Mt. Rainier

After the fog parted, the mountain was out that day. And in full force; with blinding white snowbanks and sun above. AllTrails made the hike seem moderately easy, but with a stomach sustained by only a light breakfast, climbing up to Panorama Point in the 75-degree weather proved challenging. We hardly made it the whole way up, as we desperately searched to find shade above the timberline. Even the mountain goat we trailed up there was panting and trying to cool his fur in the snow drifts. I admit, we trotted down quicker than we could’ve ever made it up so that we could scarf down our turkey sandwiches and chips.

During our lunch break, we were greeted by a bravely curious marmot, who was probably having an existential crisis from how quickly the tourist paparazzi swarmed him. We met a few chipmunks and ground squirrels who were sneakily foraging for crackers and snacks left behind by children and people who wanted to lure them in for pictures.

On our drive out of Paradise, we stopped at the lakes and streams to take in the sights before driving back to Packwood for a much deserved Mexican dinner and margaritas. Whatever you do, don’t order shrimp enchiladas in the mountains.