Rattlesnake Ledge

Last weekend we decided to go on a hike to get prepared for our trip to hike the Dolomites (the Italian Alps). Located in North Bend and the Snoqualmie area, Rattlesnake Ledge is a brisk 2 mile, 2,000 feet hike to a ledge that overlooks Rattlesnake lake on one side and the Snoqualmie valley on the other. Though the hike wasn't extremely demanding, it was just a great feeling to get outside into the wilderness again. This winter has been holding us hostage with it's cold and rain. It's nice now that it is finally warming up enough to go out in the world and explore. We are definitely looking forward to more hiking trips as summer ascends upon us.

Notice the lush green moss that covered the forest like a warm blanket. I LOVE THE NW!



The lake below was so peaceful and serene. It was the perfect location to enjoy some grapes and a heirloom orange.






Amazingly enough, this was Andy's first true hike in the NW. This guy has lived here for 5 years and he has NEVER been hiking out here. Crazy, I know, right? Though I think this hike changed his mind about things and he will be accompanying us on many more hikes.



If Andy and I ever had a band, this would be our album cover:



Chrissy also made us a beautiful pasta dish one night. It even included fresh mozzarella from WISCONSIN! It was delicious that pictures can not do it justice. However after seeing all of the wonderful culinary photography my friend Mark Mirocha has, I wanted to try my hand at it. As you can see, I still have a long way to go.

More Pictures and Video

So last weekend I went out 4 wheelin' again with Andy and his coworker Mike (and fam). This time we avoided the deathly mountain cliffs and found 2 foot deep snow that had been untouched by a vehicle of any sort. It is actually the entrance to the Ira Springs Trail. We ended up running into an older Toyota 4Runner who was stopped at a downed tree. All of us were able to move it out of the way. As we continued on we ran into another, larger, downed tree. This time we had to use tow straps and Mike's Suzuki Sidekick to pull it out of the way. We continued on for about another 1.5 mile and found ye another tree, this one being the largest of the three. With no chainsaw or hatchet in hand we were forced to turn around. We headed back and stopped at Snoqualmie falls to check out the beautiful Waterfall. It was a good time (as always) though I feel it will be the last time of the year. But look out for some muddin' trips this summer!

PS. Sorry for the length of the video below. It was intended for Andy and Mike but is here in case you're interested.

Pictures & Video Time!

So i've been spending a lot of time lately working on pictures and videos. I recently got a new video editing program so I have been spending a lot of time teaching myself how to use it. My first project with it is of some sweet Wheelin' action that we did with my friend Andy when Jamie was out here. You might remember part one from before [See Offroadin']. This time we went out with a bunch of people who also had Toyota 4Runners. We went pretty extreme up the mountain side and actually found ourselves sliding backwards on ice at one point. Luckily we made out out by deflating tires and shoveling for traction. Still a little scary though knowing that we were pretty close to the cliff edge. Since this is my first time using the video editing program, it is a little more experimental and is about 7mins long. Though it's still entertaining none the less. Watch in HD & fullscreen for the full experience.

I also have a bunch of pictures from the trip:

Here are some pictures that I have taken recently. The last two mountain shots were actually taken from our Bedroom window. What a wonderful view we have!

Thoughts comment and suggestions are always appreciated! Thanks for stopping!