Since we had a "day of rest" on Wednesday, Thursday was slated for a hike up to Lake 22. Jared has been to the lake a few times and it is one of his favorites in Western Washington. That sentiment is shared by lots of folks, so it was good that we made the trip in the middle of the week.
We started out by hitting the picnic area across the rode from the trail head. We packed a cooler full of sandwiches, chips, and drinks. We ate some lunch after we hopped around rocks and checked out the river for a while. It was just good to wake up again after the car ride -- it was super long, but regardless, it got us a bit groggy again!
Indy was happy that she got to go with us on Thursday -- you could tell she had a look on her face like...FINALLY! And once we arrived at the picnic spot she took full advantage and did her entire body submission into the river. Since we are in a bit of a drought this year, the water was way lower than usual, but it was still enough for her to take a dunk...and enough for Rhett to slip and get his shoes and socks soaked -- but that's another story. :)
Father and son checking out the river; both of them were actively looking for fish. Rhett of course is the "Energizer Bunny", so he just hopped from rock to rock to rock.
The ladies decided to use the facilities before we embarked on our hike; Indy greeted us when we came back to the river.
More exploring and trying to decide if there was a way to get all of the way across the river. Rhett eventually found one...only he had to turn around and come right back because he needed to use the facilities too!
Maisie getting comfortable on a flat rock and then making room for her Mom.
This is Indy saying, "Can we go hiking now?"...and off we went!
All of us hopped back into the vehicle and headed to the trail head and started the hike. The one sign tells you that it is only 2.7 miles -- let's just say, the signs are ALWAYS wrong! It is always longer than whatever it is they say...this also applies in Idaho.
Rhett and Kristina came across this rock and though it was pretty cool...that is until we realized everyone was using it as a bathroom. Yuck!
The view from the trail is great! Here are some scenic shots that we all had to pose in front of while Jared snapped a photo.
This is probably the least favorite part of the hike...this is where it starts to get very rocky and full of boulders. It is tough on your feet and ankles, not so bad on the way up, but on the way down, it is killer!
And we arrive at the lake...it is such a great lake, and you can walk the entire way around the lake. This isn't very typical of Washington Mountain Lakes, but we really enjoy this one because of that fact!
On our way to find a spot to sit and rest for a few minutes...
We found a spot...let's have a seat while Jared does a little fishing! Lots of very little fish, but nothing catch-able!
Indy enjoyed the water though...submersing the body whenever she got a chance!
We headed around the lake for the next fishing spot...Jared decided that this would be good.
This was the back drop behind us...what a great view!
Maisie and Kristina found a great place to hang out while Rhett and Jared were fishing. You can see that Indy also joined us. We didn't plan on her coming up, but she scampered up that rock with no problems.
Rhett came over to check things out after we said there were fish. :)
Rhett taking a turn at fishing. Jared of course pulled the first fish out of the lake and then handed the pole over to Rhett for him to try. Jared ended up catching a couple as did Rhett. Not too bad, but if anyone can catch a fish...it would be Jared!
Trying out another spot...
Da-Da and Stephanie hung back while we were checking things out. At one point, Da-Da even took a nap on that rock! Jared says sleeping on rocks runs in the Edmonson family!
Packing up to try another spot...
A view from the far end of the lake...we were 180 degrees from where we entered the lake.
Rhett fishing every moment he could!
A couple of scenic family photos from the McPherson Edmonsons.
Heading down the trail and back to the vehicle!
A nice area where the river pools up...we couldn't stop on the way up because there were people here. We didn't stop except for a picture on the way back...it is a great pool!
What a day! After the hike we headed back to Woodinville where Kristina had been smart enough to put dinner in the Crock-pot so it was waiting for us when we returned! Yum!
