Camping Weekend Gold Basin

Before I really write anything you should look at the photos because they will do so much of a better job than I can in describing what took place.
(http://picasaweb.google.com/105068785704661864798/GoldBasinCampingWeekend618620201002#)

Ok, so this past weekend Angela, Jason, Ian, Sylvie and I went on our camping trip. Sarah was hoping to go as well but sadly wasn't able to find the time.
It is somewhat difficult to write about this trip because it was simply just soooo amazing and breathtaking. Not only did we have an amazing campsite, good company, wonderfully prepared and slightly gourmet meals, and the views....wow the views, but it was utterly serene and peaceful. We slept by a winding river, the Stillaguamish, that would put me to sleep each night. The first day the sun radiated off of the rocks, baking your exposed and sun kissed skin. Next time I am bringing floaties or an inter-tube.
The hikes we went on winded through old growth forests, where remnants of ancient stumps remain with new trees growing among the decay. In several of the stumps you could still see the loggers' notches that were carved for support as they would cut away, cutting into the past while preparing for their own, and often uncertain, futures. At times it was sad to see this, but I have to understand that these people were creating their own new starts, using these humongous trees to build their log cabins and shelters. Seeing these stumps made me think of our past, and my past, and how I have come a long long way in certain respects. It also gave me a glimmer of hope for my uncertain future.
I really don't know where I am going, will I stay in Seattle or will I move to Portland if a library job opens up. These are the sorts of things that were running through my mind as I hiked on these trails, past the streams, past the waterfalls, over the moss covered bridges, up the mountains, around the lakes, into the ice caves, and back to my campsite where a fire would warm up my hands and a "Brass Monkey" would fill my stomach. (Thanks to Jason and Angela via Andy....a Brass Monkey is 3/4 beer-Rainier or PBR- and 1/4 orange juice....try it for it is disturbingly delicious).
I always love camping with Angela and Jason. Their excitement only adds fuel to my own and I cannot think of a time when I didn't have fun with them. Jason, in particular, really shines when he is playing his ukulele or guitar by the fire. Angela is a super trooper, storming up the mountain with a full backpack and no complaints. You can tell she is a Koroshec, for her endurance and strength are pretty evident. She is a strong woman, both mentally and physically, and now that Angela and Jason are together they form some sort of super couple. I am lucky to have them both in my life.
I wish Ian and Sylvie could have spent more time with us, but timing was a factor. When they arrived it was just starting to drizzle, which turned into rain and we had to put up tarps, with the rain preventing us from playing in the river. Like Angela and Jason, Sylvie and Ian are one of those power couples, who balances each other out so perfectly and are truly a delight to know and spend time with. I have really come to love trail running with Ian and it will be hard once he leaves for Africa to not miss that.
This past weekend has really made me appreciate those few key people I have in my life. When you surround yourself around good quality people it is hard not to strive for greatness and through them and with them you can achieve that.