Where have I been?

Apologies for the long sabbatical. For several years, I've been dreaming of an extended vacation of hiking, beach-combing, and exploring in Washington - specifically, in Olympic National Park, where there are so many varied terrains, including waterfalls, beaches, lakes, mountains, and a temperate rain forest.

Our son is now old enough to travel, so we set out this summer to have some fun - you know, while the airlines are still in business and we still have jobs.  My parents tagged along to spend time with their grandson.  As we live in a different city, they don't see him as much as they'd like. They were treated to numerous games of tic-tac-toe by their grandson.

The Park did not disappoint. Everything was breathtaking. Marymere Falls, Olympic National Park

Starfish, Ruby Beach

I was proud of my son, who hiked several miles a day. Though we chose mostly flat hikes, some had steep stairs, and one had a 700 foot ascent / descent over 3.2 miles - not much for a fit adult, but a lot for a four-year old who had never been hiking before. We took plenty of pictures to prove he made it to the top.

Hurricane Ridge

Sequim lavender fields

Sol Duc Falls

Exposed wood grain of fallen tree, Hoh Rain Forest