Camping Withdrawals

"the world is mud-licious and puddle-wonderful."

e.e. cummings

It has been two weeks since we've been back from vacation and I'm still pretty sad. I miss the outdoors and seeing everything that the Lord has made. However, it has really sparked my interest to backpack.

BUT before I get too ahead of myself, I have made a goal for myself: to do a hike once a week. First, it'll be the puny, whimpy ones then I'll go to the intermediate hikes, and finally graduate to the longer, strenuous ones. Last week, my friend, Laura, and I drove to North Bend to hike Franklin Falls - a whopping 2 miles roundtrip and along the way, we saw this sweet sight:

 



But the actual falls was still about a mile down. They were pretty, but no raging rapids, and the water a bit receded.



(If you're wondering who that blue figure is, it's Laura. )However, as I sat on the big rocks taking the scenery in, I found myself wishing I brought a sammy or Thermos of soup.  A reward or something for my baby accomplishment. But tomorrow will be hike number deux to Tilapia Lake.

 

What?! It's actually Talapus Lake, but the last time I hiked it that's what I called it.

 

 

According to our Falcon guide, Talapus Lake is a very popular short hike, rated at moderate and only 3.2 miles roundtrip (whoop whoop!) As mentioned before, I hiked Talapus Lake on July 5, 2010. At that time, I did not like hiking and only went because Jason loves the outdoors and I wanted to spend time with him. When I suggested we hike Talapus Lake, he was kind enough to remind me how much I disliked the muddy trail and the funny wooden bridges that seemed a bit dodgy. However, I may have been biased then so we're going to hike it again. Aaand, I will try to not complain this time.

 

Now, one last picture from the hike for the road...

 

 

 

Until next time.

-Q