Manipulating light

We have had some really beautiful sunsets lately.  As I learn more and more how to use my DSLR camera it is fun to manipulate the shutter speed and aperture.  

"For the beauty of the earth..."

Ensign Ranch

Every once in awhile I actually go to Single Adult Activities.  Over Labor Day there was a Single Adult Camp-out at Ensign Ranch.  This is a ranch the church owns that is about 80+ miles east of Seattle.  One of the exertions was riding through the Snoqualmie Tunnel.  Years ago the tunnel was used for trains but now the train tracks have bee replaced by a trail that hikers and bikers can enjoy.  I am not sure how far east it goes but my guess is you can ride over 100 miles on it.

We rode 2.7 miles one way through the tunnel.  It is really dark in the tunnel and required lights on our bikes.  When I first enter the tunnel I thought my light wasn't working properly because it was so dark and then I realized I still had my sunglasses on.

This is the mountain we went through.  We rode both ways through the tunnel.  Round trip it was 5.4 miles.

Five of us wanted to ride our bikes back to Ensign Ranch. From the Snoqualmie Tunnel Ensign Ranch is 25 miles.  I took pictures along the way.  The trail parallels I-90.  Stump lake is in the background.

Another picture of Stump Lake

This is the lake near Easton. I actually rode ahead of the group and rode over to the lake for a picture.

This is actually towards the end of the bike ride.  I am not sure why the pictures are out of order but oh, well. 

Part of the trail was actually closed and we had to ride on the I-90 for about 7 miles.  2 of the miles were downhill and I just let my bike go; it was a lot of fun racing the Semi Trucks.  Actually, it was a little scary and they zoomed past me.  We also had a tail wind and when the trucks went by you could feel the tail wind push you forward.

We crossed over a few rivers too.  It was a beautiful ride.  All total we did between 30 and 35 miles.  I had a great time riding with the other single adults.  I went to the dance that evening, which is a big step for me, and left after 2 songs.  I am just not into dancing anymore.  Sunday there were 4 Area Authorities who spoke.  Apparently single adults are the "core" of the church?!  Overall, I had a good time and enjoyed camping.  Although my first camp site was located in "Far West" or as I called it "Outer Darkness".  I was the only one out there so I packed up my stuff and moved to an open meadow where so I could join civilization.   

Boeing Classic

Thanks to Kathy we were able to enjoy the Boeing Classic Golf Tournament again.  Although I really enjoy watching the golf, I love being up in Snoqualmie and enjoying the amazing views.

Derek and Alexis are all smiles at the 17th hole

Here is the view of Mt. Si from the 18th hole.

Since this golf tournament is sponsored by Boeing they have a flyover each tournament.  Here is the plane this year heading west.

Kathy, Evan, Alexis, and Greta waiting for the flyover

Enjoying Mt. Si from the 16th hole

Just a few more of Snowbird

I know I have taken these same pictures in years past, I just can't get over how beautiful Snowbird is.  I also like the picture of the sign take from our balcony.

The rest of Snowbird

On Tuesday, Owen, Alexis and I ran to the top of Hidden Peak.  It took me 1 hour 26 minutes; I went 5 miles up a 3000ft vertical climb.  We started at 8000ft. and ran up to 11,000ft.  When I say ran I also mean we walked some.  Although this year I ran more of it; I was really proud of how much I ran. 

Owen, Holly, Greta, Alexis, Evan, and Derek on top of Hidden Peak.  Derek brought Greta and Evan up on the Tram.      

We also spent Tuesday with my mom and Clason Cousins for a Cook family reunion. 

Wednesday Heidi and I hike to the top of Hidden Peak with Mark Chamberlain and his son Mason.  This was Heidi's first time hiking to the top in years and she did great.

Thursday Heidi and Robert went down into the valley so I watched Matt and Adam.  We went hiking, had  Ice Cream, picked out Snowbird shirts and went swimming.  I do not have any pictures of this but it was fun.  Friday, I hiked up to Hidden Peak one last time.  Last year I broke my record of 1 hour 50 minutes with 1 hour 45 minutes.  This year I smashed my record and hiked to the top in 1 hour 24 minutes.  I took a shorter but steeper route than when I ran to the top on Tuesday.  The Salt Lake Valley is in the distance.

After hiking I took the chairlift down and snap this picture of the Tram and the Iron Blossom in the background.

I hiked over to waterfall but because it has been so dry it was pretty empty.  So, I climbed down into it and took some pictures.

Snowbird 2012

 In August we took our annual trip to Snowbird up Little Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City Utah.  It was great being with the family.  Monday we enjoyed the Activity Pass and went on the Alpine Slide, the Zipline, and up the Tram to Hidden Peak.  

Evan and me getting ready to brake the sound barrier.  Evan was a speed demon; he would push on the stick to go faster.

Me and Matt getting ready for the Zipline

Me and Matt cruising down the Alpine Slide on the first run of the day

Uncle Merrill and Aunt Ida Jean 

Derek and Evan

Greta and Alexis

I took this picture of Uncle Dick and Aunt Lucille as I was riding the chairlift up to the Alpine Slide

Robert and Matt coming down the Zipline

Matt is now old enough to ride the Alpine Slide by himself.  So, he broke up with me and spent the rest of the day making it hard for me to keep up with him.  

I am not sure why this picture turned out the way it did, but I think it is a cool picture of Mark Chamberlain flying down the Alpine Slide.

Random pictures at Mt. Rainer

This is the Nisaqually River.  I was amazed at how large that log is.

Well, if Mt. Rainer decided to blow this is the path of one mudslide 

Near a visitor center there were 4 deer eating their breakfast.  They were could about stopping and posing for us.

Please stay in a single file as you cross the road

This muskrat was just chillin enjoying the sun

Mt. Adam's in the distance