Our final full day in Washington, so we had to maximize it which meant setting our alarm for 3:15am. Dan is a lucky guy to get to travel with me 😉 We wanted to pack in a sunrise hike up to 3rd Burroughs in Mt Rainier National Park, a jump into a swimming hole, and have some fun with Juno in Randle, WA, before driving to our hotel in Seattle to catch our flights the next day.
Magenta paintbrush with Mt Rainier in the background
Our alarm went off nice and early so that we could get into the "Sunrise" entrance of Mt Rainier National Park. If you don't want to have to wait in a long line of cars, you need to arrive by 6am. We checked out of our motel and were able to hit the trail before 5am. Our plan was to hike the Burroughs Mountains (1, 2, and 3). It was going to another hot day (100+ degrees), so starting early would allow us to catch a mountain sunrise and hike in the cooler temps of the day. It was excellent to be able to see the sun light up Rainier.
Mt Rainier in the dark as we drove to our hike. When we got close enough, we could see the lights of the climbers going up the left side.
The sun's rays just starting to hit the summit of Rainier
The sun's rays streaming through the mountains
The sun rising over Sourdough Ridge
In a place that looks barren and harsh, it is surprising to see so much color from the wildflowers when you are up close. I may have gone overboard with taking photos of the mountain and flowers.
Shadow "selfie"
2nd Burroughs is the brown/tan mountain right behind us and in front of Rainier
Dan hiking down 2nd Burroughs towards 3rd Burroughs (brown/tan mountain in front of Rainier)
When we made to the top of 3rd Burroughs, we rested a bit, took some pictures, and had a snack. The mountain is so close to Rainier, it seems as if you could just reach your hand out and touch the glaciers.
Dan finds the best places to have a snack
Sometimes you just have to bust out a handstand 😃
Those layers!
Sign recommending ice axes beyond that point - they were not necessary
Frozen Lake
After hiking the Burroughs, we were hot and sweaty, so we decided to go back to the swimming hole from yesterday since it was right on our way. Juno was not supposed to arrive Randle until 2:45, so we had a few hours to play.
Dan taking the plunge into the icy water
Kara launching
The color of the water makes it look warm and tropical - it is deceiving
Dan is a happy camper with his fajita
When we planned our trip to Washington, we were hoping to be able to see Juno who is working as a wildland firefighter for the Forest Service. We had no idea if it would happen, especially when Juno had to go to Alaska for several weeks, it looked unlikely that it would work out. However, Juno got back a few days earlier than expected, so we were able to hang out for a few hours. We decided to show Juno the fun swimming hole that we had stumbled upon. Then we treated ourselves to ice cream.
The town where Juno is living while working for the Forest Service
Juno's housing with the Forest Service
Juno jumping into Panther Creek
So psyched we were able to see Juno
All smiles while getting some ice cream
After we played with Juno, it was time to say goodbye and hit the road for Seattle. We arrived at the hotel at 9:30, returned our rental car, ate our grocery store salads, and repacked our stuff so that Dan could bring the stuff that I wouldn't need for VietNam home (microspikes, ice axes, etc). In the morning, he would head to California for work and I would fly to VietNam. He is the best travel buddy and will be greatly missed by this kid on the next leg of this adventure.❤️
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