Cascading

Without meticulously studying a trail map, who would have known Concrete, Washington, could have been one of the most scenic stops along our return-home trip?

After abruptly changing plans from Shi Shi Beach and a return to Colorado via I-82, The Lizard delighted me with a whirlwind trip through a long-desired mountain fantasy. We camped in the heart of North Cascades National Park and even took in a tiny bit of cyclocross along the Skagit River to visit a waterfall we didn't even know existed.

The North Cascades have been on my wishlist since high school, and I even dreamed about one day climbing one of the jaggedly steep peaks back in the days of climbing Colorado's 14ers. Now that I've seen (from a distance) some of the sharpest peaks, I realize I probably will never have the skills to climb even Mount Triumph. With a name like that, it calls to me. But photos may be all I ever get.

I did discover, after we'd passed it, of course, a trail at the foot of looming Mount Baker that provides stunning views of the North Cascades. If I didn't need to be back at work the following Monday, I would have coaxed The Lizard into backtracking to the town of Concrete to hike the eastern foothills and valleys of Mount Baker to bathe in the stunning views of the North Cascades. Goat Mountain was calling my name pretty loudly, too.

I'd always wanted to bike the road traversing North Cascades, and I thought we might get to live that dream this trip. Alas, the long drives and a few restless nights had beaten us down. We didn't feel confident riding amongst vehicular tourists. Instead we biked a gravel road and dirt trail without knowing it led to Ladder Creek Falls.










The Falls are lit at night, but we were too exhausted to return, plus we hadn't packed headlamps for the bikes. We definitely didn't want to drive there, although it's very easily accessible via four wheels.

We got up before the dawn and toured the park in the beautiful golden light of a clear morning. The sensational views from lookouts above Diablo Lake made us want to return, perhaps for a North Cascades-specific vacation.

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Deceived

The plan had been Shi Shi Beach and the Point of Arches. Instead, we pointed our 4Runner in the opposite direction and took it on a ferry ride to Whidbey Island. My car, in turn, rewarded us with a lovely drive up the island to Deception Pass. Although a major commuting highway runs right throught the center of the state park, we enjoyed walks along the bridge and shores between Whidbey and Fidalgo Island and the best sunset photos of our entire vacation.

I'd always wanted to see what I'd missed when I slept through Deception Pass many, many years ago, and now I've seen it. Even The Lizard felt this area was picturesque but just far too crowded and motorized to provide an authentic vacation feel.

This one doesn't make our "Must Go Back" list, but it was a good night's rest before the next days' drive to another place I've longed to visit but have never had a chance to explore.

I'll share more about that dreamy venue later this week.

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What Makes You Beautiful

Six weeks late, we finally staged our girls camp awards ceremony. The girls all made awards for each other. Every participant received an award based on her personality, and believe it or not, the girls all focused on the positive aspects of their co-campers.

No fires were allowed at camp due to the high fire danger. We had to teach the girls how to build a fire without matches in a parking lot in the big city instead of in the mountains.

One of the camp leaders brought a fire pit to the awards ceremony. I made a fire without matches. Using crumpled red, orange and yellow construction paper. We didn't have to contend with campfire smoke, ha ha!


One of the leaders made baked s'mores. Who can resist?!?

I had made color-coded bandanas for each of the girls. There was one extra. All the girls autographed it for one of the camp organizers who was unable to attend but who did all the administrative stuff so I didn't have to. She took care of all the forms, requirements, registrations, fees, insurance and transportation details so I could focus on teaching first aid, wilderness survival, preparation, nutrition, hydration, crafts and Leave No Trace.

We watched a movie I put together with some of the photos I shot of the girls during camp activities. The camp theme, "What Makes You Beautiful," was featured as one of the background songs. Disney songs also were used, because the girls sang motivational tunes from Aladdin, Little Mermaid and Mulan all through camp.


The camp theme wasn't about make-up, fashion trends, jewelry, complexion or weight. What makes you, or anyone, beautiful is what's inside. Helping others, being kind and empathetic, doing your best, smiling often... these are things that emote true beauty, and that's what we tried to teach the girls.


And then, biggest surprise of all, I received an award, too. !!! I think this is going to hang in my spare bedroom for as long as the candy doesn't melt!

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Wordless Wednesday

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