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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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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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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…
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Button Rock Dam and Sleepy Lion Trail
BUTTON ROCK PRESERVE, LYONS, CO: It’s mid-June and I find myself in Colorado. In addition to spending time with family, I thought I would venture out for a local hike, nothing too crazy, as most of my gear is back in Washington. After enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend, I heed his warning,…
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Dry Creek Trail
OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST, HOODSPORT, WA: Today, I set off for the Olympic National Forest, eager to tackle the Dry Creek Trail near Hoodsport, WA. The drive was mostly in darkness, my headlights cutting through the early morning haze, as I anticipated the sunrise behind the mountains surrounding Lake Cushman. I made the most of my…
Musings 