Sun rays shooting through the mist of Iron Creek Falls, northeast of Mt. St. Helens. Karen and I went road-exploring and snow-hiking on this day. There were very few people in the area since the road dead-ends where it is buried under snow and gated off for the winter, so not many visitors come through this time of year. Good thing, since we had the waterfall all to ourselves! (February 2001)
This is the beachside patio from the cabin that Karen rented for my birthday weekend getaway. Knowing how much I love west facing waterfront, she surprised me with a trip to Whidbey Island for the weekend. We explored the coastline and trails of Deception Pass State Park, walked around historic Coupeville, and then ended up at Sunset Cottage for the evening. We enjoyed the relaxing evening there in the quiet beach community, and walked along the deserted beach south until it was dark that night. The next day we ended up spending the entire day at the cottage, walked the beach north to explore boarded-up cabins, and checked out the wildlife and views of the Olympic Mountain range over Puget Sound. The nice owner of the cabin let us stay as late as we wanted, so we stayed until after the sunset on Sunday! (March 2001)
A pair of eagles watched us from different vantage points during our walk on the beach north of Sunset Cottage. The wind was moving fairly fast off the water and under their wings as they hovered and swooped along the beach looking for food while checking out their domain, keeping an eye on the two visitors below. (March 2001)
Scott, Christopher, Greg, Shannon, Kathy, and Karen at Seattle’s Volunteer Park. We all decided to have an impromptu midweek after-work picnic at the park. Hanging out, yakking, and chowing on quickie picnic vittles… (May 2001)
Scott crossing the river that runs below the somewhat obscure Fantastic Falls and Monster Falls. I went hiking with Josh and Christopher to see the falls from a distance. We had a classic case of a clueless guidebook in need of some serious usability testing, but we improvised by exploring along the river’s edge and walking around the local community. Great excuse to try and get un-lost! (June 2001)
Rather rambunctious – and certainly not shy – participants in Seattle’s annual Gay, Lesbian, and Transgendered Pride Parade. The show ranged from supportive parents to choreographed women on Harleys, and a few surprises in between. Shannon, Kathy, and I watched the festivities from Shannon’s apartment on the parade route, while concocting drinks of fresh squeezed orange juice mixed with champagne. I found out just how loud Shannon can yell; she got the attention of practically the whole already loud parade! (June 2001)
Scott, Karen, Kari, and Tim at Wauna Point above the Columbia River on the Oregon side of the gorge. That’s Mt. Adams in the distance on the right. It’s a pleasant short hike from the Eagle Creek trailhead to this spot almost 1000 feet up. (July 2001)