Hike at Big Creek (#7)

We finally made it to Big Creek!  This was the first time Scott had hiked this particular trail, but it was my third.   The first time I hiked this trail it was with the Yoh! group way back on 10/22/11  and the second time it was just Corey & I when she was home for spring break on 3/18/16.  It is a really hilly trail with almost 1000 feet of gain in the first 1.9 miles.   Once you reach the top you cross over a couple of creeks, then it's 2.2 more miles down to the bottom.  In all it's a 4.2 mile loop.  Today we hiked a little extra at the bottom of the trail so completed about 4.5 miles in all.   We only ran into a couple of groups of folks so we had the trail pretty much to ourselves most of the time.  Afterward we treated ourselves to burgers and ice cream in Hoodsport. 

First of 21 bridges on the trail.

After this first mile it started to get REALLY hilly.  Most of the elevation gain was in the next .9 miles.

Taking a little break...we were pretty close to the top.  My face is so red!

We made it to the top! Crossing over Branch Creek.

Crossing Big Creek

Beautiful native rhododendron on the trail.

We made it back to the trailhead.

Coconut ice cream...so good!  After this photo was taken I totally almost dropped this cone on the floor.  Good thing I have good reflexes when it comes to ice cream!

Hike at Watershed Park (#6)

We were going to go to the Olympics today to hike at Big Creek, but Scott wasn't feeling very well so we decided to just hang out and run errands.  The sun kept beckoning us, though, so we headed over to Watershed Park in Olympia to get a short hike in.  We did 2 hilly miles in 45 minutes.  Not too bad considering it was HOT, HOT, HOT even though the trail is mostly shaded. 

Point No Point Lighthouse

We couldn't believe it was forecast to be so hot & sunny this holiday weekend so we decided it would be a great time to cross off a visit to a lighthouse from our 2017 Adventure List.  Yesterday we drove nearly 2 hours north to Hansville to tour the Point No Point Lighthouse.  What a beautiful little light house, and its location could not be more picturesque.  We enjoyed learning more about its history & walking around on the beach enjoying all the beautiful sunshine.  Afterward we drove to Kingston where we had lunch & an ice cream treat before heading home.

Mt. Baker in the distance.

So many beautiful Irises blooming...they must love that salty air.

The former light keeper's house which you can now rent.

Ladder up to the light.  Can't believe they used to have to carry buckets of fuel up there.  It was a bit precarious.

You can see a little bit of the light at the top.

We found some giant chairs in Kingston.

Black Hills High School Evening of Excellence

On Wednesday night Scott & I attended the Black Hills Evening of Excellence where they honor seniors for their academic achievements.  We are so proud of Gabby for all that she has accomplished in her 4 years at Black Hills High School.  She received several awards including:

• Staff Choice Award for Scholarship
• Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit
• 2017 BHHS D.A.R. Good Citizen Award
• Senior Class Top Ten
• Senior Class Top 10%
• President's Education Award for Educational Excellence
• Washington State Principals' Scholars Award for Academic Excellence
• Award for Completion of 8 AP courses (the most available at her school)

Yoh! Hike at Beacon Rock (#5)

Today 6 people and 2 dogs traveled to the Columbia River Gorge to hike a trail that has been on my bucket list for a while-Beacon Rock.  This trail is 1.8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 578 feet.  The highest point is 848 feet high with panoramic views of the surrounding area.  The trail has 52 switchbacks!  4 of us made it to the top-Teresa, Carrie, Scott & I-while Tammy and Stacey decided to do the River to Rock Trail because they were not crazy about the dizzying heights.  After Beacon Rock we also hiked the River to Rock Trail, but didn't quite finish before we ran into them on their way out.  In all we hiked nearly 4 miles.  So glad the weather was gorgeous & afforded us amazing views. Afterward we drove to nearby Stevenson for a delicious lunch at Walking Man Brewing.

 

So many switchbacks!

Carrie & Teresa w/Aspen

At the top!

Thanks Henry Biddle for the awesome trail!

Yes! We climbed to the top of that rock!

This sign totally lied, it was way further than .75 miles.

L to R: Scott, Teresa, Susan, Stacey, Carrie & Tammy