Spent the weekend camping in the Chuckanut Mountains. We met some friends on Saturday and hiked Oyster Dome, made s'mores by camp stove (no campfires due to burn bans), and fell asleep to rain drops on the tent. Sunday was a slow relaxing day walking around Bellingham and grabbing dinner with friends. Love exploring the Pacific Northwest one camping trip at a time. Here are some photos from the trip below.
Backpacking | Silver Lake.
Kyle and I had been gearing up for a backpacking adventure over the past several months and we finally decided on the weekend and route! We took a ferry from Edmonds to the Olympic Peninsula and to the Mount Townsend | Silver Lake trailhead.
The initial 3.5 mile climb with 3,400 elevation gain was exhausting in the heat of the day (not ideal). But the views along the route were beautiful! We set up camp at Silver Lake and went to bed early; we were eager for some rest.
Around 1:30am we woke up abruptly to a growl! Our hearts were racing as we waited quietly for the animal to pass. There was some sniffing and heavy footprints around our site for a couple hours. Needless to say we didn't sleep very well!
While making coffee in the morning we heard thunder in the distance. Our plan for a slow, relaxing morning was ended as we scrambled to pack up our campsite, eat breakfast, and get on the trail amidst scattered raindrops. Fortunately the rain was light and the cloud cover was a refreshing change of pace from the previous day's heat.
I learned that backpacking isn't glamorous. It's hard work, uncomfortable, exhausting, and can bring out your best and worst, but it's also invigorating and rewarding. A friend recently asked me how the trip was for our marriage and I've been thinking about it. I think it reinforced the importance of communication and how to love sacrificially amidst challenging circumstances. So here's to more adventures and life lessons!
Here are a few photos from our trip:
Portland | Getaway.
I needed to be in Portland this past weekend for a work-related conference on Saturday, so Kyle and I decided to make a weekend trip of it! Whenever I'm in Portland, I feel like there just aren't enough meals in the day to enjoy all the delicious food the city has to offer. A few of my favorites from the trip were Stumptown Coffee, Blue Star Donuts, and Olympic Provisions for date night. The weather was perfect on Sunday for exploring the city. Kyle and I grabbed coffee, stopped in Powell's to stock up on a few books, and spent time wandering in the Rose Gardens which were in full bloom. We even ventured out to Multnomah Falls (along with what seemed like the entire population of Oregon). Hope you had a great weekend!
Summer Dreaming | 2015.
Summer is our favorite time in Seattle. I love the sunshine and warmer, longer days. But it always seems to slip by faster than expected, so it's great to make plans to ensure the time isn't wasted! (I did this last year too; you can find the post here.)
Summer Bucket List 2015:
Lots of camping + backpacking + hiking.
Visiting the Christofferson farm in Wyoming.
Wine tasting in Eastern Washington.
Picnics in the park at Green Lake.
ITALY.
Time off in October has been approved.
Travel guides have been purchased.
Flights have been booked.
Let the planning begin.
Please let us know if you have any Italy recommendations:
Things to see | Places to eat | Where to stay
COMMUNITY RETREAT.
Last weekend some members of our new community group spent time at a cabin on the Olympic Peninsula. It was great to get out of town, eat, hike, build a campfire, and share stories with one another. Here are a few photos from a hike that some of us took up Mt. Ellinor.
SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL.
Kyle and I aren't normally very spontaneous. Planned and methodical tend to describe us a bit better. But this weekend we found ourselves itching for a little adventure and spontaneity! Sunday after brunch with some friends we decided on a whim to drive up north to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. It was refreshing to drive through farm country and walk in open fields (although some were packed with tourists) viewing the beautiful flowers in full bloom. Spring is here and summer is on its way! I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
EASTER WEEKEND.
There is something about seeing flowers in bloom, greenery returning to the trees, signs of life and new beginnings that stir our hearts for something greater. Easter weekend seems to bring a swing of emotions from the somberness of Good Friday to the culminating celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Sunday! Kyle and I spent Easter with a morning run, church at Downtown Cornerstone, and a meal with our extended family. Grateful for this weekend to reflect, confess, and rejoice!
HOUSE GUEST.
I feel blessed to have such a terrific dad and I often wish he lived closer. Fortunately, this past week he was in town visiting and I enjoyed soaking up as much time with him as possible. While he was here, our family celebrated my Nana's 94th birthday and watched many March Madness games. On his final day, we were able to have a dad + daughter date. We drank coffee, talked about life, and enjoyed some sunny spring Seattle weather. I am grateful for his wisdom, laughter, and hugs in my life.
A WEEK IN PARADISE | MEXICO.
Kyle and I spent the past week in Punta Mita Mexico. It was a relaxing and enjoyable trip. We flew in Puerto Vallarta and drove an hour to The Four Seasons Resort. It's nestled in a small Pacific peninsula surrounded by a beautiful beach, jungle terrain, and a local village called Punta de Mita.
We spent our time:
Lathering sunscreen
Lounging in a beach cabana with fruity drinks
Reading good books
Enjoying delicious food
Running, hiking, tennis, yoga
Swimming at the pools
Massages at the spa
Soaking in the hot tub (during a rain storm!)
We were so grateful for the chance to get away and enjoy some sunshine and relaxation.
Here are a few photos from our trip!
VOY A MEXICO.
We leave on a plane bright and early Friday morning for a week in Mexico! I can't wait to sink my feet in the sand, read, and drink a fruity cocktail to the sound of waves. Perfection.
SATURDAY MORNING DATE.
For my birthday last August, Kyle bought me a gift card to this adorable flower / plant store in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood. We finally made it a date to visit the store together! On Saturday morning we enjoyed a sunny crisp run around Green Lake, followed by coffee + reading at Herkimer Coffee, and then browsed the plant selection at Terra Bella. It was the perfect relaxing date morning. I love sharing leisure Saturday mornings with Kyle.
LONGING FOR SUMMER.
I am longing for summer
To climb mountains
Let the sun warm my face
Breathe in deeply the smell of dirt and pine trees
Pitch a tent
Share stories by campfire
and rest.
Photo take on a recent hike in Bellingham to Fragrance Lake.
TUCSON | ARIZONA.
It was such a refreshing break to visit some friends in Tucson last weekend. The weather was a perfect 75 and sunny! While in town we cheered the UA Wildcats basketball team to victory, hiked in the Tortolita mountains, and enjoyed some delicious food and drink. It was fun showing Kyle the UA campus and it brought back fond memories of my time in college. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with friends and meet their adorable little one!
FOOTBALL WEEKEND.
This weekend the Zabels will be watching a lot of football! Tonight it's the Seahawks and tomorrow the Packers (at least for now, there is no internal family conflict!). We are ready with our chips, guac, Hilliards 12th man, and some BBQ pulled pork in the oven.
Happy weekend!
