Hiking up to Heather Lake: the longest 2.3 miles ever

Heather Lake

This weekend Jeff and I ventured further north past Granite Falls, Washington to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for a day hike to Heather Lake. Since our dog Frankie is always up for an outdoor outing we brought her along as well. Heather Lake is a lower elevation high lake (or valley bottom lake) at the base of Mt. Pilchuck. It’s also part of the larger Alpine Lakes system of the Cascades. Because it's a popular destination we crossed paths with dozens of people along the way.

The knot is tied

The best feeling is when you look at him...and he is already staring.

My favorite picture from our wedding day.

Earlier this year Jeff and I tied the knot, promising to be with one another till death do us part. If you're thinking, "Wait what?!?! When did this happen? I didn't even hear about your engagement," you're in good company. We only recently told our family. And by recent I mean last week. Delivering the news in person was important to me so we shared the news when my family came out for a visit.

Interviewing Isabel Wilkerson

Isabel Wilkerson (left) and I after her talk at SAM. Thankfully I had lipstick in purse to put on.

 

When I moved to Seattle I never imagined the opportunity to interview the author of one of my favorite books, “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration” by Isabel Wilkerson, would present itself. Because of an exhibit at Seattle Art Museum (SAM) earlier this year it all came together.

Birthday gratitude

I've officially turned a year older and rather than be solemn about the occasion I'm celebrating. Dinner, cake and cocktails with people I love. In past years I haven't always met my birthday with welcome arms. This year feels different.

The splendid tulip fields of Skagit Valley

On the drive up I-5 to Skagit Valley I was pretty psyched to see the much talked about and photographed tulip fields. Since I wasn’t able to take time off during the week to see them Jeff and I woke up early to beat the crowds and the rain. The closer we got to our first stop, Roozengaarde, the more excited I became. The tulip festival is a driving tour but Roozengaarde is one of two places with display gardens you can walk through.