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Saturday, July 10, 2004

Back on pavement once again, I make my way to Mount Rainier National Park.

Finally, I enter Mount Rainier National Park. This impressive pole entranceway welcomes me as I enter the park from its southernmost reaches. Having lived in Portland, Oregon for going on 8 years now, I've never visited this spectacular Washington State park, what a pity. Hopefully I'll be able to get some good shots of Mount Rainier, we'll see.

Rats! The weather is still overcast and drizzly. As I climb higher and higher (up to 5,300 feet), the fog and low clouds start to touch upon my travels. Only a cloud-muted glimpse of Mount Rainier is possible. Not much to behold, but, hold tight folks, future pictures of the mountain will make up for this temporary disappointment.

Having quickly passed through Mount Rainier National Park, I now find myself surrounded by the Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest.

A little more driving takes me to the day's destination, a campground just outside of Fife's Ridge. Here's home sweet home, well, at least for tonight and the next day. I'm sharing a small campground with 5 families, all motocross enthusiasts. I thought they'd be a rowdy bunch come nightfall, but, they're as quiet as church mice. I'm surprised the following morning to see they brought their dogs, a total of 6, and I only heard an occasional bark. Great neighbors, indeed.