I had been to Rialto Beach once before, as a child, but have very few memories of it. With the promise of good weather on the Valentines/Presidents Day weekend and a lack of snow in the mountains, we opted to head for the coast. Rialto may have just become my new favorite beach, despite the swarms of people even in February. The geology is so interesting to marvel at, and we were fortunate enough to do the Hole-In-The-Wall hike twice! These pictures are from Saturday and Sunday night.
An Unreal Morning at Kerry Park
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of being at Kerry Park for an incredible sunrise. Ten minutes before this scene began, all I could see was the trees and the base of the Space Needle. Other photographers had packed up and left, and I was so glad I stayed. It was just magical.
The fog begins to lift
I couldn't believe the light.
The fog leaves, and soon more sweeps in.
City Lights
We were able to make a trip downtown today, and what an amazing spectacle the city lights from Alki are.
Artist Point | New Years Eve
Weather permitting we do an annual snow camping trip every winter between Christmas and New Years, alternating between Paradise and Artist Point and this year it was Artist Point's turn. The pictures tell the story, and oh, what a story it was. Absolutely gorgeous wherever we turned our gaze.
I feel I should leave a disclaimer saying be careful out there. Snow can be dangerous, and people in this state die every winter in storms and avalanches. I don't recommend snow camping unless you are very well equipped and have experience dealing with the cold and snow conditions. In addition to avalanche danger, it's of course literally freezing. We put our mummy bags inside our double sleeping bag, and still sometimes get cold. Check the forecast and avalanche conditions at nwac.us before you go, and don't be hesitant to cancel plans if the risk is even considerable. The second day when we were returning the avalanche risk level had been raised from moderate to considerable, and we could hear avalanches on Shuksan and see evidence of snowballing on slopes.
Our adventure cat Hobbes was very happy to find a pile of sleeping bags airing out on "his" bed.
Paradise Meadow Sunrise | 2014 Highlights
Oh, beautiful and treacherous Mount Rainier. You have dazzled so many people with your rugged slopes, your vast meadows of fragile alpine wildflowers and your might.
Today the tragic news of the loss of a snowshoer near Paradise reminds us all that nature is powerful and should be treated as such. Winter is gorgeous, and I place no blame and offer no judgment, but say that let's remember the mountains should be enjoyed with care and vigilance.