Camping was in the works for this weekend. But with Melis helping out with Music & Drama camp at church, we needed to be back on Sunday, which meant just a quick overnighter was in order. Evidently everyone else in Washington had the same idea. When we called to reserve a campsite a few days ago, we found out that the only way we would get a campsite was to run into the middle of camp yelling 'BEAR' at the top of our lungs, hoping people would leave.

So no camping meant hiking. After consulting a few hiking books and websites (I love trails.com - it's too bad they make you fork over some dough to use it), we decided on the Glacier View trail on the west flank of Rainier. We knew snow was a possibility, but we got a little more than we bargained for. Thanks to a detailed topo map, a gps, Kristin's navigation skills, and a dog with a nose for the trail (and birds, and squirels, and baby's bottoms), we were usually able to keep our feet near the trail.
We followed a large meadow for a while, but when it became obvious that the trail was on the other side of the river running through it, we had to get creative on a place to cross. Matty thought we were being a little picky.


Melis almost ended up as wet as Matty just after I took this picture, and I nearly threw the camera down going to help her. That log that her walking stick is planted on. . .not very stable.
Goat Lake was a small lake we came to that was still frozen over. We got a late start on the day, and planned to have dinner up here. But there weren't any grandiose views. So we decided to forego dinner in hopes of reaching a place with views.

The crew at Goat Lake.
We climbed and climbed until we were sure we should turn around given the time, but I kept asking for 'just 5 more minutes.' This is what we were rewarded with.

There were Avalanche Lillies all over, but this flower growing right out of the rock impressed me.

Kristin looking towards Mount St Helens, visible in the distance. We stayed at the 'top', near Gobblers Knob for 5 whole minutes before bustin' a move back to the car, racing the setting sun.

Abigail was a champ. She sang sweet songs of praise to God out loud (sometimes very loud - but they were all happy) for most of the first half. At the halfway mark she got a little grumpy for a while, but after a diaper change and a bottle she just chilled most of the way home.

In front of Mount Beljica.

We made her carry that pack, which she wasn't a huge fan of, but if that was the cost of going hiking, she'd do it any day!
We got back to the car just as the sun was setting.
8 miles round trip, plus a little extra due to some minor navagational difficulties on the way out, getting back just before dark. Perfect timing.