Over Memorial Day weekend we camped at Alder Lake, one of Tacoma Power’s three campgrounds, and did some hikes around Rainier.

The park was really busy so we went in by Longmire then got up early and walked the Westside road.

The road was originally built in 1926 but never finished. It’s great for biking and walking.

I’ve always wanted to try going through the locks from fresh to salt water. There is something about walking out the front door and paddling to the sea that still seems impossible to this Arizona girl. But possible it is! This trip I went there and back but next time would like to camp and explore the beach more before returning.

Stepping out of the car in Coon Rapids, Iowa the enveloping warm humid air, smell of manure, sound of birds and deep green rolling hills took me back forty years to detasseling corn, bean roguing and cattle AI-ing.

“Iowa is a faded photograph” said my cousin. Here are some vibrant ones to show the beauty of this place.

The family pooled their land to form White Rock Conservancy. This preserves a beautiful stretch of the Raccoon River, prairie and classic farm houses. You can float the river, camp and walk the miles of trails.

A quick trip up the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie for a lovely hike.

With one week to explore the lands around the mouth of the Columbia we listened to stories of the Lewis and Clark expedition, tried to learn the verses to “Roll on Columbia”, hiked, paddled and had a great time.