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Oyster Dome Trail
BLANCHARD STATE FOREST, CHUCKANUT DRIVE, BOW, WA: As I approached the trailhead off Chuckanut Drive, the morning was still wrapped in a soft, overcast blanket—a familiar calm before my ascent. Breathing in the cool morning air, my heart swelled with gratitude for the day ahead. Each step felt like more than just a physical challenge;…
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Anacortes Cancer Walk
SEAFARER’S MEMORIAL PARK, ANACORTES, WA: As the sun crested beyond the horizon, bathing the sky in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow against a deep blue canvas, I stood on a pier in Anacortes, WA, embracing the beauty of a new day. Today’s adventure led me along the urban pathways of Fidalgo Bay for…
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Tipsoo to Dewey Lake
NACHES PEAK LOOP, PACIFIC CREST TRAIL, WA: Feelin’ a Big Chill, an angelic choir echoed in my mind this Sunday morning, “I saw her today at the reception; A glass of wine in her hand…” A poignant reminder that things in life won’t always turn out the way you want, but if you’re looking for…
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Mount Fremont Lookout
SUNRISE, MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA: As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky, today’s journey unfolded like a familiar, yet special story. With my son, William, by my side, we drove through the hushed pre-dawn hours towards the towering presence of Mount Fremont. Each mile seemed to echo my thoughts of…
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Snow Lake
MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA: Today, I embarked on a journey that would lead me into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, armed not just with water and a couple LUNA Bars, but with a heart full of gratitude and a mind ready to reflect. The brisk morning air, dipping into the 40s, invigorated my spirit as…
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Talapus and Olallie Lakes
ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS, WA: As the clock struck four, I slipped out the door, greeted by the gentle hush of the early morning. The tranquility of the next ninety minutes on the road to Talapus and Olallie Lakes offered a comforting prelude to the adventure that awaited me. The serene drive allowed my mind to…
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Skyline Loop, Paradise
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA: Today marks a poignant milestone, a year since our beloved Kelly took her last breath. It’s a heart-rending moment, a delicate balance of sorrow and renewal, a reflection of the 7.3 million breaths I’ve taken since, without her. Each breath feels heavy yet transformative, a reminder of the love we…
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Lewis River Falls Trail
GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST, WA: This waypoint excursion began the day before my hike, as I journeyed to Southwest Washington, where I found a comforting place to rest for the night, positioning myself only a couple of hours from the trailhead of the Lewis River Falls. With a little time on my hands, I ventured…
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Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
SNOQUALMIE VALLEY TRAIL, NORTH BEND, WA: Stepping into another week of exploration, I found myself reflecting on life’s trails—both the ones that wind through the forest and those that weave through our hearts. Each hike offers a new opportunity to embrace the beauty around me, while also navigating the deeper valleys of my emotions. Following…
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Carter and Madcap Falls
MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, LONGMIRE, WA: As the first hints of dawn began to paint the sky, I found myself behind the wheel, embarking on my cherished ritual of early morning drives to a trailhead. With much of the Pacific Northwest still tucked away in bed, the quiet hum of my car accompanied me through…
Musings 