It’s September. There’s the crispness in the air and more rainy days on the forecast, so it means autumn is on its way. As such, it’s time again to post highlights of my adventures and shenanigans over the last 3 months or so. Pretty much just stayed in the PNW and did hiking and outdoors stuff. Here are the photos and videos.
Snow Lake with some mesmerizing color. One of Seattle area’s most popular hikes. Been there during Covid times but continued to Gem Lake this time.
As usual, I went on a number of hikes to take advantage the beautiful summer weather in the PNW.
Continued up from Snow Lake to Gem Lake, a smaller alpine lake higher up the mountains.
Iron Bear Peak, my first hike of the “summer”. End of spring/balsamroot bloom season.
Finally did the Grouse Grind, the most famous hiking trail in Metro Vancouver. Known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”, the Grind is more of fitness challenge than a scenic hike, as it is all stairs in the woods until you get to the top of Grouse Mountain. Did it in 1h45 with plenty of breaks. Probably could have done it within 1h30 if I tried.
Checked off another Metro Vancouver favorite, Quarry Rock in Deep Cover, North Vancouver.
Group hike to Talapus and Olallie Lakes. Been there 6 years ago during the Covid era.
Misty hike up to the Melakwa Lakes. Upper Melakwa Lake still pretty with the mist.
Tunnel Bluffs along the Sea to Sky Highway has a stunning view of Howe Sound and the islands below.
Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm is supposed to be one of the most scenic trails in WA. Unfortunately it was socked in by fog when I went, so saw very little of the scenery. As a consolation, there were plenty of critters. Marmots, grouse, pikas, and chipmunks aplenty.
Toughest hike so far this year was up Mount Ellinor, in the southeastern corner of the Olympic Mountains. The steep ascent up the steps were no joke. The views of Lake Cushman and surrounding mountains were worth it.
In addition, I did a few non-hiking activities
The FIFA World Cup was held in North America this year. Took my folks to watch a group match between Egypt and New Zealand at BC Place. Was an exciting match with plenty of goals. Probably a once in a lifetime experience watching the World Cup in Vancouver.
Went wading for crabs for the first time. Didn’t catch any keeps as there were tons of other people who had the same idea, but worth trying once.
Picking some fresh blueberries. It’s been a long time since I’ve been a blueberry farm. This farm didn’t have the biggest berries, but they were pretty sweet.
Another bumper crop of chayote squash from my parents’ backyard this year. Here’s me picking about a dozen off the vines.
Went paddleboarding at a small lake on a warm summer weekend.
Fun VR event with my (former) employer. My team crushed the competition.
Taking a swing at the local Top Golf. I think my swing did improve, although still not particularly good. At least the picture looked decent.
First time riding an electric scooter. Managed to not crash into anything or take a bad spill.
First time taking the 2 Line of the Link Light Rail over Lake Washington. This is the world’s first light rail built on a floating bridge. Lake views along with glimpses of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker on a nice summer day.
Enjoyed the Sarah McLachlan concert at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Good music and wine is a good combo.
Won tickets to a wine walk, and tasted about a dozen wines. Got a little buzzed.
Did plenty of grilling over the summer.
That’s what I’ve been up to during the summer. As for upcoming fall, it’s a bit up in the air. Unexpectedly I’m back on the job market again thanks to layoffs. Unfortunate, but it’s the reality of the tech industry these days. It’s a little bit like around this time 2 years ago, in that I’ll be looking for a job at the end of the summer. The job market is a bit tough, but hopefully it works out. Wish me luck.
