Bear Head Mountain

If you are looking for a nice trail to hike I would recommend Bear Head Mountain. The only word of caution is the last 6.5 mile drive to the trail head is bumpy and filled with lots of potholes. It took us 35 minutes to drive 6.5 miles.
But it's worth it not only when you get to the top but when you get out of the forest and you are surrounded by lush hillsides and the ever present view of Mt. Rainier. I can't wait to go back!

One year older

I love me a freebie and when birthday time comes around I am all over it. I started with My free Jamba Juice (Orange Dream Machine )and Auntie Annes pretzel fresh out of the oven (so convenient that they are located next to each other at Southcenter Mall)

I met up with Victoria and we went to the Scrapbook Expo at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. How nice of them to come on my birthday! It was better than expected and I picked up several die cuts that I have been wanting plus a little more stuff.

One of my favorite things to eat at the Fair are scones so I was surprised to see the scone truck sitting out in front of the Scrapbook Expo.

Nom, Nom!!

I have always wanted to try Machingo at Muckleshoot Casino. Funny how I lived in Auburn for 3 years and never went mainly because I don't like to throw my money away, but on your birthday they give you a player's card loaded with 1000 points so I played for free, woot woot! I didn't know that or else I would have gone last year too, ha! I ended up getting a free dauber and $10 worth of bingo cards to play.

So no winnings here, but I went out the next day and received my free scoop of ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Cotton Candy is yummy

And a free pastry at Panera. Lemon Drop Cookie was delicious.

Add to the list of sweets - a gift of Frans Salted Caramels by my boss and I was in sweet tooth heaven.

I finally ended the birthday celebration at a Korean Barbecue Restaurant. My mom and I had no idea at first what we were doing, but we caught quickly. So much meat!

Happy to say it was a really good birthday!

Noble Knob

Got another hike in the books last Sunday, woot! I met up with the trailsider group and hiked to Noble Knob. The hike was easy compared to getting there. I love unmarked roads, haha. Once we finally got to the trailhead we hiked easily to our lookout point. (5 miles roundtrip)

Happy 4th of July! Hope everyone celebrated the freedom we enjoy in our beautiful country.

Rampart Ridge Trail

Nothing feels as good as hiking boots on my feet, backpack on my back and somewhere to go. Last Sunday, I met up with Darrol to hike the Rampart Ridge Trail in the Mt. Rainier National Park. It's one of Darrol's favorite hikes and I could see why.  A five mile loop with an elevation gain that won't make you feel like you are suffering for one and two - the view at the top is so peaceful on a clear sunny day.

 Because this park is so family friendly, I encourage you to arrive early to avoid the large crowds.

 I think this special tree decided to take up yoga and wanted to do the reverse pose Viparita Virabhadrasana

 This hike started in Longmire.

 Vista view point. Wouldn't hurt if that tree decided to fall down.

 Mr. Chipmunk aka timber tiger decided I was easy pickings for lunch. He enjoyed all of my leftover nuts.

 When in Longmire, start the loop going left so that when you descend you see this instead of having it to your back.

 When I left the park at 2pm, the line to get in at the Nisqually Entrance was super LONG! Note to self: Good job for waking up early! I will be back soon!