One of our relatives recently had an encounter with a wolf...spider that is, but on this trip we were facing a much more dangerous and slithery foe...the dreaded rattlesnake! We (Chris, Austin, Kirsten, Dad, Karen and I) set off on our parlous adventure on the eve of the 7th of July. The air was clean and crisp with the only wind coming from the backside of a few hikers (we won't name names). The two mile ascent took us on several switchbacks through the moderately forested terrain. We stopped a few times on our journey for a refreshing drink of our beloved Maple Valley & Kirkland filtered water. Oh, it tasted so good! On one pit stop there was an opening in the evergreen forest and we stood for a moment to bask in the beauty
of the Pacific Northwest. We looked out over an alpine lake with such resp
lendent color that it nearly took our breath away. We continued on our trek and met at the top of the ridge to enjoy yet another breathtaking view of the tree covered mountains, deep blue shimmering lakes, and an orange hewn summer sky. The best part of the ridge though was the company. We snapped a few photographs, laughed and joked together, and ate a delicious delicate meal consisting of ham sandwiches, potato chips, water, and most importantly Monsters, Inc. fruit snacks. Some of the crazier hikers (Austin and Chris) went spelunking into a deep dark crevasse. Thankfully they made it out alive and only had to fend off fifty bats. Fully fueled and racing against the sun timed clock we set out on our descent led by the fearless, most exquisitely beautiful and lovely Karen Vach. She safely led us all the way down the perilous rattlesnake infested trail to our horses that were being kept in the engine block. We loaded up our gear and then shared refrigerated well cut up juicy watermelon. It was a most awesome adventure!
This is going to be a shorter post than normal; aka a "mini" post. On Friday night the troop (Karen, Kirsten, Austin, Chris and I) 
challenged our putting abilities at the Taylor Creek Mini Golf Course. It was a beautiful evening as we meandered our way around the scenic 18-hole course. There were a few amazing shots, some un-amazing and baffling shots, and lets not forget the pool table shots by Chris. We all enjoyed the time together and even got a chuckle out of Austin's "pimped out outfit". Enjoy the photos.
