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“One Square Inch of Silence”
HOH RAINFOREST, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA: Before the sun began to rise, I embarked on yet another adventure into the heart of nature, a ritual that nourishes my body, mind, and soul. Driving through the coastal darkness, the road felt like a blank canvas, inviting me to reflect on the profound gratitude I carry for…
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Packwood Lake Trail
GOAT ROCKS WILDERNESS, WA: As dawn was about to break, I found solace in the quiet of my early morning drive. The roads provided a blank canvas for gratitude and today’s trail-thought. This morning, my heart embraced the cheesy romantic comedies that offer a break from reality, even if only for a couple hours. Romcoms…
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Falls Creek Falls
GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST, WA: As I turned off Wind River Highway, about 20 miles north of the Washington-Oregon border, I headed down a forest road towards Falls Creek Falls—the rain tapping a steady rhythm on my windshield. With every mile, the lush green scenery transformed into a watercolor masterpiece, vibrant and alive. I parked…
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Lake Angeles Trail
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, PORT ANGELES, WA: As I journeyed toward the trailhead on Hurricane Ridge Road, the world outside my car was still cloaked in the gentle embrace of darkness, slowly yielding to the anticipation of day with shades of autumn cradling each side of the road. The drive through Olympic National Park felt like…
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Crystal Lakes to Sourdough Gap
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL FOREST, WA: Reaching the Crystal Lakes Trailhead, still enveloped in darkness, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves about the adventure that awaited me. The crisp winter air filled my lungs, serving as a reminder that this journey would be a physical challenge, but also provide a space for me to…
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Franklin Falls and Badger Mountain
SNOQUALMIE PASS & BADGER MOUNTAIN: As the sun dipped low in the sky, I found myself standing at the trailhead, filled with anticipation for a new adventure. My journey started with the calming stream of water leading me to Franklin Falls, a trail where nature revealed its secrets through the early-evening light breaking through the…
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Burroughs Mountain Trail
SUNRISE, MT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: As the sun began its ascent, gently painting the sky with warm autumn hues, my journey unfolded—a blend of nature’s beauty, gratitude, and reflections about the rituals and traditions that tell our story. As I navigated the Burroughs Mountains, each step drew me closer to the majestic sights of Mount…
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Glacier Basin and Emmons Moraine
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA: The early morning air was crisp as I drove toward the eastern side of Mount Rainier, anticipation flowing within me like the river that would accompany me on my hike. With each bend in the road, I reflected on the gratitude I felt for the love and lessons learned from…
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Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap
MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, NACHES, WA: As the sun began to rise over the horizon, casting a rich blend of deep red, burnt orange, and a golden hue on the familiar terrain, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of renewal. My drive to the Sheep Lake Trailhead had been marked by unexpected detours, including…
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Annette Lake Trail
MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA: As dawn was about to break, I laced up my hiking boots, the early morning chill was perfect for the steady ascent. With the world still in slumber, I set off toward Annette Lake, a journey steeped in both challenge and beauty. The soft glow of my headlamp cut through…
Musings 