Saturday dawned bright and sunny, with weathermen all around threatening us with 90 degree weather and above. Thus it was that everyone unanimously vetoed the blueberry picking idea (we made up for it yesterday by picking 39 pounds) and unequivocally (except for Mom, who opted to stay home) voted to go hiking. I had had my eye on a certain hike since June, so we packed up and headed for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in search of the isolated and ominous "High Rock Lookout." 
Upon arriving at the trailhead, we were treated to an amazing spectacle over our picnic lunch..."You mean we're hiking there?! To that itty-bitty little house balancing on tiptoe at the top of a sheer 600 foot cliff?!"
l-r, back row: Melanie, Lauren, and Mikaelafront row: Susanna, Micah, and Jonah
With Susanna smiling so angelically, you can't tell that we were being annoyed by the worst "herd" of flies we had ever experienced. We felt like horses as we constantly swatted and slapped, killing three or four with each hit.
Papa!
Almost there! Melanie certainly seems to be enjoying herself, doesn't she? ;-)The hike is 1.6 miles one way with a 1300 foot elevation gain--very vertical, to say the least!
We're there! High Rock Lookout is one of only 3 remaining fire lookouts in the Gifford Pinchot Forest. Built between 1929 and 1930, it was used by the Forest Service to locate fires each summer. We discovered a plaque which said: "In loving memory of Johnnie T. Peters who packed materials by mule from Mineral in 1930 to build namely this lookout, High Rock, and 10 others in the Mineral, Packwood, and Randle District. 'At home in the hills.'"
Occupancy (i.e., residing in) this house is now forbidden because it is a lightning hazard. Hmm...it's the highest point around...I can't imagine why?
Micah helpfully pointing out the trailhead for your benefit. See the little tan spot right on top of his finger? That's where our car is!
"I have never liked the notion that the world is round. It makes me feel so giddy." ~Miss Matty in Cranford (explaining why she can't teach Geography)
l-r: Lauren, Micah, and Mikaela
After finishing the hike and glorying in all of the natural beauties, we reluctantly headed for home. We did, however, stop at Mineral Lake to cool off. Jonah, Susanna, Micah, and I jumped in, clothes and all--how refreshing! After such a glorious day, I have to wonder why anyone would want to live anywhere else?
Sounds (and looks :) like you all had a lot of fun! The pictures were fun to look at. Did the ladies in your family start wearing pants? I noticed that you all had shorts or carpis on. Just wondering... :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful rest of the day!
God bless!
~Miss Raquel
Dear Raquel,
ReplyDeleteOur goal in dress (as I'm sure yours is as well) is to glorify our Heavenly Father. Wearing pants during such activities as sports, running, biking, hiking, skiing, boating, etc. generally reveals less skin than when wearing a dress. So I suppose we did not "start wearing pants," but rather, we just have never happened to do these activities with you. ;-)
I just read your comment on my blog, and here as well. I completely understand about wearing pants during activities. I try to wear dresses more than pants too, and whenever I DO wear pants, I always make sure that it's modest. For example, when I teach swimming at the local highschool, it's easier to wear pants around the locker rooms and stuff, so I do. Thank you for telling me your reasons, though. :)
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
~Miss Raquel
Ahhh, yes the beautiful Northwest! It really is the best place to live! Looks like the hike was a ton of fun! We're going to have to go there soon!
ReplyDeletethat looks like fun, how long did it take?
ReplyDeleteI would love to go there sometime....those are neat pictures :)
Abbie,
ReplyDeleteLittle legs and big legs balanced each other out for an approximate hike time of 2 to 2 1/2 hours. ;-)
Do you know of a website with free blog templates? thanks,
ReplyDeleteAbigail
We use www.thecutestblogontheblock.com. www.shabbyblogs.com also has some darling designs. Finally, try visiting this post by Blogger (http://buzz.blogger.com/2009/06/spruce-up-your-blog.html) for a list of bloggers' top favorite sites to get blog designs. (Note: I haven't visited all of these sites, but they seem like they have a lot to offer. ;-) Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI just LOVE that house!!! Living there wouldn't be practical, but it would certainly be breathtaking!
ReplyDelete