Wednesday, September 12, 2012

From Seaside to Mountaintop: Northwestern Retreat Recapped

Well, hello there! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Even though it certainly seems that way to me, I can also hardly believe that summer is quickly fading and that fall is already in the air here in DC. After nearly a month away – first traveling to Seattle for a low-key visit with friends and then back down to Southern California to spend more time with my family – it’s definitely taking me a while to feel caught up and back in the swing of things.

Nevertheless, I’m slowly but surely finding my groove, glad to once again spend time working on my novel, getting into shape for our upcoming trip to Hawaii and watching the inevitable election-year fever descend upon our nation's capital. Of course, I'm also excited to start blogging more regularly again, beginning today with a photo recap highlighting my recent adventures out West. 




Beautiful views of Puget Sound as seen from my friend Ted's balcony and beachfront sandbar in West Seattle – the perfect place to spend a week reading, relaxing and enjoying temperatures in the 70s and 80s. 


The Seattle skyline, complete with a glimpse of the iconic Space Needle. 


Sipping a watermelon margarita while catching up with Gianna and Bridget, my best friends of more than 15 years, at Alki Beach's Cactus. 





"Three Pines Cabin," where the girls and I spent a fabulous weekend exploring Mt. Rainier National Park just a couple hours outside the city. 



Hiking at and around Mowich Lake, where I felt quite proud for making it all the way up to the Mt. Rainier lookout point, despite a mostly uphill two-mile trek. 


The lovely Narada Falls, accented by a shimmery rainbow at the base. 


Posing inside the trunk of an ancient tree in the Grove of the Patriarchs, home to thousand-year-old towering giants and primeval-looking ferns. 

Have you ever visited Mt. Rainier or had the chance to explore any other national parks? I enjoyed my time in and around Seattle so much that I know I'll definitely be heading back again sometime in the future, maybe even as early as next year!

18 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos! Nothing beats spending time in a cabin and outdoors in the woods. I haven't spent any time at this National Park (or any others that I can think of), but I love hiking through Point Reyes and Muir Woods in the North Bay Area. I may even do a Mt. Tamalpais hike this October for my husband's birthday :)

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  2. Oh wow! I would love to see those mountains and falls! How cool, Heather! I have missed you.

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  3. what beautiful pictures! I've never been there, but looks like a beautiful and fabulous place!

    So nice that you were able to have some great time off at the end of the summer!

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  4. WOW! Looks like you had a great time on your holiday and those places you visited are wonderful, makes me miss the mountains and waterfalls from my home country Costa Rica.

    I've never been to Seattle or that National Park you've mentioned, but would love to!

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  5. Those are some gorgeous photos and oh yum that watermelon margarita looks yummo!! :)

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  6. Gorgeous pictures! Glad to hear you had a nice month off. :)

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  7. Your photos are so beautiful. I really need to spend some time exploring national parks. It's great that you got to spend some time with your best friends too.

    Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

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  8. Yes I went there many years ago. I've got a fruit DIY next week for u!

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  9. Awesome photos!! Mendi has been to Seattle and visiting Mt. Rainier. She always talks about going back.

    Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  10. I was in Seattle for 9 months for a project when I was a consultant. Looking at these photos makes me think that I should have stayed more weekends to see Mt. Rainier.

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  11. this looks like such a great trip. the waterfall and snow capped mountain views are just too perfect.

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  12. These are such beautiful sites...very relaxing!!!

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  13. These are such beautiful sites...very relaxing!!!

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  14. Oh my goodness these pictures are stunning! Looks like such a fabulous time. xo

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