My First Backpacking Trip

Heading out for our big weekend

Good Morning
Tim and I have been talking about going backpacking for a long time, we finally did it. Although I have been sworn to secrecy as to our location (it was so beautiful we don't want anyone else to go there), I can tell you that it is in the Mt St. Helens area and you can see Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Hood - AMAZING!

This trip was long overdue, we got to use our brand new tent, which we just love, and Tim got to finally use his new bag (which didn't work so well). The hike was 6-miles to the lake and it took us about 4-hours with a lunch break, many breaks to admire the views and rest for Tim's back. Coming back it only took us about 2-hours 45-min.

For my first overnight in the wilderness I was a little nervous about bears and other wildlife I do not encounter everyday. Thankfully our only little friends were a chipmunk and some birds. Tim was happy to swim in the buff and at night there was a peace that I never hear in the city.

Check out the pictures, they tell it all.

A Weekend of Celebrations

On August 12th 2006 there was a lot going on. My mummy and daddy would've been celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. My friend Lauren was married. We celebrated Bills life and laid him to rest in Toledo, WA and on August 13th we wished Elli and Dianne an early happy birthday.

Two Weeks Of Fun

Mummy and Courtney (my 11yr old neice) visited Tim and I in Seattle. It was non-stop fun. Here's what we did:

July 26th - Arrive in Seattle - Yeah, I can't wait to show them around.
July 27th - Shopping (a part of every Jamaicans trip)
July 28th - Traveled to San Juan Island, Stayed at Juniper Lane (highly recommended), Dinner at Madrona Bar and Grill in Roche Harbor
July 29th - Whale Watching with Captain Carli's Charter, visited the Lavender Farms
July 30th - Returned to Seattle, drove on the famous Chuckanut Drive
July 31st - Woodland Park Zoo with Friends and more shopping
Aug 1st - Courtney went on the climbing wall at the YMCA. Visited the beautiful Japanese Garden and discovered Pike Place Market. Dinner at the Penny's home - thank you!
Aug 2nd - Mount Rainier (Paradise). Courtney and Tim climbed to about 6400-ft and she got to hike through snow.
Aug 3rd - Mummy went shopping. Courtney and I went to Wild Waves/Enchanted Village. Dinner with our friends the Deys - always a good time.
Aug 4th - Tim, Mummy, Courtney and Simon went to Fall City to visit Mary Jo. They had lunch and rode the horse. I was at a training ALL day. We all enjoyed the Mariners Game in the evening.
Aug 5th - We headed to Olympia and spent the weekend with Donna. Marie, Paul, Courtney and Tim swam and drove the boat while Mummy and I did a little more shopping (what can I tell you).
Aug 6th - Enjoyed Eld Inlet. Walked to the cove, swam, drove the boat, taught Courntey how to go clamming, Tim swam across the inlet (about 2-miles) and had lunch with the rest of the Dugaw family. It was a fun weekend.
Aug 7th - Mount St. Helens: Mummy really enjoyed this visit. We had dinner with Paul, Marie and Claire.
Aug 8th - Goodbye Mummy and Courtney, thank you for visiting us. We had a whole lot of fun and we look forward to your next visit. We love you!

Check out the 382 pictures: Album 1, Album 2, Album 3