The sun shone again in the Rainier Valley, which is, we have heard, an unusual occurrence. So we had no choice but to meet the mountain again, but from a different angle. Out early, we met little traffic and headed up to Paradise and then down to the east side.
The thrills started early today and continued for hours. Up onto the mountain roads, through snow drifts just recently plowed, around the base of one of the most massive peaks on the continent and up switchbacks that carried us higher and higher, then down again. Perfect music accompanied us on the ride.
Took a side trip to the Grove of the Patriarchs- a short hike into another world with stands of towering ancient Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar and Hemlock. We crossed a suspension bridge and my knees were shaking, but I bullied through. The grove of trees silenced us with their magnitude.The Almighty Architect created this sacred place and we felt privileged to walk along its paths.
Ate our wine and cheese at the top of the pass, then turned around to head back to Lacey. Magic is now at the Harley Doctor getting her 40,000 mile tune up and we are staying at a hotel nearby with a pool, sauna, hot tub and laundry. Creature comforts and clean clothes are always an end to a good day.
It is impossible to share in photos or in words the feeling in your gut when you lean into a curve over a 1000 foot drop with no guardrail, the birds flying with you and the wind in your face. Then you come around to see the mighty Rainier, majestically rising. Unwilled, tears fall out of sheer joy and you know you have lived.
Betsy, this is a great blog! Nature at its best! We enjoy seeing all the powerful and exotic views, specially the trees. Ride safe and enjoy! M+D
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