New Year's Eve 2011, Snowshoe at Edith Basin, Paradise, Mt. Rainier

On New Years Eve, Bronka, my granddaughter Aleah and me went on a snowshoe hike to Edith Creek Basin.  This was Aleah’s first.  She had never been on snowshoes before.  

As we were putting our snowshoes on, Bronka ran into some friends.  They were so happy to see her and had a nice visit with her.

After putting on our snowshoes, we headed toward Edith Creek Basin.  The weather was great.  We were also proud of Aleah as she was doing so well for her first time snowshoeing.  Bronka gave her so much encouragement, which helped Aleah feel more confident.

After the snowshoe hike, Aleah was ready to go on another she had a great first time.  We will definitely plan another one!

Visit with Wally and Bert Music

Mid  December  2011, Bronka and I drove to Lacy to visit her dear friends Wally and Bert Music.  Wally is an avid hiker and sometimes hikes with Bronka.   Bronka enjoys Wally and Bert coming to her home to visit.   They sometimes bring her wonderful blueberries that Wally grows in his garden.

Bronka wanted to go visit Wally and Bert as Bert had had surgery.  They have a beautiful home in Lacy.   Wally is retired from the military. It was so interesting to hear about some of the places they have traveled to and to see the beautiful furniture and paintings purchased over seas.

Wally and Bert have been wonderful friends to Bronka.  This summer Wally brought over a chipper to help Bronka chip a large pile of branches she has been wanting to get rid of.   They have also done so many other kind things for her.    Bronka and I had a wonderful visit with them.  Our prayers are with Bert for good health.

Bronka has been hiking with Wally and his friend, Jerry.  They have taken Bronka hiking up to High Rock Lookout, which Bronka said she had never been there before.    Jerry is a retired helicopter pilot who flew in Korea and Vietnam and has been shot down three times and has a couple of purple hearts.  Wow!  what an amazing person in whom I thank so much for his service.  He truly is a hero.

 High Rock Lookout

 Bronka and Jerry at High Rock Lookout.  What a great view of Mt. Rainier

 Jerry and Bronka

Looks like Bronka is having a wonderful time with her friends.

High Hut Snowshoe/Backpack trip on November 19, 2011

November 19, 2011 was the annual High Hut Snowshoe backpack trip that Bill Crone had organized. Those who joined in the backpack were Ken and Leeza, Eric and Bonnie, Eric and Gwen, and Bill. Bronka and I had planned to snowshoe up there just for the day. Unfortunately, after driving over to the gate, the snow was very deep and it was decided that this would not be the best time to go up to High Hut.

Everyone came back to Bronka’s home. It was decided to go on a hike to West Side Road in Mt. Rainier Park. Bronka led the way! So we all walked from Bronka’s home onto the levy and then into the park and up West Side Road, enjoying one another’s company and the surroundings.

After snowshoeing for a little while, we all stopped and had lunch, as it was that time. As we were eating lunch, Ted came up the road with our doggies, Buster and Polly. They both just love Bronka. We all had a great hike. After the hike, every one came back to Bronka’s. All the food that was going to go up to High Hut was going to be eaten by all at dinnertime. What a great feast!!!!

All the backpackers spent the night at Bronka’s. Bill stayed at our home and started a wonderful breakfast for all that he brought most over to Bronka’s. Bill made the most fantastic pancakes, they were mouthwatering! There were also sausages, bacon and eggs. Another great feast!!

The weekend was a great success, even though the High Hut backpack did not happen.

Bronka is the perfect hostess. She always makes everyone feel at home, very comfortable and so very welcome. Another great weekend!

High Hut Snowshoe/Backpack Hike, Nov. 19, 2011

Annette Lake Hike on November 7, 2011

On Monday, November 7, the Monday Ladies Adventure Group with our little amazing, Bronka. It was decided to hike up to Annette Lake near Snoqualmie Pass. The weather was overcast, but not raining. We all piled into my Ford Expedition and headed North. Bronka, Ealane, Gertrude, the two Carols and myself.

We got off to a crazy start as we thought we were on the right hiking trail, but it was actually the nature trail. We actually did a loop and came back from where we started. We all had a good laugh. We did find the right trail and headed up.

As we continued up, the weather became a little drizzly. The higher we hiked the snow started to come down. Looked really beautiful. We passed some hikers along the way, including a cute doggie with its master.

We finally got to the lake and the lake was pretty much covered in snow. It sure looked a lot different from when I was there last summer swatting at mosquitoes! Ha!

We had a quick lunch and headed back down. Annette Lake is 7 ¼ miles round-trip. 1400-foot elevation gain. A wonderful day with a wonderful group of ladies!

Hike to Annette Lake with Monday Group