Mt Adams Adventure

It's been almost a year since the last time Ky and I went for a backpacking trip, so we decided it was about time to checkout the "Around the Mountain" trail around Mt Adams, it was spectacular. But like any worth while vacation, it was somewhat of an adventure.

Since we wouldn't be leaving work early to start our vacation I planned ahead and did all of the "packing" and route setting and the general what-nots. One of those typical things would be to figure out how to get to our destination. Since I knew where Mt Adams was and I knew where I wanted to car camp before the hike, I just grabbed the GPS coordinates and figured I would let the Garmin show us the best way there.

We grabbed a quick dinner, pizza and a strong beer (12% alc), at the Walking Man Brewery in Stevenson WA. With this little bit of beer in the system I blindly followed the GPS North, it wasn't until I saw my first sign for Cougar WA and an INCREDIBLE view of Mount St. Helens from way too close (sorry no photo) did I realize we were not taking a short-cut to Mt Adams.

"Fortunately" a fire closure stopped us before we got really off track, but the long and the short of the lesson was that we were going to be setting up our base camp in the dark. We decided our vacation was now Barker worthy and said oh well as we pulled off the side of the road and set up our camp.

The next morning was cold but not as cold as the following, and the weather was grim at first but it quickly improved. After 7 miles of hiking and one incredibly tired dog we struck camp at Horseshoe Meadow, ate some lunch and took a nap. More eating and napping along with fire and good times ensued before off to bed. As previously mentioned Sunday morning was terribly cold (high 30's) so we were very motivated to hit the trail back to the car, which was a good thing considering the angry storm that was quickly coming.

The hike was a blast and we saw some incredible views. So without anymore jiber-jaber the photos...

Setting camp by lantern

Early on the trail while we still had energy to smile. Mt Adams into the clouds over head.

A valley view of The Gorge and Mt Hood

Crossing one of many streams and waterfalls, all glacial run-off.

Ky showing Kona Mount St. Helens

One of the many different angles of Mt Adams

Our last resting spot before we got to camp, 1.5 miles to go

Horseshoe Meadow

Ky posing with Kona while he surveyed the surroundings

Vacation

It seems I have been too busy to write any blog posts as of recent, well that or too bored to have anything worth writing that wouldn't come off as sarcastic and moody. Well the truth is probably a little bit of both. The weather has finally improved just in time for the tail end of the summer so Ky and I have been trying to make the best of it. We've done some boating, biking, traveling, walking, hiking, and a few other ings. The families have been in town, yup both Leinewebers and Bennetts. Up next will be more travel to far off places like Denver and Tucson with some backpacking and rock climbing thrown in for good measure. But until then a few select photos from the last month or so.

Kona and I head to a bike race

Ky came too

Ky played Nanny to Hazel while The Barkers and I raced, she got the better gig.

We had an incredible view from our loaner house

Later, at the beach we ate lots and lots of Crab

We took walks

Kona got to play chuck-it

It wore him out!

Kona watched Ky teach Yoga

She had a lot of students

I made Ice Cream Sandwiches from fresh cookies

Obligatory Family Photo at the Annual Pizza Feed

Attempt at being "Artistic"

Most recent, the Bennetts were in town for some Portland fun and Hiking (Punchbowl Falls)

Kona wouldn't cooperate for our family photo

Happy Anniversary

Here's to 3 wonderful years and many more to come!

(Last Day of our Honeymoon in Kauai)

Happy Anniversary, I love you!