East meets West

“Looks like I will be comin out to Seatle in a couple of weeks. I will be in Kent from May 12th to the 20th. Mostly for business but I've set it up so I can have a couple of weekend days free.

Pete”

“Westies - RUN while you can!! ;o)”

“shut up dork”

“$20 says he'll fall in love with Pixie.”

“Ha! Like she'd ever step foot into Kent.

Hehheh!!

Actually, I don't live far from Kent, just 2 towns over (and in this area that just means there is nonstop houses between all the shopping areas that signify there is a town there....)

Have you been up to Rainier? You should at least get a day drive up to Paradise-while everything is still snowy, it is worthy! And you can get in hiking down below.”

“1st time to the left coast. I'd love to take a ride and see some real mountains”

“The North Cascades Highway opened today according to WSDOT:

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/northcascades

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/Passes/NorthCascades/2006/default.htm


It's not a bad road trip... a couple hours from Seattle and Kent. You could also drive up to the Mt. Baker ski area to see Mt Shuksan.
last edited: 5/01/06 9:40:51 PM”

“Hyw 20 is one fun long drive-even in winter conditions. It is primal, with few towns, and slowly winds up into the Mts, then as you drop down, you go into E. Wa...just gorgeous!
Mt. Baker is a must see-as long as you have a blue sky day.
For you though, Rainier is very close to Kent..or go over to the Olympics and drive up to Hurrican Ridge in Port Angeles :-)”

“

Mt Shuksan. However, in May this lake will still be covered with snow.”

“Greenwood Cemetery in Renton, about a ten minute drive from the airport.


last edited: 5/02/06 6:59:14 AM”

“Hendrix is a must.

I was thinking 1 day out to Rainier
1 day down to St. Helen and 1 day north.

The rest of my time will be spent with work and nights in Seattle.

BTW who's Pixie?
:)”

“I am going to be in the Seattle area for the Folklife Festival over Memorial Day Weekend. A friend and I are arriving on Wednesday and are thinking of going down to Ranier for a couple of nights before heading up to Seattle. Any suggestions?”

“Perhaps after I've been there once....

Hey westies help us out!”

“Stay away from Tacoma, it is a seriously strange town.”

“I would venture to say all the good trails in Mt Rainier National Park will still be covered in snow at that time so be prepared with ice axe and possibly crampons.”

“From what I have heard anything above Longmire is still snowed covered on the Nisqually entrance (the main entrance). Carbon River is open, but expect snow by the time you hit the Carbon River Bridge or just beyond.
You can do an overnighter on the Carbon River, but not much else is open.
So....just figure under 2500 ft snow free, above, winter.
Now..if you go the Olympic Pennisula there are miles and miles of trails open-almost all of the valley hikes are snow free -and that includes the Hoh, Elwha, Quinalt, etc, etc. And all of the coastal strip.

Rainier is gorgeous...but the months of April-June suck to visit-the snow is skanky and melting, and the bridges are still washed out.”

“If you are really intent on doing something on Rainier, try hiking up to the Muir Snowfield, or higher to Camp Muir and spending a night if the weather is decent and you can use an ice axe.



This is camp on the Muir Snowfield with Adams and Hood on the horizon.”

“Be VERRY CARFUL for marmrats!
They are verry sneeky and will get yer suppers and eet yer shoos!”