GREENSLEEVES

Well.

The Jam Sessions have been called off too, due to the Hell jeannie paulson stirred up, on the hill ☹

While not directly connected to the {church} … several people did attend there, as I did; and when all Hell broke loose – the jam sessions came to a halt as everyone chose sides and took positions.

So.

I’ve sent out feelers to find something else to do 😊

Today, I had lunch with a friend – and we kicked around some ideas: nothing concrete yet, but some possibilities, that hold promise 😉

Feeling 'green' today ;-)

'Pale Green' for eyebrow line, Md. Green for eyeshadow; 'Quest' for eye accent & liners; 'Auburn' Eyebrow Gel, 'Deep Green' Mascara; 'Nude Burn' Creme Blush, Rose-tinted Lip Balm & ''Pink Quartz' Lipgloss.

Peter Hollens & Tim Foust – ‘Greensleeves’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3iE4IStfRs)

I like driving to ‘the Ranch’: it’s a nice country drive, and the views of Mr. Rainier, the Cascade Range, and Mt. St. Helens are spectacular.

Mt. Rainier looking so regal; seen from Vader.

Mt. St. Helens; seen from Vader.

Afterwards, I stopped at Wal*Mart to buy a coffee pot for the Monday and Tuesday classes at my house; I had thrown away the coffee pot I had in 2018, when the doctors said Bob could not have any more coffee (Bob’s body died anyway). I will use Grandma Smalley’s old percolator pot for me, when I am home alone; but the new one will work better for group meets.

And – it was a banner day for Wal*Mart: busy, busy, busy … two arrests … and running into Mr. Complication. Literally.

Just another day at Wall*Mart ...

Holland is a bear of a man – I bounced off of him; hahaha. He steadied me, saying, “Are you okay, green sleeves?” (in reference to my green top). I laughed. He said, “Are you still mad at me?” I said, “I’m not mad.” He said, “Good. Can I call you?” I said, “You can call – but I’m not promising anything more.” He said, “I’m not giving up.” I said, “You don’t really know me, Holland; all you know about me is what you’ve seen at Oak Point.” He said, “I want to know you. Come to Church with me, Sunday – not Oak Point, another one I think you’ll like, and then we can get to know each other over lunch. I’m off the Oak Point Board in January – jeannie is running the church into the ground. I’m also moving into town; Oak Point has become a snake pit with all the backbiting and sniping jeannie stirred up. Give me another chance, Val.” I stood there, with the Greensleeves tune running through my head, and heard myself say, “Okay.”

So.

I guess I’ve got a Church and Lunch Date with Mr. Complication on Sunday.

This {thing} is complicated.

NEW ADVENTURES FOR MY NEW LIFE ~Shabbat Blessing

Since Thursday, I’ve been debating going to the Fair for fry bread (the only reason to go to the Country Fair, anymore) or going for a hike: both are enjoyable 😊 Hiking won – but I wanted to hike someplace that wasn’t local, and in my mind’s eye I saw myself at Box Canyon; so, that’s what got decided. I’m pretty flexible with my Day’s Goals 😉

Mt. Rainier is happening, today.

Getting out of Longview was crazy this morning! I didn’t leave the perimeters of Longview until after 11 A.M. – and I was out the door at 9; it was just back-to-back traffic, coming and going ☹ … on the road, at the coffee shack, and at the gas terminal: and Longview is not that big.

Finally breaking free of the gas-fueled gridlock, I hit the open road with coffee at hand – and cokes in the arm-rest-cubby. Driving the backroads from Kelso, through Castle Rock and crossing the freeway overpass into Toledo, I saw that there is a new roadside attraction (an eyesore, but it does grab the attention). It appears that a commuter Strip Mall has been planned, and is in the process of being set in place. I am sure the RV Park inhabitants, cross the street, will benefit greatly – as well as local job hunters.

Space Age Travel Center from Toledo; 14 min (10.9 mi) via Burma Road.

A building has finally been put up in that vacant lot across from Paradise Resort & RV Park.

Paradise Resort & RV Park. Cowlitz County-Lewis County borderline.

Deliberate intentions … Lewis County

I made a snap decision on Jackson Highway (I’m flexible – remember?); and veered off onto Spencer Road: I’ve been wanting to explore that road since last summer. This afternoon … I went adventuring 😉

A new memory in the making.

Saint Francis Xavier Mission:

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Francis_Xavier_Mission_(Lewis_County,_Washington))

Backroad Tribal area.

Cowlitz Tribal Fish Hatchery; 2162 Spencer Rd #2240, Salkum, WA

Fuller Road; route back to my 'main route' Hwy #12 ...

Salkum Timberland Library; 16 minutes backroad driving from Mission to Library.

I had driven a short distance of this road last summer to snap off a few pictures of both Mt. St. Helens to the right – and Mt. Rainier, to the left; but I didn’t explore the whole road until this afternoon. Fuller Road looped me into Salkum, which was along the route I needed to get to my mountain.

Previous Spencer Road Post: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/snow-and-new-road.html)

Things got interesting when I got to Morton 😉

I deviated a lot along the 3-County Hopscotch Route 😊

I tried several new things from this point, forward. Since breaking the final tie with Bob’s side of the family, last week … my evolving {new life} life needs new things in it – I’m not saying that from elation or sadness, but from necessity. There is literally nothing of my life with Bob left in this solo lobo life without Bob.

My new life needs new things in it. Today, I went adventuring. I’ve always like adventuring; sometimes Bob would be accommodating, but mostly he stuck to routine. Routine was adjourned today.

Morton from Toledo-WA; 1 hr 13 min (47.8 mi) via WA-7 N, WA-706 and Paradise Rd E

Taking the Morton route to the Mountain ...

Getting closer ...

Another new experience.Mineral:

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral,_Washington)

Not much to see - or to experience. I did make a pit-stop here, though. Hahaha

My 'Curious George' curiosity was satisfied.

Crossing the bridge, I was unaware of the pleasant explorations awaiting me … the first was in Ashford.

Crossing that bridge is entering the gateway to the National Park Highway #706 ...

Glad to see the Rest Area Sign - in the future, I won't have to leave my mineral water in Mineral 😉

Pierce County tourist trap region - lodges, restaurants, artsy-fartsy shops ... and of course, the Mountain.

Ashford-WA.Ashford:

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashford,_Washington)

Unwelcome harbinger of things to come ...

Hmmm - I nipped in, of course.

I was unprepared for the wonder beyond the gate!

Original, unique sculptures made out of scrap iron and horseshoes.

The giraffe is what caught my eye in passing ...

There was a tranquil atmosphere; very enjoyable.

Very nice stroll ...

Solicitation for donations; I wasn’t carrying cash.

This will be a repeat stop.

These pieces of beautiful artwork are very high.

I will definitely be revisiting that awe-inspiring place! I get a kick out of dilly-dallying; and now I can scratch my curiosity itch 😊

Bob had a bad back and leg he had to favor, so I didn’t complain when he wanted to “get there and get back” – I understood, and was just happy he would lovingly and annually get me into the mountains and occasionally go hiking (short ones) with me.

But my new life needs new experiences now … and when time permits, I indulge my curiosities.

Entering the Mt. Rainier National Park, I met an Angel in disguise 😉 I am thankful for this Shabbat blessing: an asian man I met on the trail gave me important information that saved me time (and saved me from suffering ‘charley horse’ effects later on): I had the water, and could easily have walked back to the car to retrieve a bottle; but while chit-chatting, I was mentally hashing over that riverbed situation.

He was very friendly, and easy to talk with; so, we talked for a few minutes more, while looking out at the rocky terrain: him remembering his hike … me calculating the distance to the falls; and the width/depth of that dry riverbed. It was already past noon; I really didn’t have the time to spare for a 2-hour walk – and I wasn’t sure that crossing that dry river bed was a smart idea: it was certainly dry in the moment, but in a heartbeat, it could quickly become a wild, raging death trap.

I may be curiously impulsive – but I am not an impulsive fool. I was married to an outdoorsman and a country boy; and I myself am an outdoorsy country gal: I know the hidden dangers of a dry riverbed. And Mountains make their own weather. A sudden rainstorm on the mountain could create a very tricky – and dangerous – situation in the lowlands in regards to a dry riverbed: a flash flood could happen very suddenly, very quickly. Fast moving water doesn’t stop for anyone or anything; and if by chance the flash flood doesn’t sweep you up in its turbulent waters and kill you – you could be trapped on the opposite side until safely rescued. Not my idea of a free-spirited afternoon!

Mt. Rainier National Park Entrance.

Very busy today; people are breaking free of the covid restrictions.

I use Bob's Pass - it's a Lifetime Free Pass, and as his Wife, the lifetime benefits trickle down to me.

Senior Pass Info:

(https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/senior-pass-changes.htm)

Updated Pass Fees.

Carter Falls Trail Markers

'Carter Falls' Info: I assumed the falls would be closer than they were …

The Carter Falls Hike not happening today.

Charley Horse Info: (https://share.upmc.com/2016/09/causes-of-charley-horses/)

When I drove past the Christine Falls Viewpoint, I pulled in. I hadn’t been there for a while, and it is a pretty little thing. It’s basically a look and go happening; so, I figured I could spare a peek 😉

Bob would drive me to my mountain every year (sometimes 2 or 3 times a year), but we didn’t always stop at every viewpoint. We stopped here, occasionally. Even so, there are memories here. Good ones.

I haven't been here in years; last time was with Bob and my wolf Precious, 12 years ago.

Christine Waterfall.

8-14-2010: Everyone wanted to 'pet the wolf' – Precious (50% Timber Wolf & 50% Gray Wolf = 100% WOLF) looked like she was being worshipped ;-); and Bob educated everyone on how to behave around a wolf.

I was smiling thinking of that time. But that was the last time we were there because the falling water was too loud for Precious’ ears. She was good, and patient, but we never viewed waterfalls with her, again. Precious died in 2013 (12 years is a good life span for a wolf; less in the wilds); and then we got caught up with loving on our new grandson, born in 2014 – and adventures on the mountain were trimmed back to fit with his little legs. And then 2018 changed e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g., and I didn’t go back to my beloved mountain at all until last September … nearly 3 years after Bob’s spirit left Earth. I didn’t know if I could go back without Bob beside me. But I did: and Bob knew I would.

So, I am revisiting places I have missed; and adding a few extra’s this time around the mountain loop.

It looks so calm with such a low flow; but the snowmelt can get wild and unruly in the blink of an eye.

Looking back on where I just passed through, below.

The bridge I crossed - in the previous picture, above.

Mount Rainier Glaciers: https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/nature/mount-rainier-glaciers.htm

The only glacier I have not seen, from every angle possible as Bob and I visited in this Park … and surrounding regions where this mountain is front and center … is the Summit Crater Glacier – and that one, I will never see in this lifetime. Perhaps, Elohim will allow my spirit to pass over it, and view it, when He calls me Home 😉

I don't know if this is part of the Park territory or not, but I like the rough 'spine'.

Up the road yonder, is Narada Falls.

I hadn’t stopped to view Narada Falls when I drove around my mountain last September; I was basically concentrating on making the loop safely (my 1^st solo lobo visit to the mountain without Bob) – and hiking around Box Canyon. I was challenging myself last year: this year, I am more confident in my solo mountain trip. And I am relaxed enough to enjoy it 😊

Parking was not an issue.

This waterfall is really beautiful - from top to bottom. One of my favorite pull-overs.

Lava flow riverbed runs under a stone foot-bridge; water not so deep here.

I used to walk down the trail ... but can't do the steep incline, anymore.

These daredevils perched on the retaining wall; makes me more than a bit nervous ...

Looking at two girls sitting atop that steep retaining wall brought to mind times I’ve watched Bob being a death-defying daredevil. I’ve watched him climb over a guardrail on a gravel back forest road, to perch atop a wind-swaying topped tree overlooking a deep forested gorge (I couldn’t comfortably breathe at all until he climbed back down and got into the truck). I’ve watched him climb trees reaching into the sky – with nothing but a rope around his waist – and wrapped around the tree; and a power saw dangling, so he could inch his way to the top where he’d cut the tree down from the tiptop to the bottom (again, I couldn’t comfortably breathe until his feet were on solid ground). Heights never bothered Bob.

Edgy heights greatly bother me ☹

As I got closer to the Lodge, I noticed the parking lot sign was out and stating that all parking spaces were full. But I managed to snag an empty slot along the side of the Lodge! I zipped in there real quick, before someone cut me off – parking here is coveted and can get combative. As I slid out of the driver’s seat, I decided to do something else I’d never done before: I would walk one of the trails above the Lodge. I grabbed my walking stick out of the back end of the Highlander and remembered one afternoon, sitting with Bob and looking out the Lodge window … thinking: “I wonder what’s out there on those trails” – so, this afternoon, I determined to find out. I was here; so was the opportunity to stretch into the unknown 😉

Using my walking stick, and utilizing every ounce of gumption I could muster up; I managed to get up that high first high step, and laughingly said out loud, “Well … I got up here; but getting back down, is going to be a trick.” A fella said, “There’s an easier way down: just follow that right trail on your way back down, and it will take you to the parking lot. There are stairs, but you’ll be able to do it.” I thanked him, and wished him a good day. At the Plaque junction, I asked a couple coming down off the trail how steep the climb would be, and they said, “there is an incline, but it’s gradual – it doesn’t shoot straight up.” I thanked them, wished them a good day, and pushed forward 😊

Another new experience; trail hike above the Lodge.

Location notation.

Trails listed according to ability ... and I came unprepared for every single 'safety essential'.

Decisions ...

The Dead Horse Trail didn't sound appealing, or promising, so I chose the Myrtle Falls trail.

I like trying new hiking trails - though this would not qualify as an actual 'hike'; too short.

Tricky decent to the viewing ...

Myrtle Falls.

This is as high as I went - my lungs were struggling in the high elevation thin air.

Mountain visits puts my being into perspective ... it's a humbling experience.

Back at the parked Highlander.

I'm short, with short legs; high steps can be challenging.

History of Paradise Lodge: https://www.nps.gov/articles/paradise-inn-a-history-of-beauty-and-challenge.htm

I passed on stopping to gawk at the Reflection Lakes – it gets dark in the mountains early.

Passing on the Reflection Lakes - no time this trip.

Lake Louise.

Waterflow at Steven's Creek!

I was not expecting this ...

Every few feet. Literally. E.v.e.r.y.f.e.w.f.e.e.t.

No road at all past the tunnel; just pure sub-road.

I wish the road crews would get this road finished! This has been going on, since last summer.

Road Work in Steven’s Canyon: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/stevens-canyon-road-rehabilitation-project.htm

I did get to Box Canyon … but, I did not get to hike the canyon loop ☹

An evening mist is settling on Mt. Rainier. It's played hide-n-seek all day long.

WT ... the trail I always walk is taped off.

I turned towards Packwood; and I was hungering for a Huff & Puff Hamburger - but the burger bar was closed when I got there :-(

Grabbed a take-out Supper here.

Interior of the restaurant.

Entrance foyer, where I waited.

An hour later, Supper was still hot enough to safely eat without reheating!

I enjoyed my day spent on my mountain 😊

I enjoyed all the new adventures Elohim blessed me with!

But I sure was glad to get home – kick my shoes off, yank my bra off, kick back, and have a relaxing meal 😉

‘First Trip to Mt. Rainier as a Solo Lobo’ Post: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/wings-mt-rainier-solo-lobo-daytrip.html)