This weekend, Mt Rainier National Park, was fee free, so we all piled in the van for a trip to see the "mountain." We arrived after a lovely 2.5 hour drive (actually the drive was pretty and the kids did okay despite the fact Lindsey decided to skip her nap) to clouds and fogs. After downing some yummy cinnamon rolls and checking out the base of the mountain at Longmire, we hopped on a 30 minute shuttle which took us up to Paradise. The road was windy and bumpy and it got cloudier and foggier the higher we climbed. We exited the shuttle to 45 degree weather and fog so thick you could barely see 100 feet in front of you. Needless to say, we didn't stay too long. We felt bad talking about Mt. Rainier to Jack because he was so confused since you could not see the mountain. We quickly checked out the new visitor's center and lodge and headed back down the mountain on a super crowded shuttle bus. There were like 50 people on this bus, sitting and standing, and we were bumping and winding down this huge mountain. Luckily, Lindsey stayed pretty quiet. I was praying so hard that she would not start screaming! However, maybe that would have cleared the bus?
We headed home, stopping to eat on the way. Both kids fell asleep on the way home after dinner. Hmmmm: 6 hour drive with 7 people in the minivan, 1 major tantrum in the car (Jack), 1 burst eardrum (mine after sitting next to my daughter), 7 cinnamon rolls, 1 rubberneck driver (Clint), 0 wildlife, 2 shuttle rides, 0 visible mountains. A successful day? Depends on how you look at it.
Lounging in front of the National Inn.
Waiting for the shuttle.
"Yeah, I'm out of that car!"
Riding the shuttle to Paradise. For some reason, Chad wanted everyone to look tough.
What a gorgeous mountain! Lindsey is calling out to her real parents, the bobcats, to take her home.
Sweet young thangs.
4 comments:
that group shot is so funny. Everyone trying to look tough. Your dad just couldn't do it, your mom looks mad and I never see your mom mad. Too funny! But it sounds like you guys had a fun time despite the crowds and fog.
Our honeymoon was all thick fog...sometimes this place makes sight seeing a JOKE! Looks like you had a fun adventure though!
We headed out there recently too. We refused to take the shuttle! It took us a little while, but we eventually found a spot right there at Paradise. Sorry it was so foggy and cold. With everything you mentioned, it sounds like it was an adventure! Fun times!
I couldn't stop laughing when I read this post. You are so funny. I love the way you described your little girl. Better luck next time with the mountain, right?
p.s. are you coming to our class reunion, or what? You better!!!
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