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Greenline to Wedekind
CAPITOL STATE FOREST, Olympia, WA: I stepped into this day with a quiet anticipation that felt serene, the kind of morning where the air was crisp enough to wake you up before the sun even thinks about peeking over the horizon. Driving down I-5 toward Capitol State Forest, I traveled a familiar route, my mind…
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Kalama Falls
MERRILL LAKE WILDLIFE AREA, WA: Just before dawn broke over the horizon, a soft magic lingered in the air, hinting at the adventures to come. Today, I found myself drawn to Kalama Falls, eager to breathe in the cool morning air and listen to the soft echoes of a wilderness that experienced its share of…
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Rampart Ridge
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA: As dawn painted the horizon with delicate strokes of pink and gold, I embarked on my journey to Rampart Ridge, a ritual that filled me with anticipation and gratitude. Just prior, the world was still in darkness, a familiar comfort on my drive that encouraged reflection on gratitude. With each…
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Hurricane Ridge
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA: The crisp morning air accompanied me as I drove toward Hurricane Ridge, in the Olympic National Park. A clear day between weather patterns and my heart filled with anticipation. With each mile, the darkness of my thoughts began to lift, making room for gratitude, humility, and reflection. I was embarking on…
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Rosario Head + Lighthouse and Lottie Point
DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK, WA: As the dawn’s light gently broke behind the overcast sky, I found myself on a familiar journey, yet each step felt fresh, infused with the promise of discovery. Today’s hike along the Bowman Bay Trail was not just a physical journey but a soulful exploration. As I made my way…
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Snoquera Falls
MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA: Driving toward Snoquera Falls in the early morning darkness, the world outside felt still and serene. Each mile brought a renewed sense of gratitude, especially when I learned that the bridge between Buckley and Enumclaw had reopened, clearing a path without obstacles, making this journey feel a little more special.…
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Dry Creek & Bridal Veil Falls
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA, OR: With an early morning start that really felt like the night before, I had plenty of road-time to Bridal Veil Falls in Oregon, a quick stop before my hike at Dry Creek Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. The stillness of the early morning was like a gentle…
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Fragrance Lake Trail
LARRABEE STATE PARK, BELLINGHAM, WA: As I stepped onto the Fragrance Lake Trail this morning, the world around me began to awaken in a gentle glow illuminating over the Chuckanut Mountains. The air was crisp, invigorating my senses, while the soft crunch of an earthly-mix underfoot harmonized with the symphony of birds greeting the dawn…
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Hole-in-the-Wall + Hoh + Ruby Beach
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, FORKS, WA: As the first light of dawn was still an hour away, I felt a surge of excitement for the day’s adventure ahead visiting Hole-in-the-Wall, in the Olympic National Park, on the coast near Forks, WA. The promise of exploration and reflection beckoned me to Rialto Beach, where nature would unveil…
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Dirty Harry’s Balcony
MIDDLE FORK SNOQUALMIE, WA: As I stood at the trailhead for Dirty Harry’s Balcony an hour before sunrise, the cool, predawn darkness shrunk my physical space. The faint glow of my headlamp cut through the misty drizzle, illuminating the path ahead, while the rich aroma of damp moss filled the air. In that moment, I…
Musings 