“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure.
There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”


Tuesday, June 8, 2010

I "heart" Mt. Rainier!

He instantly captivated me. I stood there, stupefied by his alluring charm. I could not help but sigh in utter admiration as I gazed upon his imposing presence. He was haunting me, taunting me to answer his beck and call.


Nope, I was not alluding to another man. I was referring to the regal Mt. Rainier found in Washington State, USA.


When my childhood friend Nerissa told me we were going up Mt. Rainer during my visit to Washington, my heart leap with joy and anticipation. I have always considered myself a mountain person. The sight of earth’s elevation covered with its dark green foliage gives me a natural high.


I have always fantasized climbing a mountain – seeing myself like Sir Edmund Hillary when he conquered Mt. Everest. He was asked why he did it. His famous answer, “Because it’s there.” If I lived in Washington, I’d probably be scaling its heights too. However, for this short vacation, it was enough for me to see Mt. Rainier up close and personal.


It caught my attention when I was touring Seattle in the summer of 2008. As the highest mountain in the state of Washington and the third tallest peak in the US, this dormant volcano is visible in any part of the city in a clear day. It is considered one of America’s most beautiful, unique and pristine natural wonder.


I love Mt. Rainier!!


I was fortunate to have the company of Nerissa and her friends who accompanied me for this alpine experience. They were the loving couple, Enrico and Tess David, who happened to be celebrating their wedding anniversary during our day trip; and Dion Franada, an amiable and entertaining lady. I have only known them for less than a day, yet I felt like I knew them for a lifetime. They were fun and enjoyable to be with.


Enrico and Tess David: Celebrating their wedding anniversary in Mt. Rainier


With Nerissa and her friends, Dion and Tess


Nerissa and Dion enjoying the summer snow


At the Paradise Visitors Center


On the way there, we meandered over gently rolling hills and through rural farmlands dotted with old barns. I enjoyed the diverse terrain, wild natural areas, quaint towns and stunning views all within the bounds of the scenic byways. We even stopped by a raspberry farm and picked the produce straight from the vine.


Picking raspberry in Washington!


Showing off what we picked!



Upon reaching Mt. Rainier National Park, I noticed nature at its finest – summer snow blanketing the summit, wildflowers randomly scattered among the rocks, tall, alpine trees covering the mountains, and wildlife wondering about. We stopped at Paradise Visitor Center and took a leisurely stroll around the area. I played with snow, an activity someone like me from a tropical country would greatly enjoy. And of course, I took that favorable time for lots of photo opportunities to capture that moment!



Nerissa and I: Best friends forever!


Let it snow! Let it snow!




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