The Frozen Volcano: Mt. Rainier
Days 195 – 197
July 11 – 13
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is
unmistakable. It can be seen from any
good vantage point within 100 miles, and it captivates the attention of
incoming SeaTac flights. It is a
now-dormant volcano that rises high above the surrounding Cascades, with glaciers
covering thousands of feet below the 14,411 foot summit. At our first campground, there were posted
warnings about moving to higher ground in the case of an earthquake. We shrugged it off; what’s an adventure
without the possibility of danger?
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| Our first clear view of the summit of Mt. Rainier. |
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| We climbed to the base of this waterfall; the best views are always from here. |
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| Staring at waterfalls is encouraged. |
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| "His" and "Hers" motorcycle cases. |
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| As we climbed, we had a view of Mt. Saint Helens to the south. |
We spent our three days
exploring many of the volcano’s glacial lakes, waterfalls, and scenic
vistas. It was strange to think that we
were looking towards the peak of the same geological monolith on which we
stood. It was here that Lynzee got her
first taste of backpacking with me, an enjoyable experience for both of us save
for the endless barrage of mosquitos.
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| Lynzee is excited to be on her first back-country backpacking trip. |
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| We had a clear sky that night and easily spotted the Milky Way. |
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| Saying our farewells to the snowy monolith on the way out. |
There is something romantic
about sleeping next to a beautiful woman on a dormant volcano.
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| Onward to Idaho and Montana. |
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