Lake 22

Here is Noah for his first outdoor adventure. We went on a hike!!

This was the hike that Tony really wanted to do. Lake 22. Just a "few" miles outside Granite Falls. It took about an hour to drive there and we were surprised at how many people were already on the hike.

Tony and Noah are ready to go! This is the back pack that was given to us before Noah was even born. He hadn't been in it until now and he did great. You can see in the back round how cool the old growth forest was.

Before we took our journey up the trails that be, we signed in at the designated post. It felt so official...almost like dooms day. But who needs to worry, it was only two miles...or so Tony said.

It was so beautiful. These trails are used for scientific research to study the effects of water in the forest. Whatever that means.

There were waterfalls everywhere. Really breath taking. At times we had to semi wade ( up to our ankles) and walk through some water that had run across the trail.

We also went into many different terrains. First it was lush forest, then some wet mini rivers, and now it was desert like. Dry brush everywhere.

And just a bit further to our surprise was snow. We talked with several people along the way who had told us about it. Including a couple with a baby who had lost their pacifier. Just a few feet away we found it and placed it in the snow. So it's up for grabs...

The trial went on forever it seemed like. We saw people coming down and we kept thinking we have got to be close. Noah even took a snooze for part of it.

Then, around the corner and through the woods...there it was. Lake 22!!! And it was worth the 2.7 mile hike, uphill, that was described as difficult. I forgave Tony for those wondering.

Noah then woke to see the splendor also. He was in awe like we were. So we stopped to get some refreshments and take a break. But it was chilly up there.

Noah LOVES water bottles.

We had no idea how great it was going to be. It was as though we were in a fish bowl. Surrounded by mountains and a half frozen lake. We sat briefly, did a diap change and we were headed back down. Noah actually did really well. It was a hard hike but really and truly very fun.

Now. For those few avid site visitors, we will be taking a few days off to visit some great grandparents. But rest assured that we will update you as soon as we get back!!