Sun - Aug 16
Randle, Wa
Weather - mostly sunny, warming to mid 70’s (24C)



Ahhhh…there was sunshine to greet us this morning, maybe the mountains would come out of the clouds and let us see some of their majesty. This was our day to revisit the summits of Chinook and Cayuse Pass (last seen in thick fog) and check out the vistas we missed on Friday, then we planned to swing back and venture off to Paradise Visitor Centre on the South side of Mt. Tahoma (Rainier).



The weather stayed clear for the Chinook and Cayuse summits and we had beautiful views of both the east and west side of the Cascade Range. On the way back towards Mt Rainier the clouds settled over the top of the mountain, but it was still a majestic sight. We got several photos of the base of the mountain, along with mountain meadows, glaciers, slides, nearby peaks, and flowers.



Then we turned onto the road the went to the Paradise Visitor Centre. The speed limit was 35mph, only if you dared to go that fast. It was full of potholes, ruts, bumps, slough-offs, and fallen rocks that kept us awake to be sure. When we turned into the entry to the visitor center there was a three mile long, stop and go line for parking. Did we mention that this was a free weekend for entrance into the National Park and it looked like every one in the northwest was taking advantage of it. We made it through the line (took about 45 minutes), and took a few photos (mostly of the lineup of cars), then headed home by way of one of the roads we had taken before, only this time there was sun not rain. We took pictures of the Devil’s Club berries we’d missed the first time through, and with the improved light we missed the bumps and holes we’d hit the first time through too.



As we travelled back on highway 12 we only saw one elk, however this one had the largest rack (four point) we’d seen and it was all slicked up and out of velvet.



Got home just pooped, but had seen lots of new sights, taken lots of photos and thoroughly enjoyed the day. The adventure continues…



To see more of 'The Great Adventure 2009' images click HERE