Hiking at Shoreview Park in Shoreline

December 5, 2020

Getting to spend a good portion of the day out in nature is something we enjoyed and did quite a bit. And if you plan it just right or if eating out is a part of the outing then the experience is that much more fun and meaningful. I totally look forward to these types of outings.

Since restaurants were still closed for dine-in because of covid we had to order take out. It worked out for us this time because although it was chilly the sun was out keeping us warm while we ate at one of the park tables. We definitely love pizza!

We hiked the entire blue loop.

We didn't come across many people which was nice.

There is something about being surrounded by nature's beauty that truly does minister, heal and bring peace to the soul. Nature shifts our gaze off of ourselves and onto Him. 

Parts of the trail were a bit narrow ... 

... and other parts were a bit too steep which gave way to an awesome stillness.

One of the many things I love about nature in Washington State is how moss and ferns grow abundantly everywhere making it look especially cool when it grows all over trees, rocks or stone, giving it a moody feeling. 

Photographing trees is my second favorite thing, the first one being a cloudy moody sky. Trees are fascinating to me. Just look at how this limb grew. It is such a perfect imperfection.

A different moss-covered tree. I can totally smell this picture. I find a strange, comforting solace in the musk of damp earth and the crumbling ruin of the forest floor.

I cannot help but to be in complete peace when I'm out in nature. 

Life isn't only about the hustle. Laughter, rest, walks, and tiny moments that make your soul breathe is what brings meaning to one's life. Remember to live. Whatever makes your soul sing - cherish it and do more of it.

Walking: the most ancient exercise and still the best modern exercise. - Carrie Latet

An Evening Backroad Drive to Enumclaw

October 11, 2020

(These pictures are not the best quality, but I still wanted to share them because I love going on drives especially during Fall weather and I wanted to share the beauty of the evergreens.)

A drive on backroads is always a good idea when there are no other plans. It's a carefree activity and enjoyable. We wanted to drive around a more rural area, so we headed to Enumclaw which is only a 25-minute drive from our home. There's lots of farmland, farm animals and Mt. Rainier looks so pretty from here.

I woke up with a headache and had it mostly all day. I love when it rains so being outside while it's cloudy and raining is such a mood booster for me. My headache quickly went away. 

Positive emotions broaden our perspective of the world. Thus, inspiring more creativity, wonder, and options.

White River

This scene makes me want to stay in a cabin along the river for a night or two.

Driving miles down tall evergreens. I liked looking at the trees as we drove by. I like seeing the denseness a forest provides. It always gets me thinking how unnerving it would be to find myself walking between these tall giants into the night. Noises would definitely startle me. 

The visitors center was closed since we got there after hours. The above picture shows the trail near where we were, but it was sprinkling and we definitely were not prepared for a hike. Plus, it was after 5:00 pm at this point and getting dark. 

Just going on a drive out amongst the pine trees was the perfect outing this time. Taking deep breaths of the crisp air and smelling wet earth is a wonderful thing to experience. 

I love the scent of decaying leaves. Walking on fallen leaves give me a sense of wonder. Spending time in nature makes your brain to be in tune with each moment. I tend to notice every little thing. It heightens my senses, especially sounds and smells and it improves my focus and concentration. 

Time is valuable. Psychiatrist and author M. Scott Peck said, "Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it".

One of the best outings are the spontaneous, relaxing ones.

I've always been drawn to the later seasons of the year,

reveling in the wild autumn winds that send the leaves skittering down the street.

Long Beach Washington

August 1, 2020

Late July had gotten quite warm. Some days were in the low 90's, it then stayed in the 80's for several days.

Since it had been warm for a good stretch, we wanted to escape the heat and so we headed to the coast. We left the house around 10:30 am. The road was mostly empty of cars. I think it was mostly due to the pandemic. It was Summer and a Saturday ... you would expect to see more people out headed to the beach. A lot of people were overwhelmed with fear I suppose and stayed homebound week after week. For us, we thought best to either spend a lot of time out in nature hiking/walking or by the coast where the air is pure and clean. Being out in the sun kills germs so we took comfort in that. 

The highway one drives on that takes you to the ocean has magnificent views. 

I just love pretty scenery under a cloudy sky. It's just ultimate beauty in my opinion. 

We had lunch then made our way to the beach.

As a couple that likes to spend time outdoors, I am happy that Jacob enjoys long walks just as much as I do. We like to keep our bodies moving. It is not only good for you physically but emotionally and mentally too.

We have visited this beach (Long Beach) before, but we had never walked all the way to that cliff. This time I decided I wanted to check mark that activity off my list. 

As we walked toward the cliff Jacob and Riley threw the frisbee to each other while moving. 

Getting closer. It didn't look super far to me but as we continued walking, we became aware that some of our limbs were starting to tire, lol.

Found this sea star which we put back in the water.

Ocean water in the West Coast/PNW is always cold, even in the summer. But, by this point we had been walking over an hour. The cool water felt good on my feet.

Children and their abundant energy. Seems like it's endless.

Taking walks afford me calmness of mind. 

I LOVE how the low clouds look amidst trees.

We made it!!

Whatever activity you chose will add to your quality of life so much more than spending your free time in idleness.

It was so satisfying reaching the cliff. We hung around for a while enjoying the gorgeous views but after a while these guys needed to use the restroom, so we began the long walk back.

In total, the entire walk was about six and a half miles which took us four hours. The back of my left leg was very achy. Jacob also said that his feet hurt. We all walked barefoot. 

I would totally do this again. It was such a peaceful, enjoyable, and fun walk. I loved the sound of the waves crashing and hearing the seagulls bicker and fight with each other. 

We spent the night in Longview. The following day I was achy from the waist down. Ha! As expected. It's all good.

How good it felt to be out in the fresh salty air after being huddled indoors.

Sightseeing in the PNW

Driving North

The floating bridge is pretty awesome. I love how low it is to the water. 

I honestly can't get over at how beautiful Seattle is. Especially near lakes, parks and the Puget Sound. This bridge crosses over Lake Washington. I mean, I know I've mentioned this before and probably sound like a broken record, but I have a great love for nature, all that God created. It's just all so beautiful to me that I can't keep from marveling about it.

Beautiful pine trees.

First, we came across Crescent Lake. It's a deep lake and it's known for it's crystal clear water due to low levels of nitrogen that inhibit the growth of algae. I read that there are leeches in this lake. I don't think I would want to go swimming in it, but I most definitely would like to kayak here. It looks quite big and wraps around the mountain. That would be such an awesome experience.

We drove about 54 more minutes to Rialto Beach in Forks.

The parking lot at Rialto Beach is very small so the overflow had to park along the road. We ended up parking a ways away. It was quite the distance to walk to the beach, but it was worth it. 

This is one of the beaches that has a lot of driftwood. 

It was a little humid but a bit chilly at the same time. 

So pretty!

I did find the coolest smoothest looking rocks. I didn't take a picture but they were different shades of blue and green. I have them on my bookshelf in my study.

There are areas where there's too much driftwood. It definitely makes it challenging to walk. Plus, given that this beach has a lot of small rocks especially away from the water didn't help with walking either. You had to be careful were you walked to avoid spraining an ankle or falling flat on your face.

After spending some time at the beach we drove to Port Angeles and had dinner at Barhop Brewery. They use a 115 year old Alaskan sourdough starter for their pizza. That's quite neat right?!

We spent the night in Port Angeles and had breakfast at Chestnut Cottage. I remember that their coffee was good. I wrote in my agenda that they use Boyd Coffee. Jacob and I get so excited whenever a restaurant serves good quality coffee and this place had it. 

Riley always enjoying something extra sweet.

We got home around 1:30-ish. It felt warmer back home. According to my journaling it got up to 90 degrees.

We had BBQ for dinner then drove to Ruston Way in Tacoma for an evening ice cream treat.

Strawberry ice cream on top of a brownie. I couldn't finish it. It was very filling. 

Mt. Rainier was visible and when that happens you have to photograph it. It's definitely a prettier picture with it in it.

This is a great spot to hang out and spend an evening by the water. I miss it!

There are concerts during the summer. It's very nice and relaxing.

Beauty in nature draws us to the creator's 

glory and fills our hearts with wonder and worship.