2020 HIKES

 2020 HIKES

Naches Peak

I climbed Naches Peak and hiked up to Knapsack Pass. Both hikes were steep and grueling.

View from on top of Naches Peak

I hiked up to where the arrow points.

Little Tipsoo tarn

Lake Tipsoo at sunrise

KNAPSACK PASS

Knapsack Pass is a grueling hike starting at Mowich Lake. It isn't marked so very few hikers

know about it. I didn't see anyone as I hiked up and only three parties as I went down.

Mowich Lake with Faye Peak. Knapsack Pass it the gap in the middle

Me standing on Faye Peak with Mt. Rainier in the distance.

Mt Rainier through the gap.

Mt. Rainier from on top of the ridge.

Looking back down at Mowich Lake

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN GONDOLA

 CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN GONDOLA

The Governor shut almost every store and restaurant down in May and proclaimed a stay-at-home

order. When the order lifted, I headed for the mountains to do some social distancing. Our first

Outing was Crystal Mountain Gondola. We actually went up twice this year with friends. 

View from the top. Mt. Rainier

We ate at the restaurant at the top.

RAINFOREST WALK

Today I got away from all the hubbub and took a walk in the rainforest. It's only a 30 min drive from our house with no stoplights or traffic. 

(Click on images to enlarge)

Chinook Pass

I drove to Chinook Pass for a change of scenery and wasn't disappointed. There's about 4 inches of snow at the summit. It won't be long until they close it for the winter. A couple ravens begged for a handout. Awesome birds.

(Click on images for full screen)

IMPROV SHOW

I organized an improv presentation for NW Comedy Club. It was a super success. Charles Ames performed Sharon Dana and Ben Krack. We played a variety of games. This one is word freeze.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1119678628081028/

PUGET SOUND

Puget Sound is a large inland waterway stretching from Olympia to Vancouver BC. It's teeming with wildlife, waterfowl, and fish. It's an important shipping lane to major NW ports. Mt. Baker in the distance.

I have kayaked over 400 miles in inlets, bays and harbors. The Puget sound is a wonderful water sports area.

It's been a great year for  Toastmasters achievements. 

#1 President of Puyallup Valley Voices and we were Presidential Distinguished. 

#2 Area 44 Director and my five clubs attained Select Area Distinguished.

#3 Charted Sumner Lifelong Learners and our Division became Presidential Distinguished. 

$4 Formed NW Comedy Club and received a Triple Crown award. 

#5 The biggest award is a culmination of all: I received the highest award in Toastmasters.

        DTM (Distinguished Toastmasters)

GOLD SPEAKER'S AWARD

7 MANUALS

50 SPEECHES

6 INSTRUCTION MODULES

7-PART PRESENTATION

DEER HARBOR MARINA

KAYAKING IN SAN JUAN ISLANDS

NEW KAYAK HAULER AT ROSARIO RESORT

Storytelling in the mansion's library at Lakewold Gardens.

BLARNEY STONE

Kissing the Blarney stone may give the kisser the gift of eloquent speaking. However, it isn't east. The kisser has to lay down and lean over backwards. Notice the people 130 feet below the tower?

STORYTELLING

Storytelling at the Puyallup RV show. They created a picnic area with fire ring. It was called S'mores Center. Kids could roast marshmallows and listen to tall tales. 

TOASTMASTERS SPEECH CONTEST WINNER

TOASTMASTERS CONTEST WINNER

Toastmasters speech contests are a great way to hone your public speaking. Two years ago I never would have gotten in front of a group to speak. Toastmasters has taught me a lot. 

Hot off the press!

Over 13 short stories on backpacking trips  in the Pacific NW.