot of the day.
My view. Pretty adorable.
Looking to the Heavens...
One of the coolest things about these Old Growth Forests is the diverse landscape between life and death. You can see nature in all its phases. From fallen trees branching new sprouts of growth to the bark eaten down into dust we walk on. It's one of those times that build faith in the great Creator of all things.
What a wonderful world.
The outlook.
My beautiful dolly, enjoying the ride.
Clint trying to capture a majestical butterfly- or doing the "summon the sun" yoga pose... one of the two. Either way, he's pretty butch.
The boys walking the path. Perspective.
Some flowers that sparked a memory of hiking with my Mom long ago...
Life and death...
Next? The drive up to the Falls.
Our bird friend. He was a beauty.
Sahalie Falls. AMAZING.
Video of the trail view to the falls.
This one shows the true color of the water. It was glowing teal. Beyond beautiful, I didn't want to leave.
Sheer power.
Viv drove home.
Until she hit a curb, then Dad took over again. Look at the fear in her hand gesture. Ha!! More giggling from sleep-deprived Mom...
Next?! Onto Lake Carmen where the fish were ABUNDANT!! Dad's happy place...
Duck friends... I still can't get over the color of the water here...
Hey, ducks. Cheetos? Doritos, perhaps?
Number one of three...
My fearless girl, she's become her Dad's little fisher-pal.
Clinton, Viv and Mom hanging out, soaking the sun up.
The view.
Even better view...
Serious adorability.
No. She could not get any cuter.
Enjoying the shade, until the thunder started rolling in...
Here it comes and back home we go.
Saying BYE to the last stop on our fantastical trip. Days like this can't get any better...
