Lake Chelan Vacation

I spent the week of August 18 in Chelan, Washington with three friends. We stayed Saturday to Saturday and had a great time, though the trip turned out to be a little different than we had planned.

Our first two days in Chelan were hot and calm. We spent Sunday on the water, intertubing, floating, swimming, and going off a neighbor's 10-foot water slide (yipee!). I discovered that I remember how to dive, and practiced the Michael Phelps dolphin underwater swim. On Sunday, we found a water thermometer hanging off a neighbor's dock - it read 72 degrees. Not bad for chilly Lake Chelan - it felt great on a 95 degree day. We also discovered that across and up the lake a bit from our cabin was a smooth rock hanging about 20 to 25 feet over the water. Teens were jumping off the rock in hoards, and the water was incredibly deep at that spot, so we decided we would make it back to jump before our vacation was over. Sunday night we went to Slide Waters, the small water park in Chelan. I felt like a kid again zooming down water slides.

Monday started off warm, but the wind picked up in the afternoon. We rented a wake board but with the wind and our inexperience, no one got the chance to really try it out. By the evening, a thundershower rolled through Chelan, and we felt a little down because it kept us out of the water.

Tuesday we went wine tasting with Lakeside Limousine Tours. We had a blast - and felt very cool being driven to wineries in a limo. Many of the wineries in the Chelan area have some of the best views of the lake and delicious food. Some of the wineries we visited include: Tildio Winery, Benson Vineyards, Nefarious Cellars, and Vin du Lac. Vin du Lac tasting was outdoors under a trellis with gorgeous views of the lake.

Wednesday the weather didn't look great, so we decided to take the Lady of the Lake ferry to Stehekin, the northern most point and source of Lake Chelan. When we arrived in Stehekin, it was pouring down rain, so we hopped on the Rainbow Falls tour (school) bus. After the tour, we bought sweatshirts to stay warm, explored downtown Stehekin, marveled at the car graveyard with license plate tabs dating all the way back to 1991 (that I saw), and enjoyed the views and remoteness of the tiny town. After three hours, we caught the Lady of the Lake ferry back to Fields Point Landing.

Thursday was still windy and cool, so we stayed mostly out of the water and barbecued, played games, and relaxed. It was refreshing to be away from a computer and television. Friday rolled around and we woke to calm waters so we motored the boat to downtown Chelan for a hearty breakfast. The clouds burned off by noon and we made the decision to spend the entire damn day on the water, for better or worse.

We headed first to the jumping rock. Our boat captain stayed behind to take photos of the rest of us daredevils. We swam to shore, climbed the rocky terrain, and prepared to face certain death. Just kidding! But that's what I felt like. Heart racing and nervous as heck, it took me a long time to muster the courage to jump, though I did finally take a measly step off those rocks and plunged into the water. It was so much fun - I'm glad I did it. We spent the rest of the day boating, swimming, and intertubing. The day was incredible and we stayed on the water until the sun dipped behind the hills.

Saturday came and we were sad to have to leave our oasis so soon, especially since it was hot and the water calm. On our way home, we stopped outside of Leavenworth to float down the Wenatchee River - something the four of us have down for three years in a row. We had a blast and enjoyed resting on a sandy spit along the river, though it was bittersweet since it meant our vacation was over.

I love Lake Chelan. I am a bit sad to not have our vacation to look forward to anymore, but the memories and photos will help me get through the dreary Seattle winter. Until next year, Lake Chelan!

Moonrise over Lake Chelan our first night on vacation.

Stehekin Landing and Lodge

Rainbow Falls in Stehekin - 312 feet of cascading waterA view of the beginning of Lake Chelan and the North Cascades shrouded in clouds.We saw bighorn sheep on the ferry back to Chelan. There is so much more wildlife in Chelan than Seattle - we saw the bighorn sheep, fish, bats, frogs, lizards, and a variety of squirrels. Looking north on Lake Chelan from the Lady of the Lake ferry.
Cruising.Tubing buddies.Panorama from the cabin deck. Looking north from our cabin deck.Sunset and floaties.

And to prove I actually jumped. Hopefully you can't see the grimace on my face. And I look like a total dork because I'm trying to keep my arms at my side and toes pointed to avoid slapping the water uncomfortably. Yay for conquering fears.

The Tipping Point

If I may draw from what I have learned working for the National Girls Collaborative Project, I believe the U.S. has reach a tipping point. Quoting the NGCP Replication Guide: "Gladwell (2000) describes the tipping point as the point at which small, targeted strategies or activities that happen unsystematically become widespread, causing a cultural shift that drives systemic and inherent change" (1).

Today John McCain declared his running mate to be Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. No longer is our presidential race simply a competition between middle-aged and elderly upper class white men. There has been a cultural shift - it is now critical for presidential hopefuls to represent more than just these white men. The glass ceiling is not simply cracked: it has been smashed repeatedly with only fragile remains still in place.

Minorities, women, and other underrepresented groups still have more ground to gain, and the wage disparity between these groups and white men still remains significant. But today is an exciting day. No matter who is elected, November 4, 2008 will be a historic time for the U.S. Either way, a woman or an African American will sit in one of the two most powerful positions in the White House, making executive decisions that shape our nation and future. We have reached a tipping point, and I am hopeful and excited for the future.

I'm Baaack!

I'm back from a week in Lake Chelan. The vacation was great - though a little different than we had planned due to some iffy weather. And there is torrential rain today in Seattle - it seems like summer might be coming to an end already. So sad. I'll post on Chelan with photos soon! Stay tuned...

Seattle Swift

The logo I developed for Swift Asset Management, Inc. - inspired by an original design sketch from one of my aunties.

Puget Sound Cruise

I was fortunate enough to spend Sunday, August 10th out on the Puget Sound on a 42 foot boat belonging to a friend's work associate. We left from Salmon Bay on the Magnolia side, traveled through the Hiram Chittenden Locks across Puget Sound around the west side of Bainbridge Island then into Liberty Bay, where we docked in Poulsbo, Washington. This was the first time I have been on a private yacht (that I can recall at least), the first time I have been through the Locks on a boat, and my first time in Poulsbo. Quite a day for firsts!

The Locks are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I discovered like many government operations - efficiency is not one of their primary duties. It took us about two hours each way to get through the Locks. Not that I'm complaining! Despite some ominous-looking clouds, the weather was beautiful, and we enjoyed a gorgeous sunset. There was hardly a breath of wind all day. I'll take calm waters over bright blue skies for cruising on the Sound.

I love water and water reflections - so there was a lot of photographic opportunity. I took tons of photos, here are some of my favorites:

NOAA research vessel Miller Freeman. We waited in the locks with this ship. Seems like NOAA is everywhere I go! I waved to the cranky-looking man on the bow. He waved back, totally unaware that I worked for NOAA for seven long years, maybe even edited his writing or research.

Poulsbo Marina. There were a bunch of harbor seals hanging out on the log booms.

Summertime and the livin's easy.

A three hour tour...

Railroad trestle from the opposite direction - heading back to the Locks.

Can you see the great blue heron? Some rude family on a Zodiak motored right up to it, then chased it as it flew away. While waiting for the Locks, we fed the seagulls Doritos and red vines. One of the boat passengers balked at us for feeding them unhealthy food. Considering seagulls eat garbage, I think chips are probably OK.

Here's a progression of sunset shots - you can see we waited for the Locks a while. But the sunset was beautiful! I love the color in the final photo.

Chelan, Olympics, Etc.

Now the countdown to Chelan really begins! Forecasted temperature for Saturday in the city of Chelan: 102 degrees. Sunday: 99 degrees. I can feel the hot sun and icy water already!

I stayed up too late last night to watch some of the Olympic swimming. I have never been really into the Olympics - though they are always fun to watch. But last night I saw the American men's swim team win the gold in the four by one hundred freestyle relay. It was amazing to see - it looked like certain death against the French team in the final leg but American Jason Lezak touched that wall just a fraction of a second before the French team. We did it, won the gold, broke the world record, and Michael Phelps can still potentially win eight gold medals. I felt proud to be an American! And it was pretty cool seeing the beast-men in gymnastics on Saturday night. I hope I catch some of the diving before the Chelan trip.

Salsa Recipe, Upon Request

A coworker brought this delicious salsa into work, and I requested the recipe from her. I made the salsa for my family party, and had some requests to post the recipe here. Thanks to my coworker for the recipe. Enjoy!

Sweet and Spicy Salsa

1 – 15 oz can black-eyed peas (rinse thoroughly)
1 – 11 oz can shoe peg corn (drain)
1 to 1 ½ large chopped bell pepper (green, orange, yellow or a combination)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium jar pimentos (2 – 2 ½ inch tall jar), chopped

Marinade
¾ cup sugar
½ cup white vinegar
¼ cup olive oil (light)
3 – 4 tablespoons of Tiger Sauce (found with the BBQ sauces)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Put all ingredients in a large bowl, cover with marinade and refrigerate overnight. Scoop out salsa with slotted spoon to reduce liquid. Serve with “scoop” style tortilla chips.

Rebirth

...Or maybe just the right ingredients.

Two months ago I planted basil, oregano, and cilantro is some pots I received for Christmas. The seeds began to sprout beautifully, the cilantro grew to over an inch tall. But the June cold, cloudy spell hit right as the seeds were getting going. They wilted and died soon after. Disappointed, I put the pots in the basement, planning to empty them out later.

Last weekend, I decided to use the pots to plant wildflower seeds I received for my birthday (thanks, Galen!). I stirred the soil, watered it well without removing the dead sprouts or leftover seeds, and since the very person who gave me the seeds was in town for few days, I let the pots be to go spend some quality time with a bestest buddy.

Last night, a week after preparing the soil for wildflowers, I went downstairs for some ever-exciting document filing. Low and behold... sprouts! All three, the basil, cilantro, and oregano had sprouted and were growing strong. I was especially excited to see the oregano growing well. Oregano seeds are the size of tiny pepper flakes, and the sprouts about the same diameter and partly translucent.

I always forget to turn off the basement lights, but this is exactly what helped my sad little seedlings start growing again! The pots are perfectly placed beneath a compact florescent light bulb, the advice my same wildflower-buddy gave to me! I'll be sure to leave the light on tonight.

So perhaps I will have fresh herbs after all. And maybe I'll use this situation as a lesson to not give up and that sometimes the right conditions are all that are needed to flourish. I should probably not use this situation as a lesson that laziness sometimes pays off though (by me not emptying those pots months ago)...

Neighborhood Night Out

I attended my first Neighborhood Night Out Block Party on Tuesday, August 5th! The Block Party was part of the National Night Out event, where communities host neighborhood parties to raise awareness about crime and anti-crime programs, as well as strengthen community interaction. Neighbors bring side dishes to share, drinks, and their own food to throw on the grill.

It was fun to see kids riding their bikes up an down the street and dogs lazily traveling from person to person searching for leftover grilled meat. I met a number of my neighbors, and I look forward to being able to wave, say hello, and chat with them in the future.

I also learned that two years ago, the alley behind my street was home to squatters who were dealing crack to their friends. This is quite disturbing, especially considering the quiet and friendly veneer of the neighborhood. Neighbors also talked of the numerous car thefts occurring in the area. Moral of the story: lock your doors, lock your car, be aware of your surroundings, and know your neighbors. I found myself a little more appreciative of our rowdy neighbors who like to party and drink Keystone Light till sunrise on the front porch. Not likely cars will be broken into when they are out there!

The Neighborhood Block Party was fun and I enjoyed the neighborhood camaraderie. I also got a chance to test a new salsa recipe before my family party on Saturday! It was delicious...

Fire Drill

Maybe my experience was different than most, but in grade school we learned during fire drills to leave all of our belongings behind and in an orderly fashion, get the heck out of the building. During a fire drill at work years ago, I did just that. Except as I stood shivering in the parking lot, I realized how silly it was that I left my keys, wallet, phone, and jacket behind! What would I do if the building actually burned down? Camp out in the parking lot or hitch a ride, I guess. Then begin the process of getting another driver's license, buying a new cell phone, replacing credit and membership cards, and requesting friends' numbers.

I know my life and safety are more important than these things, but considering I always keep my purse right next to me on my desk, it seems foolish not to grab it and other necessities close by on the way out the door. I think that's one lesson school got wrong. And I should make a mental note to not always take elementary school lessons so literally.

Lake Twenty Two

I hiked to Lake Twenty Two in the North Cascades on Sunday, August 3rd. Lake 22 is one of the many great hikes along the Mountain Loop Highway, east of Granite Falls, Washington (about an hour drive from North Seattle). This trail has pretty much everything you could want on an easy day hike: old growth forest, rivers, waterfalls, wildflowers, wooden bridges, mountain views, wild berries, animals, snow, glacial rocks, towering Mount Pilchuck, and of course beautiful Lake 22.

The trail begins from a parking lot right off the Mountain Loop Highway about 12 miles east of Granite Falls. This was a nice change from the eight miles of gravel roads required to reach Tonga Ridge. The trail is 5.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet. We arrived at 8:30 a.m. for an early start. For any interested in hiking to Lake 22, I strongly recommend getting started early. The trail was empty on the way up and we got the best lunch spot on the lake. The air felt crisp and refreshing in the morning. By the time we were on our way back down in the early afternoon, we were meeting fellow hikers every 100 yards on the trail and the air was getting humid and warm.

The first mile of the trail climbs gradually through old growth forest and gigantic cedar trees. The trail crosses Lake 22 Creek, and a number of switchbacks follow. As you gain more elevation, there are views of waterfalls and cataracts along the trail. For one of these I stepped a few feet off the trail to get a better view, looked down, and there was a steep gorge that dropped right into the swift-moving creek.

The trail exits the old growth forest, continuing through open talus slopes and a forest of old growth maple trees. We came across a squirrel and pika snacking on their breakfast. Getting closer to the lake, we encountered an avalanche chute where large trees were strewn across the trail. This required some skillful maneuvering and climbing. Once we crossed the tree field, we discovered there was a large amount of snow left on the last stretch of the trail to the lake. Stepping carefully to avoid falling through hollow patches of snow, we made it to Lake 22. I was astounded by the beauty of the lake and the half-mile high peaks of Mount Pilchuck towering over the ice-covered lake.

We traveled a quarter of the way around the lake to a prime lunch spot. From the wooden bridge (seen below) at the end of the lake where the creek begins, it looked like ice was covering only half of the lake. But from our lunch spot vantage point, we realized ice was still covering about ninety percent of the lake. At the far end, debris from an avalanche was still sitting on top of the ice covering. Lake 22 was beautiful. All the alpine lakes I've hiked before Lake 22 have been snow free - so it was fun to see all the snow and ice left, and the snow and cold water contributed to the cool breeze at our lunch spot.

Of the hikes I've done in the Cascades so far (including Snow Lake and Annette Lake), Lake 22 is my favorite. It was not too challenging and offered so much trail variety and incredible views. I will also get an earlier start on hikes from now on, the morning is an amazing time to hike. And the drive is easy and short. I took tons of photos, so here are some of my favorites:

There is a nice wooden bridge across the Lake 22 Creek. But my dad found the old crossing - a large, worn tree that had fallen across the creek.

The first mile or so of the trail is through old growth forest - those trees are gigantic!

The trail was really well-maintained. There were a lot of stairs, which made the climbing easy.

We found this little pika snacking on the fern along the trail. He was probably wondering what the hell we were and why we were interrupting his breakfast. Another bonus about starting early on the trail: this little guy was nowhere to be seen on the way down with tons of people on the trail.

Not as many flowers as Tonga Ridge, but still pretty! A lot of tiny streams crossed the trail, giving the rainy-look seen on these flowers.

At about two miles up the trail are these old mossy maple trees growing at uncomfortable-looking angles. My dad pointed out these maples looked like they came of out Tolkien's Entwood.

Trees had fallen across the trail from an avalanche. This made trail crossing a little difficult.

We made it to Lake 22! There was another newly-constructed bridge.

Lake 22 and Mount Pilchuck (I had to merge about ten photos to get this one).

I read on hike Web sites that there is a trail around the entire lake. This was not accessible with the amount of snow left, unless we wanted to swim in 35 degree water. No thanks! You can also see in this photo how deceptive this angle is - it looks like there is not much ice on the lake.A view of the North Cascades on our way back down the trail.

Now I can't wait to go on another hike since Lake 22 was so incredible. Some I am considering are: Surprise Lake, Cutthroat Lake, Cascade Pass, and Denny Creek-Melakwa Lake. All of these are longer and more difficult than Lake 22, but I am up for the challenge. Anyone have favorite hikes to suggest?

Counting Down...

I'll be in glorious Lake Chelan in less than two weeks! I can hardly contain my excitement. So now begins the process of staying focused despite that excitement, along with purchasing such essentials as floaty water toys and sunscreen.

And on another note, the first Seahawks game is this Friday, August 8th! August just may be the greatest month ever. I also bought tickets today for the November 2nd home game against the Philadelphia Eagles for me, my dad, and mom. I am excited for my parents to experience the chaos and excitement of Qwest Field.

Of course the only single game tickets available are in the nose-bleed section. I logged in at 10 a.m. sharp this morning, bought the set of three tickets, and was finished at 10:04 a.m. I returned to the ticket sale site immediately and no more tickets were available for any game! It only took four minutes, maybe even less, for those remaining nose-bleed tickets to sell out entirely. Wow! As my dad says, there are only two seasons: football season and waiting for football season. I'll add two more: summer and waiting for summer.

Blue Angels

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are here in Seattle once again for Seafair weekend! I snapped this photo during their practice on Friday.Sorry for the sort of lame photo, they are hard to capture on a point-and-shoot camera when they are whizzing by faster than the speed of sound. I'm glad the sun came out for the show!