Simpsons in Seattle

Another weekend, another hike! This time, we went to Mirror Lake, a roughly 5mi r/t hike up in Snoqualmie pass. The girls weren't super excited to go especially because we weren't prepared for the rain that was up there! At least it was just a bit drizzly here and there, and cleared after a few hours. The hike itself was gorgeous and passed by another lake first and meets up with the PCT for a bit as well. We didn't see very many folks on the trail at all, so it was a nice quiet hike. Wet hike! Scott was the only one prepared for rain. Bushwaking for parts of the trail Cottonwood Lake The lake peaking through the trees We found a few spots near the lake to hang out and eat lunch While Scott fished (of course!) more rain coming down We went a little pass Mirror Lake and came across this gorgeous view of the valley. We were at the top of this waterfall. PCT! On the way back, the skies cleared and we got to see how Mirror Lake got its name. Pretty emerald waters!  

We joined Scott's parents for a nice end-of-summer weekend on Orcas Island a few weekends ago and it was perfect! The weather was just starting to turn cooler, but wasn't yet cold, and the island wasn't overrun with tourists now that the high season is over. Now that the the girls are older, we've also been experimenting with walking onto the ferry vs taking the car on and that has reduced our traffic stress a lot more than you'd think possible! All in all, a nice weekend away! We couldn't smell the smoke from fires, but it made for a very red sunset.  Apple and Pear trees all over the island! Look how tall this hollyhock is! Coffee stop at our fav bookstore - Darvill's.  Pretty flowers in bloom in our garden. Scott and I did a morning hike to the head of Turtleback Mountain. We had previously only hiked the back of the turtle so this was new to us, and was surprisingly a good workout!