High at Sunrise, Mount Rainier, Washington, 2013

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

In July of 2013, read that slowly, again, 2013, Man and I spent the 4th of July in Packwood, Washington, in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park.

One of our day trips was to drive to Sunshine, at the elevation of 6,400 feet, Sunrise is the highest point that can be reached by vehicle at Mount Rainier National Park.

This photo attempts to show how tall the trees were along this roadway:

We were climbing in altitude quite quickly, at one point, I recorded that we went up 1,428 feet in 8 minutes.  Later it would take us about 40 minutes to climb from 3620 feet to 6088 feet.  That included pull offs and photo ops stops.

I am in no way proud of or happy with this photo, but, it is the only one I have that captures the road, tall trees, stone walls and narrow roadway. It also captures reflections, lots of glare and the top of Jolly's windshield, as well as the very end of the hood.

THIS photo, however, I am delighted with:

Tall trees, Sony zoom, and a LONG water fall:

Mountain top:

Now, look closely, you will see 3 bikers, riding at about 4500 feet elevation.  Much of the roadway has little shoulders, some places NO shoulder.  I understand they have every right to the roadway, but, seriously, there is no way I would attempt this.  Even if I was in the physical shape it must take to undertake such a ride, which, I have not been in years. Honestly, these riders scare me, I worry that they will fall into Jolly's path.

Seriously, I could not take enough photos, but about 160 had to do for the day.  LOL

Sony, ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM

I believe this is Sunrise Lake, the tourquoise color is common near glaciers.  We will see that phenomenon again in Glacier National Park in a few weeks (remember, this is from 2013).

There was a wonderful stop with fantastic views.  Some people even sat there and enjoyed a picnic lunch.

See the narrow roadway.  See the mountains with clouds below the tops - - 

At the top/visitor's center, we grabbed our picnic lunch and walked to where the snow/glaciers were:

Picnic table told a story:

Boys and snow = snowballs:

In the visitor's center there was another one of these 3D type maps, which are huge, lookie all those glacier names:

Flower power, it is, after all, July:

One of our last stops of the day was at the campground.  Now, I know a bunch of you think I am brave for riding up and down mountains, looking down off the sharp drop offs, at tree tops, etc.  I am NOT brave enough to camp here:

One last glorious view, as we head back to camp for the day:

We had a wonderful day trip to Sunrise.

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White Pass Country Historical Museum

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

In July of 2013, three and a half years ago, we spent the 4th of July week in Packwood Washington, in the shadow of Mount Rainier.

There is a lovely museum in town, we spent a hour or so one day and another couple of hours another day.  It was nicely done and represented the area well. 

Here are a few photos:

A sewing basket:

They had a nice collection of dolls, quilts, clothing donated by local residents:

I find it quite humorous that Man's face is all red here, as it appears he is lifting a huge boulder.  He is NOT.  This is a piece of pumice from Mount Saint Helens:

The museum had so many wonderful collections, including a lot of "logging" artifacts.  I am not sure why I do not have more photos, I believe it was the great docent we had showing us around.  This day there was a lot more "listening" than "capturing images" with Sony.

A bike was found outside, I convinced Man to pose for me:

We have found as we travel that many towns and counties have wonderful museums. We see similar collections, clothing, farm tools, and such.  But, each collection is different and is always the work of loving volunteers, frequently financially supported by local businesses and residents supporting their museums.  They honor their ancestors and their homes. Well done!

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