Year: 2012

Padrones in Paradise

Padrones in Paradise

Padrones don’t ask for much. They need very little. These small peppers don’t need to be seeded or peeled, stuffed or marinated. They just need a little bacon, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Saute them over high heat and watch 

Hoh Rainforest

Hoh Rainforest

My dad found this interesting lichen specimen when we stopped at the visitor center before hiking the mysterious Hoh Rainforest. Thought I’d share. There are few words for such an extraordinary place, but there are lots of pictures! Enjoy.

Marymere Falls on Lake Crescent

Marymere Falls on Lake Crescent

After leaving Hurricane Ridge, we continued west on our drive around Olympic National Park until we reached our next stop at Lake Crescent.

A hike nearby gave us a preview of the rainforest ecosystem we’d be seeing when we went on to Hoh Rainforest, and also catch glimpse of a beautiful waterfall a short distance away.

My dad found mysterious large leaves we have yet to identify.

The falls less than a mile away made a stunning backdrop for photos.

And this is during the tail end of dry season!

Next stop, Hoh Rainforest.

Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge

It was rainy on my last day in Washington last week and I found myself in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge to be specific. I didn’t mind at all that our view was obstructed. When you are at your final destination on a trip, one 

Port Angeles By Night

Port Angeles By Night

The next destination on our Washington itinerary was Olympic National Park, waaaay north just across the bay from Vancouver, Canada. Did I mention I have never been to Canada before? Or seen it, despite living in Northern Wisconsin for 4 years of my life. My 

Outside My Window

Outside My Window

Autumn is behind in California but just beginning in Washington.

It’s the evergreen state, for sure, but dramatic splashes of color are showing up. Along with the mighty Mount Rainier, which I’m seeing out my window for the first time.

Outside Olympic National Park, the trees are ablaze.

Moved by the Spirit

Moved by the Spirit

On the morning we left Yakima Valley, our family finally got together for a group picture, and also to show off some pumpkin carving artistry, namely from my dad. It’s been years since we carved pumpkins together, so I was pretty happy that we got 

City of Murals

City of Murals

A day trip to the old cowboy town of Toppenish gave me a chance to catch up on local art. The town is covered in murals, one commissioned each year to honor the community’s history and culture. No surprise they call it the “city of 

Yakima River Canyon

Yakima River Canyon

This week we found ourselves in the Yakima area of Washington, and went for a drive to explore it more and search for wildlife. (Picture a stopped car with four people squinting up into the hills through binoculars and you have my family.)

We admired the craggy cliffs of basalt jutting out of the canyon. The big-horn sheep climb up with their lambs to protect them from predators in the spring. Can you believe the safest place for them is at the edge of these cliffs?

 We found a herd of sheep grazing with two rams trying to impress the ladies. They weren’t interested.

What wildlife have you spotted recently?

Fun with Fake Vintage Prints

Fun with Fake Vintage Prints

 A little fun on the road with the Android spinoff of Instagram, called Retro Camera. Good news for mediocre photos and subpar photographers. A boring old snap on the road looks like a unique and intentional shot. Glad I have a way to beef up