Photos of the Week: June 29

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“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” – John Muir

(Featured photo is mine – the full moon rising over the Tatoosh Range as seen from Paradise Inn on Mt. Rainier)

We went to Mt. Rainier last weekend to stay at Paradise Inn – one of the fantastic National Park lodges. It was built from a stand of Alaska yellow cedar on the mountain that had been killed by a fire. The lodge opened in 1917. The original building was constructed without a single nail being used. But nails and braces were added later because of the strain of heavy winter snows the lodge endures.

Some wildlife we saw on the mountain. The chipmunks were everywhere but I’ve never seen a mountain goat up there. Mr. D said as we were climbing (see next set of pictures), “There’s something moving over there.” And sure enough, it was a goat.

Climbing on the mountain up to about 7,000 feet. Mr. D absolutely loved it. I turned us around only because I was concerned he’d be tired on the way down. But he never uttered a complaint.

Mt. Adams (12,281 ft) is visible behind Mr. D in the first photo. Mt. Rainier (14,410 feet) is behind us in the 2nd and 3rd photo. And Mt. St. Helens (8,300 feet) can be seen in the fourth.

Now you see it, now you don’t. A picture of the Mt. Rainier from the same vantage point in different weather conditions. I’ve been climbing on the mountain when clouds roll in. It’s always stunned me how fast it happens that the conditions change. Also how completely disorienting it is when you can no longer get your bearings.
In a post I wrote a couple of years ago, When the Clouds Roll In, I told the story of the time that I was doing a training hike on Mt. Rainier and my friend and I had to gingerly feel our way down the mountain. The same day a 27-year-old doctor who had just moved to Seattle to start his residency died on the mountain when he attempted to snow board down in those conditions.

But it’s more or less safe to do hand stands on the mountain. Not that I would try that, but Miss O did. And we also hiked down to Narada Falls which was booming with all the snow melt this time of year.

In other news, Miss O can also do hand stands on docks while her brother fishes and we chased down the first ice cream truck of the season.

Cooper missed us while we were gone.

Miss O went to a week of horse camp and fell in love with a horse named Squish.

And two more pictures from Paradise Inn on Mt. Rainier. Including the sign of the week.

69 thoughts on “Photos of the Week: June 29”

  1. Oh…my…goodness. Gems on top of gems on top of mountain top gems (including Cooper playing king of the mountain with Mr. D!). Thanks for sharing, Wynne. So much to love. Making memories forever and ever. 🥰🥰🥰

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  2. What a wonderful weekend. Introducing your 4-year old to climbing, that’s awesome. So many adventures, so many memories in the making! P.S. I wonder what it is about girls and handstands (and cartwheels)?! 😊

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  4. You had a full week. I live in flattest part of the world- the Midwest. Oh how I love to see the mountains of the west. What a lovely adventure you all had. Keep being curious!

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  5. D on that mountain just screams out “future climber”! Then there is O with her horse love. She will have the ranch in the foothills I think- a homey base “base camp” where siblings will catch up after D’s treks across the world. On that note I recently was informed that John Denvers Aspen recording studio* and a sizable guest house with open land is on the market in CO. Maybe that’s a start- and D can practice on all the 14-ers before he sets off for bigger and better 😉
    *Going for only 9M

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      1. I have to admit the expanse of the land and then the tops of the Rockies right there in ones backyard was tempting but my oldest really does have to curb her enthusiasm for property way out of her price range 🙂 Your kiddos are going to do great things Wynne. I feel confident about that.

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  7. Oh Wynne, this looked like such a wonderful way to kick off your summer vacation. The nature hikes looked so awesome and way to go to the kids for making it. Such troopers! Ms O’s handstand is equally awesome.

    Hope the summer is continuing to be awesome. day 1 over here for us!

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  9. Thanks so Wynne.

    These pics flooded my heart with joy reminiscing the times enjoyed with my two young sons as a single Dad exploring nature and climbing among Alaska’s mountain cathedrals two decades ago.

    My son’s are both off navigating their own journeys now, but the memories forever remain to lift my spirits and remind how truly undeservedly blessed I was, and still am, to have shared them together.

    The legacy you’re building with your two precious little ones will endure as a generational blessing . . . Kudos to you Mom 👍

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    1. Generational blessing – I love that, Fred! I can imagine how incredible your climbing adventures among Alaska’s mountain cathedrals was. So awesome!

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  10. Beautiful and adventurous. Does Miss I have a future in gymnastics? Mr D seems an outdoorsman himself. They put on quite a show.

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  11. I love the photos of you and the kids [+ Cooper of course]. It looks like a wonderful place to visit, with a fun vibe and things to do. The Einstein quote is spot on.

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  12. Wynne honey, these are some amazing photos. You can tell how much fun you had! BTW, why do you tell Miss O not to do something when you clearly know she’s a daredevil and is going to do it anyway? C’mon now, I think your youngin’s got that feisty spirit from their mother! 🤣😝😂 LOL Hugs and smooches my dear! 😘

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  13. Mt. Rainier and Mt. Saint Helens truly is an unforgettable and gorgeous place to visit. My time in Washington back in 2006, was an unforgettable experience. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and refreshing. What a wonderful way of kicking off your summer vacation. Thank you for sharing those beautiful pictures. ~Blessings 💗🙏

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    1. It’s a fantastic photo, full of joy! I also like the ones of Miss O’s handstands at different spots. There used to be a guy who filmed himself dancing a “happy dance” at each country he visited. He became so well known for that, that he received a sponsorship that allowed him to travel to way more countries than he otherwise could have, dancing and filming his dance in each one of them. Just saying… 🙂

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  17. Great photos and memories Wynne. It’s great that you’re introducing them to the mountains at a young age and you’re sharing your passion with them too. I’m sure that comes across. It looked like you all had loads of fun. I can’t believe how big Miss O is getting … and Cooper too xxx

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    1. Oh, so good to see you, Brenda! Yes, they are all growing like crazy — even Cooper!

      I couldn’t stop smiling all weekend so I’m sure they picked up a little bit of my crazy passion. But it was so fun.

      Thanks for the lovely comment! Hope you are enjoying summer!

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  20. What a great trip! Miss O’s handstands are impressive, as is Mr. D’s stamina. I enjoyed seeing sneak peaks of this on Insta. But, as shameful as this is, my favorite part of this whole wonderful post is that a horse named Squish exists!!!

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  21. So many great memories made Wynne. You are such a wonderful mama, it shines through in your kids. Just imagine one day when they’ll be sharing their stories. Mountain climbing at their ages, wow!

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  22. What a great week! Love living vicariously through you guys!

    Boy leans on dog, dog leans on boy! They’re good buds!

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  24. Fun fact: the one and only time I’ve ever seen a bear in the wild was just down the road (and thankfully at the bottom of a hill) from Paradise Lodge. I’ve got enough chipmunks in my backyard to satisfy me forever!

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  25. Einstein had it right about nature, and these pictures illustrate that perfectly. This is a deep dive into nature in all its spendor. Great shots of what obviously is a fabulous locale to visit, Wynne. Looks like it was a great time for all!

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  26. Another awesome week Wynne, this is why I love the Northwest, the opportunities to take that deep dive into nature are endless. And your crew takes full advantage. Great pics. Hugs, C

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  28. Very nice photos, Wynne! It’s fascinating how those clouds completely cover the mountains, and Miss O’s handstands make me wish I were a child again (just for a second lol).

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