This week was a pretty big milestone for us, I am officially full term in my pregnancy at 37 weeks! We decided to celebrate by going on a short and easy hike that was a bit of a drive into the mountains. Franklin Falls was the perfect destination for our outing. It’s a bit of a drive, just about an hour, so I got to enjoy a wonderful car ride through the beautiful Cascades, which is honestly one of my favorite parts of all the adventures we take in the woods! Ever since I was a child I have enjoyed long…
McClellan Butte
Back in June 2012, Maura and I went for our first day hike as Washington residents. Scouring through our new guidebooks searching for a good hike I made the ill-conceived decision that we should start out with one of the ‘more difficult’ hikes. Coming from Minnesota we didn’t have an understanding of how elevation gain added to the difficulty of a hike or how there could still be snow in June on trails. That day we only made it in a few miles before deciding to turn back at an avalanche gully after trudging through a few feet of snow.…
Goat Peak Lookout
We were staying at the Happy Trails cabin in Mazama with a group of friends for the weekend to celebrate Maura’s and my 5 year wedding anniversary. Maura, being 34 weeks pregnant, wasn’t up for much, so she invited a gaggle of our friends along who were, as an anniversary present for me! While she remained at the cabin with Latigo, enjoying a peaceful day of reading and relaxation Marie, Kelly, Cary and I headed up the 12 miles of dusty and washboarded forest roads to the Goat Peak Lookout trailhead. From the valley floor the peak looked entirely snow free and…
Denny Creek
Bobby and I have both been antsy for a more difficult hike. At 33 weeks pregnant I am limited as to what I can do safely and comfortably, but we decided to embark on a longer hike. We chose Denny Creek, a 4 mile hike, which is touted as one of the most family friendly hikes in WA. Arthur A. Denny was the leader of the Denny Party who were some of the original settlers in Seattle. Denny Creek was named for the family because they had mining claims in the area. We packed lots of snacks, a lunch, and a…