Good Times with Old Friends and a Visit to Mount Rainier

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

This weekend was a special one for our family.  We traveled a few hours west to be with a dear friend who was getting married.  Years ago she suffered the loss of her husband.  We connected on such a deep level when she experienced this loss, because our husbands were both gone for extended periods of time, and our children... my son and her daughter ... were the same age.  It was a crushing blow for her to lose her husband to a heart attack at the age of 50.  Yet the years have passed, and we could not even believe that 8 years had passed since that time of loss.  The Lord has kept her and been good to her, and now has brought a kind and loving man into her life who lost his wife to cancer several years ago.  The Lord is so faithful.  Such joy abounded in all our hearts as we celebrated with them on this weekend.

As we traveled to the wedding, we took our time, and stopped to enjoy the sights as we traveled.


We traveled by the Columbia River in Washington, and stopped at the scenic overlook to stretch our legs and enjoy the view.


The vastness of this river is incredible.


The barren hills covered in shrub brush had a wild beauty to them.


Massive windmills dotted the landscape.


We were getting close to our destination!


We saw the classic sign welcoming visitors to town.


The wedding was incredible on so many levels.  So happy for my dear friend to have found love again.


The roses scattered around the venue were vying for my attention.


Can you spot something between the barrels?



Oh! How I loved the splendiforous roses as they overlooked the green valley below.


I couldn't pick any favorites, but this one might have been right up there at the top if I had to choose.


The day after the wedding, we traveled an hour or so west towards Mount Rainier National Park to spend the day.


We made this time a little family vacation and getaway. It was an incredible sight to see this mountain up close!


Unfortunately, the clouds were playing peek-a-boo all day.


We watched the clouds move very quickly across the mountain, and the scene constantly changed before our eyes.  You have no idea how massive Mount Rainier is until you get closer to it! We still were not in the park yet, but enjoyed the views as we drove.


Finally we arrived in the park.  We knew we were on a limited time budget... so we did the "hit and run" thing... we would stop at view points, get out, snap a few pictures, and back in the car and off we went.


We promised ourselves that we would come back someday with more time to spare than just one day!  I could have sat and listened to the music this creek was playing for hours!


And the waterfalls... oh they were magnificent!


There was an abundance of waterfalls throughout the park to enjoy.


Around Mount Rainer sit a line of mountains that are pretty impressive all by themselves.



We were told to be sure and go to Paradise and hike the trails.  Unfortunately, this is what met us when we went to hike this trail... a wall of snow! LOL!  We were not prepared to hike in the snow, so this is a sight we will have to come back to later.


Up on Paradise, you could see the damage done to the trees from all the snow!  You could see that a ton of snow had melted, but yet, there was still a LOT of snow left!  We were told that Mount Rainier gets 400+ inches of snow a year... wow!



The walkway leading down to a closer view of Narada Fallas.


I wished I could have captured a picture like the one above, but we did not have time to walk all the way to get this grand of a view.


However, we were lucky to see the rainbow at the bottom of the falls!


Amazing the amount of water coming off the mountain.


The gorgeous Nareda falls made me think of a long flowing bridal train... but maybe I just had weddings on my mind, lol!


Finally the clouds parted with some blue skies long enough for us to capture a few pictures of Mount Rainier.


And then... they closed back up again, within seconds, I might add!

It is amazing how fast the weather changes on this mountain.


We sat on the ledges and waited for 15 minutes or so, and just watched the action above.  I never cease to be amazed at how fog is so deceptive.  You really cannot tell that the mountain is there when the fog veils it... but then as the fog and clouds part... you can see just how massive and impressive this mountain is.




The peek-a-boo moments continue...


Using my telephoto lens, I was able to get a shot of the summit of Mount Rainier when the clouds parted long enough for me to zoom in.


That was about the best picture of Mount Rainier that we could get.  I have fallen in love with this beautiful place.  The majesty of this mountain is incredible.  I want to come back when the wildflowers are in bloom, as we were told by many there at the park just how amazing that sight is to witness.


The abundance of waterfalls always delights!


The next day as we headed home... we saw a beautiful sight... Mount Rainier in all her glory was easily visible for many miles as we drove.  Too bad that the weather had cleared up the day we were leaving... but it did "whet our appetite" for more, and someday we want to return to explore this beautiful place more than one day will allow.


As we passed by the Columbia River, we stopped at the scenic viewpoint to see the Wild Horses monument.


We needed to stretch our legs, so off we went to climb up to the top of the bluff.  Huffing and puffing... we made it!


It was well worth the climb!


The wild horses were a work of art, and it was quite something to see the work and skill that went into making these horses visible from the road far below.


I think the trip back down the bluff was a bit more tricky than going up due to all the loose sandy rocks. But we were glad to get out and stretch our legs for a while before we continued the drive home.


It was a very special Memorial Day weekend for our family, memorable in so many ways.  It was wonderful to reconnect with our dear friends, and to celebrate with them the new life beginning together, and then as we traveled to Mount Rainier to see such an incredible mountain up close, even if it was a quick "hit and run" visit, it was an enjoyable one.

After returning home, our kind neighbor had taken such wonderful care of our animals, and all was well with them.  I still haven't spotted any new little chicks yet, and am hoping that they will come out soon so we can meet them :)

Our house continues to be painted, and it is looking wonderful!  I hope to show you some pictures of it in the next day or two.  I will be planting my garden in the next couple of days as well.  Local gardeners around here say that June 6 is the date to plant warm weather plants, but I think we will be safe to go ahead and plant this week - our temps are supposed to reach up into the 90s by Sunday!

So much going on, along with a graduation party being planned here too... as our dear son graduates next week.  I keep thinking that "next week" I will have more time, but then as I look at the calendar, I realize that's not even true... spring is rolling into summer, and it is the time to be busy, outdoors and enjoying the glorious beauty around us.

Enjoy your days, my dear friends, and remember to live each moment to the fullest ... for we cannot get a lost moment back.  :)


55 comments

  1. You certainly live in a beautiful area. May was my super busy month. June is still busy, but thankfully we have some breathing room. Have fun playing in the dirt!

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    1. Just finished getting my garden in yesterday, so happy that it is done! May was a busy month, and June may be even busier, as we have a graduation, lol!

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  2. You certainly live in a beautiful area. May was my super busy month. June is still busy, but thankfully we have some breathing room. Have fun playing in the dirt!

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  3. Aw! Familiar scenes! Washington is my home state. I'm coming up for my niece's wedding in a little over a week. I love flying by Mt. Rainer. Gorgeous! Congrats to your son!

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    1. Mt. Rainier is an impressive site to see while flying indeed! It is a beautiful mountain to see, we hope to go back and visit for longer next time! :) Thank you for the wishes for our son :)

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  4. I am so happy that your friend found love again...how rare that is...smiles

    I enjoyed your post, your photos are beautiful...happy graduation to your son. smiles

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    1. Indeed, finding love again is tough, but we are so happy for her! June will be a busy month with our son's graduation, and a trip we have planned to celebrate :)

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  5. I am always amazed by your view of the world. It is absolutely spectacular!

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    1. Thanks Kim... I love to look for beauty wherever I am :)

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  6. I'm so glad to read that your frend has found the love again and was able to put together her young life, the Lord is truly faithful !
    Your photographs are truly stunning, dearest Marilyn, I've been watching them again and again, I love them all !

    Hope you're having a lovely week I'm sending my dearest love to you,
    thinking of you with so much sweetness

    xox - Dany

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    1. The Lord is faithful, and so good! It is always wonderful to see love blossom where sorrow has lived for so long. Thank you for your kind words about my photos, it is a special joy of mine to photograph the beauty of the Lord's creation, and He is my Helper! I'm glad they brought you joy, that means so much to me! Praying that all is well with you my dear friend! Hugs sent your way :)

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  7. Wow, what a beautiful trip. Your photos are amazing.
    I do appreciate the words you put to the photos. Well done! Such appreciation for nature and the beauty of our world.
    I am happy for your friend.
    Best to you with graduation plans.
    Carla

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    1. Thank you Carla for your kind words! It is a special joy of mine to photograph the beauty of the Lord's creation, and He is my Helper! I'm glad you enjoyed them :) Thank you for the graduation wishes! Have a lovely weekend :)

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  8. Best wishes to all of you. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos.

    God bless.

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    1. Thank you Victor for your visit, and your very kind words! I pray the Lord's richest blessings for you :)

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  9. So sweet that your friend found love again. The best to her and her beloved! ♥

    The skies are so blue in your pictures! I thoroughly enjoyed all the pictures especially those with the snow capped mountains.

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    1. It is a wonderful thing to find love again after sorrow had been a close companion. I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures, it is a special joy of mine to photograph the beauty of the Lord's creation, and He is my Helper! I'm glad they brought you joy, that means so much to me! Have a blessed weekend :)

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  10. These are amazing images Marilyn! The second photo of the river is particularly beautiful!It looks like a wonderful time was had by all! How nice to reconnect with old friends. I am always amazed how once you are together again it doesn't seem at all that there has been so much time between visits! So happy for your friends and wishing them a long and happy life together! Take care,
    xo
    Linda

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed the pictures, it is a special joy of mine to photograph the beauty of the Lord's creation, and He is my Helper! I'm glad they brought you joy, that means so much to me! It is so true that time can pass and we can visit with old friends as if it was yesterday we had seen them! Thank you for your visit, always appreciated, and praying you have a blessed weekend :)

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  11. Glorious country! Glorious photos! The mountain, the waterfalls, the beautiful river...and those amazing horses....just sublime! How wonderful you were able to join your friend and help celebrate her wedding day. Your life does sound wonderfully full with exciting happenings. Have a wonderful graduation.

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    1. Oh Kim, thank you for your sweet words about the pictures, it is a special joy of mine to photograph the beauty of the Lord's creation, and He is my Helper! I'm glad they brought you joy, that means so much to me! Yes life is quite busy right now, but a good busy :) Appreciate your visit as always, and praying you have a blessed day!

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  12. Glorious country! Glorious photos! The mountain, the waterfalls, the beautiful river...and those amazing horses....just sublime! How wonderful you were able to join your friend and help celebrate her wedding day. Your life does sound wonderfully full with exciting happenings. Have a wonderful graduation.

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  13. I am so happy for your friend to have found love again. :) We have relatives in Yakima and have been there often. YOu know I have never been to Mount Rainier. My hubby and I need to make a trip up there. I can't believe the tagging of those wonderful sculptures...what a shame someone has done that. We saw them shortly after they were installed and they were just magnificent!

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    1. Oh wow, isn't it a small world :) We loved the wild beauty of the hills in Yakima, it has its own special joy to see! However I must say I am very partial to living in the mountains with lots of trees {smiles}. About the tagging on those sculptures, it is terrible. I don't know why people want to deface things like that!

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  14. What a beautiful trip you had on the holiday weekend to attend your friend's wedding. Your photos of the the countryside and Mt. Rainer are spectacular. I enjoyed seeing the varied landscape and the wild horses monument. It is a shame that people have ruined them with graffiti. Have fun working in the garden etc. I've been doing that too and we are thinking of planting our vegetable garden this weekend if it isn't too rainy. Have a beautiful weekend.

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    1. It was such a wonderful trip in so many ways, I love getting out and exploring wherever we go. Graffiti is a terrible thing. I can't understand why people do such destructive ugly stuff! Hope you get your garden planted this weekend, it is that time of year for us northeners, I do believe :)

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  15. What beautiful scenery, mountains and waterfalls are not common here in England!

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    1. Each place has its own beauty, and I love to find the beauty wherever it is! You live in a beautiful place as well :) It is a special joy of mine to photograph the beauty of the Lord's creation, and He is my Helper! Hoping that you get to feeling better!

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  16. Wow...what amazing photos you captured! I am just in awe of the glorious beauty God has created for us to enjoy. Thank you for taking the time to snap photos along your journey. Just wow again! :)
    It always seems busy...Summer is here and we are planning several camping trips already. We took one over Memorial weekend and it was so nice to get away. We are camping next week with some dear friends, so that should be fun as well.Congrats to your son on his graduation. What a great accomplishment!
    Enjoy your summer!
    Hugs, Amy

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    1. Oh thank you Amy, it is a special joy of mine to photograph the beauty of the Lord's creation, and He is my Helper! I'm glad they brought you joy, that means so much to me! Camping provides the best family times, and I'm so happy that you are able to get out and enjoy the wild beauty the Lord has created for us to enjoy! Camping is our most favorite thing to do when the weather is nice. Enjoy your time camping next week! Hugs to you today :)

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  17. SO thankful you were able to go and celebrate your dear friend's wonderful new beginning! I am so grateful God led her to find love again after such horrible heartache. May they find many years of happiness together! The photos were so outstanding, as always. :) A big congratulations to your dear son on this major milestone accomplishment in his life! Sending much love and blessings to you and your sweet family!

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    1. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate with her the new love found after sorrow had been a constant companion. I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures, it is a special joy of mine to photograph the beauty of the Lord's creation, and He is my Helper! I'm glad they brought you joy, that means so much to me! It feels almost surreal that our "baby" is graduating! Lots of exciting things happening though, and it will be a great day :) Praying for you all!!!

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  18. A graduation! Wow! Enjoy and Congradulations. A beautiful post.

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    1. Thank you Ronda, we have some busy but great days ahead! :)

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  19. Lovely photos. How wonderful when joy replaces sorrow.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Thank you Amalia, it was a joyous celebration for sure :)

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  20. Travelling, a love story, beautiful scenery and a happy ending makes me want to jump up and down and yell yay good things still happen.

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    1. Sorry to be so late replying to your comment! It was a beautiful time, for which I was so very thankful! Appreciate you and your kind visits :)

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  21. Travelling, a love story, beautiful scenery and a happy ending makes me want to jump up and down and yell yay good things still happen.

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  22. What a way to celebrate! A glorious trip, a sweet connection.

    Happy, happy weekend to you, friend ...

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    1. It was a wonderful time that we had, and so thankful for the good memories :) Sorry for the late response to your comment, of which I always appreciate so much! June seems to have been a blur for me, lol!

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  23. Your pictures are amazing! what a mini-vacation you had! So much packed into just a short time. I love all the waterfall photos. I could almost hear the water tumbling down the mountainside. You are so gifted with a camera!
    Have a wonderful week, dear friend.
    Debbie
    xo

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    1. It was a wonderful time that we had, and so thankful for the good memories :) Sorry for the late response to your comment, of which I always appreciate so much! June seems to have been a blur for me, lol!

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  24. Your trip certainly looks like it was a screaming success. I absolutely love the huge windmills, aren't they amazing?

    (hope you don't mind my leaving a comment here...) Just dropped by to let you know the blog post listing over 30 great homesteading/simple living sites (including yours!) sorted by state has been published. What a great resource for all our readers! I'm hoping all the blogs included on this list will share it on their site too for their readers to enjoy, as well as sharing on social media. Here's the link --> http://taylormadehomestead.com/homestead-sites-state/ Thanks!

    ~Taylor-Made Homestead~
    Texas

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    1. Thank you SO much for putting all the hard work into this list Tammy! I just visited your site, and it is awesome! I really feel like June was a bit of a blur (son graduating, in between two trips and just life!), and I apologize for just now responding to your comment!!! Thanks again for doing this!!

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  25. Such spectacular photos! It must have been lovely to get away to this beautiful place.

    Congratulations to your son on his graduation!

    ♥Hope

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    1. Thank you Hope! We had such a wonderful time, and feel so blessed to have made the memories we did :) Hope you are having a wonderful day!

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  26. I like to see where others vacation or drive to. Especially, if they live in the same area.
    Mt. Rainier and the Columbia Gorge are some really special places for me. Thank you for sharing your time away.
    Great way to celebrate.

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    1. I agree, I always love seeing other places through the eyes of my friends :) Mt. Rainier was such an amazing place, I hope to go back and visit it some more. Appreciate your visit, and I'm sorry for the late response!

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  27. Sweet friend, what a delight to my heart to pop in for a visit this evening. My, how I have missed you! I hope you are well and enjoying the month of June.

    I thoroughly enjoyed your post and I am so glad you enjoyed your time away. Everything looks so beautiful and really shows the handiwork of God.

    And what a blessing for your friend to find love again. She looks simply lovely.

    Thinking of you and sending love and hugs your way!

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words, and visit Stephanie! It was a wonderful visit in so many ways, and we are so thankful we got to celebrate this special time with them. It feels like June was a bit of a blur in my mind, as we had so much going on, and I apologize for the lateness of my response to your comment. Thank you again for your sweet words, and look forward to visiting to see what you've been doing soon :0

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  28. When I see your photos, my heart sings with praises to Our God for the beauty of this country.

    What a delight it is to visit you again :o).

    So good to congratulate your son in his graduation ... On seeing a radiant couple come together in matrimony ... And the monument of the wild horses. ... Everything just fills my eyes with joy.

    Thank you sweet friend for sharing :oD

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    1. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the pictures Mari! It is always a joy to get away with family, and make wonderful memories together! Appreciate you dear friend, and hope that you are having a wonderful day :)

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  29. What beautiful pictures. My husband spent part of his growing up years by Mt. Rainer but I have never been there. I hope your son's graduation goes wonderfully.

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    1. Mt. Rainier is a beautiful place to visit, too much to see in one day, so we hope to go back soon! The month of June feels like a blur, but a wonderful one with so many precious memories made! Appreciate your visit :)

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