Mom, Dad,
Josie, and Roslyn rang in the new year in the Pacific Northwest. After
flying in to Sea-Tac and rounding up KP, Tiara, and Ollie, they set sail
for the North Cascades and the Methow Valley. The first night was spent
in a hospital (hotel). Josie and Roz got to cuddle up in nests on the
floor since there was only one bed.
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| Little Chick #1 in her nest |
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| Little chick #2 in her nest |
The
destination, Grizzly Hut, lies about 5 miles from the nearest
trailhead. All the gear and food was transported via snowmobile. The
adults cross-country skied in to the cabin, Ollie trotted along
wrangling pine cones all the way, and Josie and Roz were transported in
parent-towed chariots.
Josie's
chariot was similar to one that you might see being pulled by a
bicycle, the wheels being interchangeable with skis. Rozzie's chariot was
similar to one you might fill with ice and beer for a party, skis
and a harness for mom attached. The temperatures were not too low, but,
nonetheless, both kids wore big snowsuits and sleeping bags inside their
rides.
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| Looking chilled |
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| Roz, getting warmer in the cooler |
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| The Trailhead |
As
the hike got underway, it quickly became apparent that the harness
system linking Annie and Roslyn allowed the driver little control. Rozzie's sled would
jackknife erratically, especially when Lycra-clad skate skiers were
nearby. KP attached her pole to the cooler/chariot to provide a bit more regulation on the downhills.
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| Merry bunch |
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| Home, Sweet Home for the next three nights |
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| Annie and the Methow Valley |
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| Josie surveys KP's kitchen duty |
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| It's important to keep hydrated in the mountains |
The kids had pretty much unlimited use of their electronics (Leap Pads)
at the Grizzly Hut to allow the adults plenty of time to catch up and
drink beer. It's important to stay hydrated in the mountains. Our other
indoor activities included: reading books, snacking, using the pit
toilet (big fun!), games, and puzzles.
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| Game Face! |
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| Day hiking: this is one of three steps Roz took on that hike. |
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| Annie and her stripey long johns |
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| JP keeps hydrated |
Roz came down with a cold and managed to infect everyone. What a friend!
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| Yee-haw! Rustlin' boogers at the snot rodeo! |
On New Year's Eve Josie and Roz were treated to a ride and fresh air. The creator of the cooler chariot was out on the trail with his family skiing to their cabin.
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| Roz never stayed awake for very long in her chariot |
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| Snug as a Bug |
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| Wilderness Roz |
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| Snackin' |
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| Annie, Tiara, and KP keep watch on all angles |
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| Another Grizzly Sunset |
At
one point Josie started acting pretty feral so Dad took her out for a
night hike. While bonding they checked out the stars and listened to
coyotes.
On
New Year's Day the gang had an uneventful ski back to the car. The
temperature was on the rise, but the trail was still passable although
much more plant life was visible trail-side.
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| A parting PB&J |
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| Roz couldn't possibly be asleep already! |
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| Or could she? |
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| A quick cafe stop before the long drive back to Seattle |
In
Seattle the weather remained unseasonably dry. Josie and Roz visited the Pacific Science Center, Pike Place Market, Discovery Park, and, finally, the Space Noodle. The clear skies
made for views all the way to Canada at the top of the Space Needle.
Until next time, PNW. Don't be a stranger.
