#6 - Backpacking Trip

I love hiking, and there are so many beautiful destinations in the Pacific Northwest! Two of my friends had never been overnight backpacking before, so I took them on an easy 3-mile round trip hike last summer. It took a bit of preparation and planning, but we had a blast. This year, we decided to continue the tradition!

Pratt lake is located in the central Cascades, slightly west of Eastern Washington. It has an elevation gain of 1530 feet and is a whopping 11 miles round trip. There are tons of streams and bridges to cross over on the way to the lake, and a few amazing views. Once we got about eight miles in, the trail started a steep decline into switchbacks. The entire time down the mountain, I was thinking, "Crap, I'm going to have to climb back up this tomorrow..." Luckily, it soon evened out as we started walking along a huge rocky mountainside. By this time, we could see the lake, but it was only a teaser seeing as we still had another couple miles to go.

Finally, we reached the lake, and it was beautiful! We set up camp, explored the area, and then started making dinner. Little did we know, our box of noodles needed milk and butter, but water made a decent substitute. And let's face it, I would've ate anything after six miles of hiking! After devouring some s'mores and hanging all our food up in a tree, my warm sleeping bag was like heaven on earth.

Although the hike back up those switchbacks was grueling, it's worth it for the sense of accomplishment you feel when you reach the trail head once more. Time to start planning for next year!

Video coming soon! It's all edited, but I'm just hashing out some technical difficulties in the exporting process. Stay tuned!

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A Journey East

Eastern WA, in a nutshell.

Boy, do I love impromptu getaways. So when Mollie called me last night asking if I wanted to take a weekend trip over to Eastern Washington, there was no way I could have refused! Just like that, my bags are packed, the mix CDs are made, and I'm blogging away in the little time I have before I leave. Adventure is calling my name, and it's just so convenient that a bucket list item will get crossed off along the way - stay tuned next week for what that will be!

With exactly three weeks left in my summer, I'd say it's going almost perfectly! I say almost because it is Seattle and it does still rain in the summer. However, I think I will miss the cool, clean air. Every time I mention I'm going to Florida, people always bring up the humidity. I've never actually been anywhere that was humid before, so it'll definitely take some getting used to. But it's time to kick it into full gear seeing as I'm not even halfway done with my bucket list yet! Next week is going to be busy, but I can guarantee a couple bucket list posts will come of it, so I am stoked!

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#19 - Go Boating, Jet Skiing, and Inner Tubing

Shannon and I on the paddle boat

Here we go, another one crossed off the summer bucket list! This past weekend I went to Eastern Washington with a great group of friends. One of those friends has a house there that his family stays in each summer, and it is amazing! One day, we all headed out on the boat with his family to a small, secluded beach. We spent the majority of our time climbing up this huge sand and clay hill. It was at least at a 45 degree angle, about 150 yards high, and the sand was burning hot on our bare feet - quite the workout if I do say so myself! After that, jumping into the cool water felt like paradise. On our way back to the house, we brought out the inner tube and took turns being dragged behind the boat. It had been about three years since I had been on a boat or inner tubing, so I was already having a complete blast! And just like that, two of the three requirements for this bucket list item were completed.

The next day, we headed out to the same beach, but this time, we took the jet ski with us! If I had to guess, I'd say the last time I was on one of these things was about seven or eight years ago. After having a boys versus girls sandcastle building contest - yes, that is the type of thing we like to do for fun, and yes, the girls won (see both castles pictured below) - I took the jet ski out for a spin! This was the first time I had ever rode one by myself, and it was the most exhilarating feeling! At one point, I was going nearly 70 mph - pure euphoria.

Boys Castle

Girls Castle

A trip out on the paddle boat, star gazing, a dozen games of Super Smash Bros., and some quality time with friends was all it took to top off the weekend. I am so grateful to have been part of this impromptu adventure, it has definitely been the highlight of my summer!

Erik giving me a run through of how to drive the jet ski

And a few words, since it is Thoughtful Thursday: Do not be afraid to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves to you. Much of the time, it may not happen when or how you expect it, but they will happen. If you won't take my advice, at least hear what Mark Twain has to say about it:

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Lake Serene

Here we go, hike number two! This one was around 8.5 miles round trip and had a 2500 ft elevation gain. I really enjoyed this hike because about three miles in you arrive at Bridal Veil Falls, pictured to the right. Then you continue the rest of the way until you reach Lake Serene. To be honest, the hike from the falls to the lake was absolutely grueling. There were dozens of sets of stairs to climb, and my legs did not appreciate the quick elevation gain. However, the view was worth it, as always. I think the best part about hiking is when you can just sit down at your destination and eat your lunch - one of the most rewarding feelings. That sounds totally lame, but if you are a hiker, you understand what I mean.

I'm very excited to finally have plans for the Fourth of July! Me and a group of friends are trekking over to Eastern Washington for the weekend. I'm stoked, this should be quite the adventure! Especially considering I haven't vacationed in Eastern Washington for many, many years.

In the meantime, go ahead and check out my secondary blog, All Roads Lead To Disney! I will be moving to Florida next month (whoa!), and will be posting updates every once and awhile on this blog, as it relates to the Disney College Program. And here are some more shots from the Lake Serene hike:

 

 

 

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