2016

Feral pigs near Wailua Falls, Kaua’i, Hawai’i

Mountain Monday 11/28/2016

View of Mount Rainier from Summit Lake Peak, Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Wildflower Wednesday 11/23/2016

During a kayaking trip up the Wailua River in Kaua’i, Hawai’i I noticed these bright yellow flowers that speckled the shoreline. Our tour guide described them as “sunset” flowers because they start the day with a rich, yellow color, and end the day with a red-orange hue.

“Sunset” flower, Wailua River, Kaua’i, Hawai’i

“Sunset” flower, Kaua’i, Hawai’i

Mountain Monday 11/21/2016

Mount Rainier behind Summit Lake, Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Waterfall Wednesday 11/16/2016

Uluwehi Falls, Kaua’i, Hawai’i

My husband and I under Uluwehi Falls, Kaua’i, Hawai’i

Summit Lake Starry Night, Watercolor

Last weekend I had the opportunity to take a watercolor class with someone I have admired since seeing her artwork. I have been following the artist Nikki Frumkin on her on Facebook and Instagram @DrawnToHighPlaces after seeing images of her watercolor paintings. She creates beautiful paintings and sketches while climbing, backpacking, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. It was a pleasure meeting her and learning new techniques alongside other like minded people. What a truly inspiring experience!

Summit Lake Starry Night, Watercolor

Mountain Monday 11/14/2016

Mount Rainier behind Summit Lake, Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Wildlife Wednesday 11/09/2016

During a recent trip to Hawai’i, I finally had the opportunity to explore snorkeling. After spending a few hours in the “kiddie pool” at Lydgate Beach Park, I was ready to broaden my underwater horizons. Anini Beach was the perfect destination for beginner snorkelers, with its’ shallow waters and abundance of wildlife. After only 10 minutes in the water I spotted several tropical fish, two rays, a sea urchin, and a saddled snake eel. As I chased down a beautiful tropical fish, out of nowhere a very large sea turtle swam right in front of me. This was a dream come true! I spent the next several minutes slowly swimming alongside a sea turtle in its’ natural environment. Check that one of the bucket list! ✔

Sea turtle, Anini Beach, Kaua’i, Hawai’i

Snorkeling at Anini Beach, Kauai’i, Hawai’i

Motivational Monday 11/07/2016

Eastside Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Wildlife Wednesday 11/02/2016 – Chickens of Kauai

If you have never been to Kauai in Hawaii, then you may not be aware of the most dangerous wild animal on the island – the chicken! Chickens took over the island after Kauai was devastated by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Local sources said the hurricane was a Category 5 with the eye of the storm being larger than the entire island with winds over 180 mph. After the hurricane, chickens have roamed free throughout the island, where you can find them in the most unlikely places.