Heybrook Ridge Lookout

Adelaide and I had a mom and daughter day yesterday. Instead of going to camp, she accompanied me on a nice hike near Index on Highway 2, north and east of Seattle. Adelaide has gotten very good at hiking longer and more difficult trails this summer, and it is delightful to spend time in the woods with her.
The lower portion of the trail has wonderful mossy trees and boulders. As you climb you quickly leave the highway noise behind, fortunately.


Adelaide found a walking stick left by a previous hiker. She used it for the ascent, then left it where she had found it for the next lucky climber.



There were some nice diversions along the trail where she could climb and we could explore boulders and caves.

I imagine that there are great views on a clear day from the lookout. We did go up but for us it was just an exercise in deep breathing as the open stairs and sides of the lookout were pretty scary.

Once we were back on solid ground we enjoyed a snack and explored the open area along the ridge.

We got pretty chilly on our descent but all in all it was a nice cool day to go for a hike.

Low Tide Walk

Today was the lowest tide of the summer. We made a morning of it, hiking down through Carkeek's upper trail and ending up at the beach at the right time to see the creatures in the tide pools.
At the trailhead.
Low tides this low only occur for about 50 hours of the year.
We found lots of interesting life forms. A naturalist was impressed with the moon snail we found.
Playing Pooh Sticks on the hike back.

First Hike of the Summer

We finally had some nice weekend weather this past weekend, so we headed up to the hills for a little hike. There were any number of other people at the state park we chose, but we managed to find lots of spots for peace and quiet along the trail.
Adelaide packed and carried her own backpack with the things she needed (minus a few dolls and stuffed animals who had to stay in the car according to my rules).

We discovered a side trail off of the main path with a lot of beautiful things to look at and no other people. After some lunch at the river we pulled out our books to sit and read for a while.
Adelaide had narrowed it down to about 15 titles and read several to me and the 2 stuffed animal friends who were allowed to ride in the backpack.

Although there were many falls to be seen on the hike, Adelaide was especially fond of this one because she felt that she discovered it. It was off a path which looked a bit deserted and down which no one else bothered to venture.All in all, we had a very nice time and I am encouraged that we will enjoy more hikes as summer progresses.