Backpacking the Hoh River

We spent a beautiful four days backpacking in the heart of Olympic National Park. The 36 mile hike from the Hoh Ranger Station to the Blue Glacier has been on my bucket list for a long time and we sure hit the rainforest at the height of its beauty.

It was quite the adventure. The log crossings made things interesting, and the rope ladder between Elk Lake and Glacier Meadows was… a thrill. We descended the hundred+ foot ladder into the washout around 2am, and the beams of our headlamps didn’t even reach the bottom.

The lower Blue Glacier looked like it was in fantastic early season shape, but the scree slope to get down to it. That was something else. My husband likes rock. I like snow. At one point he commented, “We’re climbing it like mountain goats!” I replied, as rocks kept giving out, “I’m climbing it more like a sailor!”

The number of species of fern and understory growth really drove home the value of these ancient and beautiful trees. I expect to return again and again.

Golden Lakes Loop

Our eleventh anniversary in October made a great excuse to make the Golden Lakes Loop while it was still golden. Those larches glowed so brightly, and getting to camp among their splendor and tread the fallen needles along the trail made for a trip we will never forget.

The most magical moment of the trip was one I didn’t capture. We woke up around midnight and stepped out of our tent into moonlight bathing the larches. I didn’t even try to get a picture. I could not have done it justice.

Canyon Colors and Contrast

The immensity of the Grand Canyon is something beyond the realm of photography.

We were dazzled on a trip out there by both the scale and the crowds, even on a chilly morning.

I found myself drawn by the colors that sunrise and sunset drew out of the canyon, and here are photos from two of those sunrises and two of those sunsets. The way the light changed over the course of an hour was fascinating to watch.

Stocking Stuffer Show at Shorelake Arts Gallery

UPDATE - All my prints have sold, thank you!

I am excited to be participating in the Stocking Stuffer Show at the Shorelake Arts Gallery in Lake Forest Park this season. The show runs through 12/31 - New Years Eve. These prints are among many lovely pieces by local artists that measure under 12 inches, an excellent gifting size.

I have three pieces there, a framed bamboo print of Resilience, a framed bamboo print of Sylvan Mystery, and an 8x12 metal print of Spectrum

Find out more here: www.shorelakearts.org/items-2/stocking-stuffer-show

Lingering Autumn in the Mountains

These are a few selections from a short wander on the Pacific Crest Trail at Snoqualmie Pass. Through Summit West, and down to Lodge Lake.

An afternoon at Lodge Lake. I loved the glow of the sunlight as it hit the snags.

The peaks north of Snoqualmie Pass with a welcome kiss of snow

Hiking through the ski area adds some extra interest.