Monday, May 26, 2008

Hiking the Olympics

Updates On What We Have Been Up To In May
episode 2 of 3


No, not in China.

We went to the Olympic National Park earlier this week. I felt like I was walking through the forests of Endor in The Return of the Jedi. The trees were impressive, the greenery beautiful, but you don't have to take my word for it.











MaryP is a hiker at heart. We drove about two hours to get to our first hike, passing an incredibly beautiful Lake Crescent with its teal glacial fed waters surrounded by steep mountains entirely covered by pine. Unfortunately we have no pictures of it. We got out of the car and put MaryP in our backpack carrier and hiked to Sol Duc Falls. It was raining (it's a rain forest) so we cut a hole in a garbage bag and used it on MaryP for a poncho. She couldn't run around, but she loved looking around, seeing the sights as we hike. I don't think I've ever heard her complain on a hike. I think that is saying something considering the two hour drive just before.

We then headed back to the Pacific Coast Highway (US 101) and headed through Forks (watching out for Vampires, Volvos, Quillute Werewolves and rusted pick-up trucks) to the Hoh Rainforest. There we saw a forest never touched by lumberjack saw or axe. Trees growing upwards of 300 feet in height.











This tree was a measly 190 ft tall when it lost its battle with gravity.


I was also able to go hiking up the Duckabush River Trail on Memorial Day with my old room mate from when I lived in South Carolina. It’s always fun to get out especially as a family and enjoy the wondrous natural creations around us. There have been neat things to see in Utah, Colorado, South Carolina, New York, Connecticut, and Washington. I hope that as our family grows more we can still get out hiking or camping to see these National Parks and appreciate God’s creations.

10 comments:

Lady said...

WOW!! What a beautiful place!!! The trees are gorgeous and I am so happy that Mary P is such a trooper. That rushing water was a bit scary to me. I wouldn't trust my family near it. I'd be afraid one the kids would slip and fall in and be carried away. Rushing water is a big fear of mine! Thanks for those beautiful pictures.

Jamie & Ryan said...

Absolutely breathtaking! I hope Ryan and I get to go there someday!

alison said...

It's definitely beautiful! I'm glad your family could enjoy those rivers and forests!

Anonymous said...

So ... did you see any rusted pickup trucks?

Anonymous said...

Beutiful.
J
The landscape... not me.

Lilly said...

I found your blog! Yeah!! I hope you had a good time tonight and that we didn't scare/overwhelm you too much. We can get a little crazy! I was so glad you came! See you on Sunday!!

Danae said...

I found your blog from Jenn's! We are having so much fun getting to know your family better!

Anonymous said...

WOW! That is awesome scenery! How wonderful that MaryP was so cooperative/loved being out hiking with you. It's nice when the kids let you enjoy your pass-times!

B

Princess Gerty said...

Wow. What a beautiful adventure! I am so glad MaryP was so cooperative! She is so cute!

chellae said...

These pictures are beautiful. We discovered a great little nature preserve right up the road from our house this week. Wait till your little one can really walk for herself. These pics remind me of Congaree State Park in SC. We miss you guys. Hope your well. Want to meet up in Utah the first week in July? We'll be there.