Showing posts with label Casey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Casey. Show all posts
Friday, February 17, 2012
La Conner Day Trip
Casey and I took a little day trip to the quaint town of La Conner, Washington. We woke early and drove north taking the scenic route, past family farms and beautiful bluffs. We spent the morning enjoying a delicious breakfast and then took a slow walk through the town, taking in the scenery and local shops. I can see the appeal of living there, but city life is still the life I enjoy most. Looking forward to our next trip.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Camping Weekend
The weekend finally arrived where we went camping. It is rather surprising that this is my first camping trip of the year, and will likely to be my last for winter is approaching fast. Typically, I camp several times a year up and around the Mt Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest.
Angela found Money Creek Campground, just off of highway 2. The sites sit along the side of the rapid Skykomish River making for a pleasant white noise background as you lay inside your tent late at night.
The four of us arrived Friday evening, set up camp and almost instantly felt relax and excited about the next days ahead of us. While sitting in front of the fire under a canopy of old growth trees, we talked about many things, including what hike we should do on Saturday. Did we want to see an old fire lookout, a waterfall, or a serene lake. After the votes were cast, serenity won out and Barclay Lake was where we were heading.
Saturday came quickly and after a great, hearty breakfast of pancakes with walnuts and bananas cooked inside, we packed lunches and made our way to the trail head. Just off of highway 2, and about 5 miles from our campsite, you reach the tiny town of Baring and also the turnoff. You then begin a 4 mile uphill climb in your car, which cuts into the side of Baring Mountain. The trail is short and sweet, taking you through an enchanted-like forest which my guidebook accurately describes as gnome-like. Around every corner, it felt like you should see fairies and gnomes, and maybe even a troll or two.
You eventually see the lake, which is located directly under Baring Mountain, an imposing peak reminding me of Half-Dome in Yosemite. The peak is over 6,000 ft high and sitting at the base of it makes you feel miniscule. Sadly, the lake itself is muddy and not ideal for swimming, though still stunning. You can sit peacefully on the sandy shores of the lake and look at the grandeur of the peak that looms over you.
After our hike we then found a peaceful spot along the Skykomish River to play along, where we were skipping and stacking rocks. A salmon fisherman and his son were also sharing this part of the river with us and watching the two of them was very picturesque.
The rest of the trip was just as relaxing and wonderful. We made great food and we had great company. It is trips like these that makes me love living in the Pacific Northwest, where nature is so close to home and yet a world away.
Here are some photos of the hike up to Barclay Lake and Baring Mountain.
Angela found Money Creek Campground, just off of highway 2. The sites sit along the side of the rapid Skykomish River making for a pleasant white noise background as you lay inside your tent late at night.
The four of us arrived Friday evening, set up camp and almost instantly felt relax and excited about the next days ahead of us. While sitting in front of the fire under a canopy of old growth trees, we talked about many things, including what hike we should do on Saturday. Did we want to see an old fire lookout, a waterfall, or a serene lake. After the votes were cast, serenity won out and Barclay Lake was where we were heading.
Saturday came quickly and after a great, hearty breakfast of pancakes with walnuts and bananas cooked inside, we packed lunches and made our way to the trail head. Just off of highway 2, and about 5 miles from our campsite, you reach the tiny town of Baring and also the turnoff. You then begin a 4 mile uphill climb in your car, which cuts into the side of Baring Mountain. The trail is short and sweet, taking you through an enchanted-like forest which my guidebook accurately describes as gnome-like. Around every corner, it felt like you should see fairies and gnomes, and maybe even a troll or two.
You eventually see the lake, which is located directly under Baring Mountain, an imposing peak reminding me of Half-Dome in Yosemite. The peak is over 6,000 ft high and sitting at the base of it makes you feel miniscule. Sadly, the lake itself is muddy and not ideal for swimming, though still stunning. You can sit peacefully on the sandy shores of the lake and look at the grandeur of the peak that looms over you.
After our hike we then found a peaceful spot along the Skykomish River to play along, where we were skipping and stacking rocks. A salmon fisherman and his son were also sharing this part of the river with us and watching the two of them was very picturesque.
The rest of the trip was just as relaxing and wonderful. We made great food and we had great company. It is trips like these that makes me love living in the Pacific Northwest, where nature is so close to home and yet a world away.
Here are some photos of the hike up to Barclay Lake and Baring Mountain.
Monday, June 20, 2011
TEDxOverlake
On Saturday, I was privileged to participate in a TED Talk along with a select group of educators and innovators. The theme was 'How People Learn' and with a variety of guest lecturers, from old to young, we explored the ways in which people live to learn and learn to live. It didn't matter if you had a formal education at some great school or simply learned on your own terms through nature, books, or friends, what mattered is that you learned and often you first would learn through your failures.
The theme of failure was the most often brought up idea in learning for it is through failure that one can achieve perseverance. Failure challenges you to be better, to do better. I think back at times when I may have faltered, stumbled, and failed. One thing I never did...I never gave up. Maybe it was my stubbornness. All I know is that you must try again and again for that is that is the most important thing for each time you learn something about yourself.
The theme of failure was the most often brought up idea in learning for it is through failure that one can achieve perseverance. Failure challenges you to be better, to do better. I think back at times when I may have faltered, stumbled, and failed. One thing I never did...I never gave up. Maybe it was my stubbornness. All I know is that you must try again and again for that is that is the most important thing for each time you learn something about yourself.
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