10/29/08 - Mt. Rainier

 On October 29, while still staying in Randle, WA we went for a hike at Mt. Rainier. This was the best hike yet. Mt. Rainier is so awesome. We hiked 6.5 miles roundtrip on the Skyline Trail. The first part of the trail is steep, so you definitely get warmed up by the time you reach the top. It was a beautiful, sunny, clear day. Once you arrive at the top, you have great views of the Cascade Range, and you can see Mt. Rainier almost for the whole hike. It is hard to believe you are seeing something so beautiful right in front of you. You could also see Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams in the distance.  We hiked up to Panorama Point and had lunch. We shared some of our crumbs with a crow. Seems like there is always a crow waiting for us at the top.  Then we continued up the Skyline Trail until we were closer to the mountain. We only turned around because we wanted to get back to the parking area before dark. (And we barely made it!) You can see Camp Muir from there where the mountain climbers camp. I think we will stick to hiking! If you have not ever hiked at Mt. Rainier, it is well worth the trip. The saying on the steps just before you start up the trail says it all. We moved on to Silver Creek, WA on November 11, where we still are. The next journal will be two hikes back up to Mt. Rainier after a snow storm. Even better yet!!