Field Trip to Grouse Mountain

Today we had the opportunity to travel up to Canada, specifically Grouse Mountain. We climbed onto the bus at 6:00 a.m. Uhgg. But it was well worth it! When the bus pulled into the parking lot at the base of the mountain, Karli looked up the and saw how high it was (Yikes!). But she got the nerve up and climbed on. She ended up enjoying it so much that she sat in the very front to enjoy the VERY steep drop down. If you ever get a chance to go, you definitely should. It was a great experience! We had a special program for our little school, but they also have about 5 ziplines, a lumberjack show, restaurant, ski lifts (of course), and soon an ice skating rink. We had a REALLY long but a great time!



We climbed into this gondola for our trip up the mountain.




The view of Vancouver, WAAAAAY up in the air!



The view from down below. Scary!




Once up on the mountain, we headed over to the Indian chief lodge (oops, in mean First Nation, got to get used to that), where we heard stories, chanting and then had the privilege of dancing as wolves and eagles. Boogie down, Stevie!




After the dancing and signing, we had science time. Learning about the ecosystem and identifying prints and skeletons of animals in the area made for a pretty exciting experience!

Gondola track at the top.


One of the ski lifts.



One of the two bears up there.




The gondola when it comes in at the top.

The kids gathered aroung the "Grandmother Tree". Can you tell that Anna and Stevie were paying attention? Not!

WOW, what a view.

Karli and Hans with their fabulous ribbons!They did so well at the Puyallup State Fair! A blue and merit in fitting and showing, and a reserve grand in obedience! As Lindsey would say, "Woot!Woot!!!" However, the glory will wear off and she will soon realize that she will have to compete off leash next year!Better get practicing, Karli!!!

Mount St. Helen's and Her Little Mascot

After leaving Fort clatsop, we camped not too far from Mt. St. Helen's and headed up to the Johnson observation center to look at the mountain. It's amazing that even after 30 years since the eruption, there is still clear evidence of the event. Huge trees lay like toothpicks on the hillsides.

Stevie begged me to have a picture taken with him. He loves his mommy so much!

Steam rises from the dome in the mountain that keeps on building.
While Steven and I enjoyed a talk from the ranger, Stevie and Karli found a chipmunk that was happy to hang out with them.

It was as if this little guy thought that all the crowds were there for him! I don't know if when Stevie and Karli are older that they will remember seeing the mountain, but I'm sure that they will remember the cute chipmunk!

Fort Clatsop

Okay, so after spending some time at the beach, Mom made us stop at Fort Clatsop. Something about Lewis and Clark and them spending the winter there made it important, I guess. The guy in the big funny hat spent some time showing us how the Corps of Discovery started fires back then, and Karli and I got a chance to use flint and steel to try and make a spark, so I guess that was o.k. I just know that Mom was trying to cram some history down us. -Stevie

On To Cannon Beach

After spending some time at the Dunes at Honeyman State Park, we traveled up the coast to Cannon Beach.

Ecola State Park, overlooking Haystack Rock.