Tony, Sheri and I At Christine Falls: Mount Rainier

It was a pretty steep but short hike from the car parking area to the top of Christine Falls.  The actual Christine Falls is hard to see as it is just before the bridge on the main road.  However there are lots of small falls leading up to Christine Falls.

looking up stream from trail bridge

looking down stream

down stream

up stream

Actual Christine Falls from the road.  The rock is part of the bridge and this is looking down.  This is down river from the walking bridge.

Sunday Dinner with the Merrills

It seems we always have Sunday dinner with the Merrills when we visit Natalia.  This visit was no exception.  However they introduced us to a new game, Kubb.  You tossed sticks to knock over blocks, with the king block saved for last.  It was fun.  We also played some bocci and generally had a good time conversing.  Tony has a pen pal from the Merrill grandchildren so it was good for him as well.  The task now is for on of our kids to make us a set of Kubb for Christmas.  This Sunday dinner was a bit more special because it included Ty's birthday. 

Port Orchard Beach and View of Seattle

This is across the Sound from Seattle.  You can see the Space Needle in some of the pictures.  The tide was so high there was  not much beach, but we found a little and had fun.  Tony tried skipping rocks.  And something unusual, a borrow the life jacket stand.  Ayden was funny.  This was Saturday before camping so July 28.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

They day we left the park we had hoped to go to a lake, but the cool air turned us away, so we headed to the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, between Mr. Rainier and Tacoma.  The greatest fun was the first think we did.  They have a terrific park there.  I watched Asher go up the rock steps to a slide.  He did this over and over.  Later he discovered a wading creek which he also enjoyed.  There was a short walk to see wildlife.  The cages were all pretty open so sometimes it was hard to see the animals.  Everyone also went on a train ride (except me as I lost my ticket).  I have pictures from my viewpoint at the lake. I watched deer, elk and caribou feeding and drinking around the lake.  We also visited a reptile exhibit, but it was pretty lame. 
I tried to get everyone through lunch with the leftover food from camp I could come across.  It was cheese and sandwiches without bread, and chips. 
 

Happy Anniversary to Us: Aug 11

It was a crazy weekend.  We were very busy.  Sheri and I went exploring gyms, and I now have a membership in the Fit Republic gym which is close to our home.  I can walk there.  The selling factor was the hydro massage tables.
I ten participated in Evee Community Day for Pokemon.  I caught enough to keep me happy because I had to end early.
It was then off to Lodi Lake to initiate the kayak the kids got me for Father's Day.  It worked well, but we had to use the kayak in a place other than the beach.  I had a turn, and came very close to a goose.  I then took Skylar and Bronston for a ride.  They both had turns paddling while I helped with my hands from the rear.  The Halls were also there.  Camberly and Hayley really enjoyed the waterfall in the kiddie pool.  While Asher enjoyed dumping water on Tony's head.

We then headed back to Manteca for a lunch date.  We debated for sometime where to go, and decided on Applebees all you can it ribs.  Very nummy, but destroyed by calorie count for the day, and carb count as they came with fries.  I did avoid any sugary drinks.
Very good conversation as Sheri and I discussed the good years and the bad.  35 years and counting.

Camping at Mount Rainier: Cougar Rock Camp Ground July 30 to Aug 2

A Few more camping pictures.  Most of these are around our campground.

Cougar Rock was pretty fun.  There was a camp-wide program every night.  We went one night and listened to someone talk about ways we are scared.  We also had campfires at camp each night.  This included smores one night, playing murder another, and conversation.  Of course it also included chasing young ones.  Short excursion included the Hanover one morning, and to Paradise another.  We also toured waterfalls--Narada and Christine.  It was a fun week.

Mount Rainier Camping and Nisqually Glacier View Point and Wild Flowers

Here are a few more camping photos.  At Paradise we were looking for a shorter hike, and came upon the Nisqually Glacier View Point as a short hike.  It did have some climbs however.  The Nisqually River, which is a glacier water river has lots of grit in it from the Glacier process.  It does not look appetizing, but rather a whitish brown.

This hike is also known for wildflowers

Finally a couple pictures of Mount Rainier from Paradise