Hiking and meeting people. And sunshine. (And food. And beer.)

That last post had great points, but it didn't pull together cohesively because of the booze. I edited a lot out, too, but to no avail. :)

I've been slacking on the blogging, but so has Maddie so it's ok :) We'll be better, I swear, because I'm sure you can't wait to hear all about our awesome lives and we can't wait to talk about them!

Subjects for blog: hiking, dating, and meeting people. Ok, now to play catch up--

HIKING IN WASHINGTON IS THE BEST! Some of my new friends are avid hikers that plan a hike every weekend, and I'm now a part of the group! It's quickly becoming my favorite part of the week, and my favorite part about Washington! The first week we went to Wallace Falls. The weather was overcast, I didn't have proper footwear, but it was overall a successful first hike, meeting people and realizing the wilderness potential for my new life here. My new friend Alex organizes the hikes and rides, and takes un. believable photos. I think because he writes his name on them it's ok that I repost them. Well, I'll have to remember to double check with him next time.

Wallace Falls

Last weekend we went to Otter Falls (10 mi). It took us forever to get to the trailhead on pot hole filled roads in the middle of nowhere. There were no signs so we just started walking on the trail and figured we'd get to the falls sooner or later! We ended up at some other beautiful falls and talked to some people and found we had totally missed the split off earlier for Otter Falls. But that's ok, we got to see both falls! It was an absolutely perfect day with tons of great puffy white clouds and the most clean and fresh air you can imagine. I couldn't stop myself from breathing it in consciously taking in the most air I possibly could and then sighing in happiness as I let it out. I tried to take some time for myself when we stopped for breaks and just "find some peace" (as Alex put it) in the beautiful, quiet surroundings.

-me "finding peace" on a rock at the bottom of a waterfall-

-great photo of Jessie crossing one of the many streams on the trip-

-Otter Falls! Really slow moving, huge, rock waterfall. There was a huge frozen ice chunk in the lake at the bottom. Awesome-

-the group at "Wrong Falls"...haha-

-so we decided to walk on these frozen trees, and I was super stoked to practice my rusty balance beams skills, but instead I slipped on the ice on the trunk and ate it HARD. I got this mad awesome bruise from it, and it made me feel really really alive. Hence the happy face-

This week's hike was to Rattlesnake Ledge/Peak (11 mi). It was a one way hike over a mountain. The first hour or so was a brutal incline and I was drenched in sweat. The work was seriously worth it, though: the view from Rattlesnake Peak was one of the most amazing panoramic views I've ever seen my whole life. I could have sat there an entire day on the edge of the peak, soaking it all in. A spiritual experience. Seriously. Possibly one of my favorite places in the world. I'm already planning a return visit.

I guess I'll come back to the dating topic another time. On to meeting people. Which is all I've been doing! I can't believe all the new friends I'm making. I'm practically becoming a social butterfly! (I know, right?) I have a few people here that I'd consider new friends, and I have a list a mile long of cool people I've met and talked to. I love it. I'm definitely doing the amount of drinking beer and meeting people that a lot of people do in college, but I never did. Maddie and I went to this really fun birthday party for a new friend from UW, and we danced and looked great, obviously. :)

The last few days in the city have been a beautiful 70-75 degrees with blue skies and plenty of sun (insert shocked faces here). I've been outside, soaking in the sun, forming this season's tan lines, and exploring nearby neighborhoods in varying degrees of sobriety. My lawn has become my office, complete with laptop, sunglasses, red lips, CSA fruit, and a big glass of water. I realize now what a California girl I became in my 12 years there--getting some (cancer) rays really is one of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon. (photos by Maddie)

-roomies outside on a beautiful day-

-just me. obviously the wine isn't mine and I'm a poser, because a) I don't drink white wine and b) Maddie is holding it in previous photo-

I've been eating delicious healthy (mostly) vegan food and becoming more in touch with my body and what it wants/needs and doesn't want/need. I had caffeine this morning and almost puked it messed me up so badly! Since I've been exercising more I've been learning which foods give me the best long lasting energy (whole grains and veggies, go figure) and it's interesting to really truly understand that Jack-In-The-Box at 11pm "just because we're hungry and nothing else is open" really kills my body the next morning.

I guess that's all.