Picnic at Paradise

Yesterday we played hooky and had a picnic in 

Paradise on Mt. Rainier.

It was a beautiful day and we took the back roads all the way. 

Past beautiful old farmlands. 

And pristine lakes. 

This luminous green glacial lake is Alder Lake, which supplies drinking water to the city of Tacoma. 

Wild Sweet Peas bloom along the banks.

Soon we arrive at the gates of Mt. Rainier National Park. 

Forest Service buildings built during the 1930's serve the many dedicated Rangers and staff. 

We follow the Nisqually River through untouched wilderness all the way to it's source, the Nisqually Glacier on the flanks of Mt. Rainier.

The sun creates pools of light as it filters through the majestic canopy of ancient forest. 

Trees that have witnessed centuries stand guard along the way.

The Nisqually River weaves it's path along this mountain canyon, as we slowly start to climb, higher and higher. 

We leave the ancient fern covered forest floor as we drive the switchback river trail towards it's source. 

Up and up we climb, past breathtaking scenery. 

To the flanks of Mt. Rainier - the source of  the Nisqually Glacier. 

The very large highway bridge is dwarfed by the enormous glacier. 

A broader view of the glacier and the headwaters of the Nisqually River.

 There is the river far below.

A tiny peek behind the clouds of the flanks of Mt. Rainier.

We stop to stretch our legs and take in the beautiful alpine scene.

The peak of Mt. Rainier as the clouds lift.

Alpine forest at the tree-line.

We stop after our long drive and find a perfect picnic spot in the warm mountain sunshine.

Ol' Blue Eyes thought he would sneak in a photo of me taking a bite, but I caught him just in time!

He likes to tease.

I stopped his teasing with my home-made Blackberry Squares for dessert.
(I will post the recipe in a future post)

Later, as I was taking photos of the scenery, he dead-panned,
'Wouldn't it be great if a deer walked by?'

Still absorbed in my task I laughed, never dreaming he was serious!

I was so surprised when I turned around!

There you see his shoulder on the left, as I zoom in on the deer behind us in the shadows.

Isn't she pretty?

She is busy having her own picnic, munching on the beautiful wildflowers growing all around us.

As she drifts away she shows us her namesake, for she is a Black-Tail Deer. 

Lupine and Cinquefoil carpet the landscape.

The slightest breeze carries their scent.

And all along the edges, Avalanche Lilies bloom. 

We took a little trail at the picnic grounds.

But we weren't at our final destination yet....


Next time - We arrive at Paradise Lodge.