North Cascades Hwy: OPEN!

The North Cascades highway opened yesterday at 10 am, so we decided to get our first of the season "over the pass" drive in. I was surprised at how low the snow was along the road at Washington Pass.

The opening of THIS pass allows travelers to complete the beautiful Cascade loop scenic drive.

As we drove through the tunnel I was excited for the views ahead.

Near the top

Washington Pass

First view of Liberty bell

Heading down to the east side.

After a quick stop in Winthrop, we turned around for our return journey.

I just had to photograph the mirror at our restroom stop in Winthrop.

Winthrop is a western themed town, so this was fitting.

I took all of the "travel" photos inside of our vehicle as we were moving down the road. I was surprised there weren't too many blurry photos. I wanted to get a photo of the beautiful Balsamroot flowers in bloom near Winthrop, not too blurry except the flowers. Oh well at least the pop of yellow is visible.

Heading back to the west side.

Always love the views along this particular pass

 

Sewing, Hiking and Scoutina

 Saturday was a catch up on my sewing day. I'm still slowly sewing this years Indigo Way Mystery Quilt. I finished block A, now I'm tackling Block B.

Stack of finished Block A's

Test Block B

Assembly line production for Block B

I got a lot accomplished on the quilt blocks so that made me happy.

On Sunday we went for a hike along the Stillaguamish river near Arlington. It was a glorious blue sky day.

Stillaguamish river beside the trail

Licorice ferns climbing up the tree

View from the Railroad bridge

We took a rest break at the Quilt barn (Trafton Trailhead park). 

This barn is part of the Stillaguamish Valley Quilt trail.

There were a couple of picnic tables near the trail, so we enjoyed the sun's warmth while we ate some snacks.

Our view while we sat.

I took a zoomed in photo of these tiny daisies

As we were getting ready to begin our journey back we noticed 3 deer in the large field to our right, they came near and walked across the trail right in front of us.

Last but not least, our sweet girl is two today, can't believe it's been nearly a year since we picked her out at the local humane society.