Mt Rainier, 14,410 ft
We flew up to the state of Washington for Joe (FPOB residency friend) and Brittinee's wedding this weekend and, not currently being employed and not too excited about boards studying, had time to do some exploring.
While Kelvin and I have both been to Washington and the Seattle area, we had never visited Mt. Rainer National Park, and we were fortunate to have the whole day on Friday to spend there.
It was spectacular! We picked up the rental car from the SeaTac airport, and then drove about 2 hours on the "Mountain Highway" through small roadside towns to get to the west park entrance.
Here is the town of Elbe, which boasts one of the smallest churches in the U.S., a Lutheran church which measures 24 x 18 feet, and can hold just 46 parishioners :)
The interior (wouldn't this make a great wedding chapel?!) :)
Old railroads
The drive through the park was gorgeous! We passed through the areas of Paradise and through snowy areas which were still un-hikable, and saw beautiful vistas (and animals) along the way.
We spent a few hours hiking around the Ohanapecosh area, including Silver Falls and the Grove of the Patriarchs.
(can't wait to live by the redwoods next month!)
We loved spotting road-side fauna
I loved these little fawns
Kelvin was excited to see this "moose!" (Elk)
As we drove north through the park towards Sunrise, we had amazing views of the mountain... don't you feel that it is so close you can touch it?!
The Sunrise Visitors' Center just opened that day!
We drove out of the park to stay overnight in Enumclaw, WA, Joe's hometown, population 10,000.
Can you believe we found an Asian restaurant about a block from our hotel? :)
The pho wasn't too bad!
On Saturday, we met up with Ron, one of K's college friends, at the Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. It was a WONDERFUL park, complete with hiking trails, gardens, tennis courts, beautiful vistas, ponds, and a zoo/aquarium!
We walked around Owen's Beach, where we got more amazing shots of Mt. Rainier.
We meandered around the gorgeous gardens...
Ron, K, and the dog, Chloe
We played some tennis (good to get back into it!) and ate yummy sandwiches at a nearby sandwich shop (entitled "The Antique Sandwich Shoppe"-- K asked, "I wonder how old their sandwiches are!" :).
The Lees joined us and we went on the five-mile drive around the peninsula.
Raccoon!
Hiking
Bridge view
We took an alternate route back to Enumclaw, through the town of Sumner, which boasts the world's best rhubarb pie. I got a bit sidetracked by a used bookstore advertising 4 books for $1... but we tried some awesome shortcake with rhubarb and visited the downtown celebration of Rhubarb Days.
Mason enjoyed riding the tractor!
Saturday evening was Joe and Brittinee's wedding at Joe's family's farm outside of Enumclaw.
Thanks to Wai Kiu, my constant photo-supplier, for most of these great shots!
Sign welcoming us to the property
Bovine friends
Us with the groom-to-be before the ceremony
Hanh, Mason, me, and K on one of the many lawns on the huge property
Waiting for the procession... (of 9 bridesmaids and 9 groomsmen!)
Flower girls (Joe's nieces)
The bride!
It was a beautiful and very personal ceremony officiated by Brittinee's grandfather.
Onto the reception....
Guests enjoyed finding their nametags and mason jars, the indoor gym (with tennis court and b-ball hoops!), shooting 22s, and playing croquet...
Josie (Amy's daughter) & Mason
The table signs
We got artsy with my camera!
Mason & Jo get down on the dance floor (reception was in the apple orchard)
First dance
Group shot!
It was a fabulous weekend and we were blessed with beautiful, sunny weather! I was tempted to change our Southwest return ticket to stay a bit longer in Washington, but K reminded me we still have a lot of organizing, errands [and studying] to do. Ok, ok...
Next trip: our own honeymoon!
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