The Northern Cascades

The weekend of Sam turning 17 months old was made up of a trip to the Northern Cascades to do some hiking and relaxing. Of course, with a youngin' running around and always wanting to play, relaxing was not in the cards. We stayed at the North Cascades Lodge B&B in Mazama, surprisingly the only ones there that weekend given the great weather and awesome location. But we found out there were hosting a full house all week long and they didn't want a busy weekend. Other potential lodgers were glad they weren't there, since they would've been awakened each night at 3am to the sounds of crying baby. We hope to head back in the winter when there is 10' of snow on the ground.

Sam worked hard to gain control of his window on the ride North.

At the Northwest Cascades Lodge, Sam plays with the rocks while Mom and Dad prep for the day's hike.

View of Goat Wall from the Lodge.

Sam explores the property.

Sam and Dad pose on Slate Peak.

A family portait at 7450'.

The valley below was carved out by ice.

At exactly 17 Months old, Sam conquers Slate Peak. Sam is at 7491.5'.

One of the spectacular views from the peak. Mountains all around. Mt. Baker is the snow-covered one about 3/4 to the right...and we could see Canada.

Sam needed some sustenance after getting back to the car.

Sam really wanted to explore on his own.

The wildflowers were in bloom on the trail.

What's neater? The wildflowers or Sam and Dad? Or Slate Peak and its tower in the distance?

Mom takes the most pride in this photo of an Indian Paintbrush.

whuh?

On the way back to the car, Sam acquires a stick to attack Dad with.

Sam sits on a saddle and points out a motorcycle in Winthrop.