Recreation

Mud and muck around Millersylvania State Park

Almost every year I pack up the family and head ten miles south of our Lacey home to go camping at Millersylvania State Park, and every time we make plans to take advantage of the miles of woodland trails skirting its edges. Unfortunately, for a multitude of reasons, we’ve never been able to actually hike … Continue reading »

Categories: Family, Gear, Hikes, History, Recreation, State Parks, Western Washington | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Encourage family and friends to wear hearing protection

By John O’Connor, Guest Blogger bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com Hunting is a very popular sport and hobby for many people these days. It is also a favorite activity that many families engage in together as well. When picking a family hunting trip, a great destination to check out could be Washington State. Washington State is a great place … Continue reading »

Categories: Family, Gear, Hunting, Recreation | Tags: , , , , , | 1 Comment

The rains have returned

Fall in Western Washington always brings the wet weather. Sometimes it starts in late August, and sometimes it holds off until October. This year appears to be one of the late years, as we had lots of nice days in September and early October. But make no mistake, fall has finally descended on us. Grey … Continue reading »

Categories: Family, Recreation, Western Washington | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ascending Saint Helens, Part 4 of 4: The gear that got me there

I sincerely hope anyone reading this is inspired to climb a mountain of their own. I hope it’s one of the beloved mountains of Washington State, but any mountain that strikes a chord in your heart will suffice. It’s not just something other people talk about. You can do it too. Just make sure you have the right training, the right gear and the right attitude and you’d be surprised how high you can climb. Continue reading »

Categories: Family, Gear, Hikes, Mt. Saint Helens, Recreation, Western Washington | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ascending Saint Helens, Part 3 of 4: More than a mountain

I was almost five years old when I rode on my father’s back during a hike on Mt. Rainier one sunny Saturday afternoon. During that walk, he paused for a moment while viewing the distant, lofty, snow-capped peak to the southwest, speculating aloud on the possibility of one of the 18 volcanoes in the Cascade … Continue reading »

Categories: Family, Gear, Hikes, History, Mt. Saint Helens, Recreation, Western Washington | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment