Rainier

 After a 3 A.M. alarm, and a 6:30 flight out....we landed in Seattle before lunch (Pacific time), rented a car, swung by a grocery store, and headed out of town.
Our destination was Mt. Rainier National Park.
We had a clear, warm day and since Kevin had visited the park before, he wanted to head straight up to one of the main Visitor Centers for a great close up of the summit.

 Before we collapsed in bed that night, we enjoyed some authentic Nepalese food.  A family from Nepal owns a fantastic restaurant in the town.  Pictures, flags & lots of Everest mementos decorate the inside & outside.  It was pretty cool.
The next morning was clear & sunny again, so we headed up to Paradise to beat the crowds before working our way back down the mountain.
Just off the parking lot the main trail is still covered in four feet of snow, so we strolled up it just a bit before turning around since we were ill equipped (no crampons, ski boots, trekking poles, skis or snowboards).
The boys did spot a Cascade fox running along a nearby ridge line as we made our way down.
Nice.

 Since it was so sunny, we swung by Reflection Lake to snag a pic of the summit reflected in the lake water.....sadly it was still covered in ice.
Still pretty though not much being reflected.

 Working our way down the mountain, the crowds picked up and so did the temperature.
The mist blowing off the Narada Falls felt fantastic.

 After a picnic lunch, we headed out on another hike to some smaller falls.  We had to pick our way among the rocky riverbed and cross this log bridge before we picked the trail back up on the other side.

 Picking our way back across it was hot!!  Especially for out there.  We quickly snapped this picture, then headed back to some shade.

 Another hike to a waterfall running through a gorge...

 Then further down the mountain.  Before we stopped for our final hike, a large flying insect flew into the car and pegged me on my eyelid.  More on that drama later.

Our hike among some old growth trees was wonderful, and the outdoor hot tub at our guest house was even better!