Labour Day long weekend trip to Mt Rainier turned out to be a relaxing trip. Unfortunately due to a road closure at the Carbon River Entrance, we
changed our original plan of hiking Northern Loop, to become hiking the Mowich Lake - Ipsut Creek - Spray Park Loop.
Gan and I started the trip at Mowich Lake, where it was so cold when we arrived at 4pm. Heavy fog came in dampened the whole campsite. The fog
actually made Mowich Lake look quite mystic and a little feel of ghosty.
We started our hike to Ipsut Campground the next day. Weather changed to give us a clear sky and strong sun. We arrived at the Ipsut Campground
and found out that it was such a nice campsite. Due to the road closure to it, the site was very under-used and quiet. In other words, it was a perfect
place to stay. However, we decided to move on to Cataract Valley so that we can have a less strenous hike the following hike.
Along the trail, the most noticable things are the mushrooms. We literally passed over 20 different kinds of mushroom. Green, yellow, orange, purple and white.
Different shapes and sizes amazed us. Some of those were as big as our boot size.
Crossing the border during Labour Day long weekend.
Park Entrance at Carbon River.
Carbon River Ranger Station, where we got our wilderness permit.
Carbon River area was destroyed by the Novemeber 2006 storm.
The carbon colour Carbon River.
Ranger station at Mowich Lake.
Mowich Lake is surprisingly very clean.
Foggy and windy at Mowich Lake.
When the wind died down, it was like a mirror.
Gigantic mushroom ....
Ahh .... veyr artisitic!
First dinner, curry chicken with rice, tofu, and cucumber.
Toilets at Mowich Lake. "Did you get your honey from the honey bucket ?".
Ipsut Pass.
Mirror like Mowich Lake.
Some of the down trees have 80+ rings ....
Blueberries ...
Yes you did.....eat blueberries
Ipsut Creek Campground.
Change of plan, going to Cataract Valley instead.
Yummy!
Crossing Carbon River.
Now you realize how small we are in this world.
First glimpse of Mt Rainier.
A big contrast of colours in the sunshine.
One person at a time, ok ? But how can I accompany my kids .....
Oh ! May be we shouldn't be crossing this bridge.
Seems a little overkill for this bridge, ....maybe it is insane here during the spring runoffs.
Cataract Valley campsite.
Yeah!.
oooosh!
Nice weather in the early morning.
Our orGANic farmer harvesting fresh blueberries
Ken, over here, .. they are much bigger here.
Moon was still up !
Hiking the Cataract Valley.
Anyone ? Waterslide !
Here is my eagle shot.
Look at my swing!
It is mushroom, buddy, not a golf ball.
I m jumping off, see ya !
I just came back from the heaven!, nice landing !
Looking at Rainier in the valley.
Me and Rainier.
Yummy, again!.
These are not ricks, they are big boulders.
Rainier in clear sky.
Wind was so strong that clouds were coming in fast.
Hessong Rock.
Still haven't got up there yet.
Sitting at Observation Rock, just enjoying the look of the peak.
Check out my hair!
Coming down Spray Park.
Last Glimpse of Rainier before hitting camp.
Last dinner at Eagle Roost campsite. World Class restaurant settings.
Our accommodation at Eagle Roost.
Sunset ......
Mac & cheese with tuna for dinner.
The aftermath was here ....
The next morning, during the hike out, we got this breathtaking view.
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