Backpacking and Summertime

There is nothing I enjoy more than getting into the backcountry in sunny weather. I've had the privillege of getting involved with becoming a backpacking guide in the last few years. There are so many memories of trips guided and with friends- they carry me through the rainy winters of the Northwest. Here are some pics of a trip I took with some REI'ers in Mt. Rainier National Park. Below: Coming up over the Panhandle Gap, Approaching Indian Bar

Shown here: The "hills are alive" with flowers. The sights of the colors and the sounds of the buzzing are treasures. Here a macro on a flower that has the ladybugs pretty excited.

What a throne! Hands down the best backcountry laterine in the park.

Right: A Hoary Marmot comes out of his hole to check us out. They are very friendly and curious.