Rainier

Visited the Paradise visitor center on Mt. Rainier with my mom, dad and Krista. The new visitor center is pretty nice compared to the old Henry M. Jackson center. A gorgeous day on the mountain, without much of a crowd. There is something about this mountain that is transfixing; every time I stare at it, I feel as if I cannot look away.

From inside the visitor center

Taken from Alta Vista

Paradise alpine zone

Tatoosh Range with the visitor center in the foreground

Mt. Rainier during our flight home

Tourons

Krista and I played the role of tourist for a few days in Seattle. We headed to one of our favorite spots, which is Pike Place Market. We spent a while cruising the shops, bought some fruit, had a piroshky at Piroshky Piroshky (yum!) and then of course I had a latte. We also took a Duck Boat tour, which was a great way to spend an afternoon. We also spent some time with my aunt Kathleen. We headed up to Edmonds to check out some condos she was interested in. Overall, a fun time in the Emerald City.

Pike Place Market

Seattle from Lake Union

A Duck Boat tour from our Duck Boat tour

A seaplane landing on Lake Union

Krista and I on the beach in Edmonds

Squamish-Tacoma-PDX-Tacoma

(Lots of Driving)

After Squamish, Krista and I spent a night in Tacoma before heading down to Portland to see a bunch of my friends. We met up with everyone (Pete, Brad, Trevor, Whitney) at the Sandy River for some awesome swimming. After a relaxing afternoon, we headed to Brad and Olivia's house for some wonderful food, including some grilled chicken and vegetables. Obviously some amazing NW beers were had by all (including the Hopczar, given to me by Brad). To top off the night, we headed to the Concordia, which had some great brews on tap. Thanks to Brad and Olivia for their hospitality. We had a great time in PDX and it was nice to hang out with everyone.

That morning, Krista and I headed back up to Tacoma (first we stopped and saw Nate and had a snack at Muchas Gracias). My sister and cousin put on a wonderful baby shower for us. My whole family was there and we received all sorts of great gifts for our baby, which is due very soon. Lots of good food and fun games was had by all. It was a very nice get together.

Volcano evacuation route signs in Fife, WA

The spread at the baby shower

Krista and I at the shower put on by my sister and cousin

The gang after a relaxing day at the Sandy River, OR

(yes, Brad is wearing a sarong)

Mt. Hood, OR

Squamish

(WA Trip Part 1)

One of the first things on the list during our Washington excursion was some quality granite climbing in Squamish (Skwxwu7mesh, in the native language). Nate, Krista and I drove up for a couple of days and met BJ up there as well. Great times with good friends. I led a few nice routes that I had climbed before. Nate led an awesome route called Crime of the Century (5.11c). On our last day, Nate and I climbed Rock On (5 pitches, 5.10a), which was spectacular. Squamish is absolutely amazing; the best rock I have ever climbed on.

Mt. Garibaldi and a suburb of Squamish (from Rock On)

The Crew (Nate, BJ, Krista and Andrew)

Nearing the top of Pixie Corner (5.8)

Scoping the route ahead on Pixie Corner (one of my favorites)