Wado
Activities
Sunday, July 28
Sarah, Nick + Renee went to Green Lake, Seattle to paddleboard after visiting Tengu Sushi in Northgate. Then, we went to pick up Bri at SeaTac and enjoyed tacos and margaritas at Red Star Taco Bar in Fremont.
Monday, July 29
We left in the morning, and drove towards North Cascades National park. We stopped at an espresso chalet on the way to the trailhead. After parking at Baker River Trailhead, we backpacked Baker River to Noisy Creek Camp.
After setting up camp, we hiked the Noisy Creek Trail to find the oldest and largest Douglas Fir tree: 13’ in diameter, 260’ tall, and in excess of 1,000 years old.
Tuesday, July 30
Woke up and enjoyed breakfast by the lake. Packed up camp, hiked back and drove back to Seattle. That evening, we had dinner with Gia at The Patio in Capitol Hill. Afterwards, we went to Elliot Bay bookstore, got ice cream at Salt & Straw, and enjoyed a beer at Redhook Brewlab.
Wednesday, July 31
We went to Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, then went downtown to Pike Place where we shopped and enjoyed a few stores before going to Dough Zone for lunch. After that, we stopped at Miner’s Landing near the waterfront.
We drove to Mount Rainier National Park to hike to Second Burroughs Mountain via Frozen Lake to stargaze after sunset.
Thursday, August 1
Breakfast at The Breakfast Club in Lake City. General recovery activity before heading to Fremont for some light galavanting, and a wonderful Salmon dinner at Ivar’s Salmon House
The STATS
*all of these calculations are from the Washington Trails Association, which tends to be the most accurate when it comes to estimated distances and elevation gains. Please note that your personal achievements are more noteworthy than these numbers reflect.
Baker River to Noisy Creek
9 miles RT | 500’ elevation gain | 1,000’ elevation
Second Burroughs Mountain
7.4 miles RT | 1,000’ elevation gain | 7,402’ elevation
Chief Si'ahl (Seattle)
“Take only memories, leave only footprints.”
The Medicine
July 28: Perfection is the language of the ego. Progress is the language of the heart. Love is the language of the universe.
July 29: The real battle of the self isn’t fear or hate, it is walking in love.
July 30: Humanity will not know the balance until we decide to give Mother Earth human rights.
July 31: The supreme law of the land is found in the gentle and sacred flow.
August 1: The Sun leads. The Moon dreams. The Stars guide. Mother Earth holds.
August 2: The true beauty and power of love is that what you give away will always be a part of you.
A note from me
Since time immemorial, the original stewards of Turtle Island have known that the best and most powerful medicine is in Elohi, our Earth.
The backcountry will test you, it will break you, and it will heal you. When trekking out to the depths of the lush Pacific Northwest forests, you are embarking on a Spirit Walk, a Vision Quest - whether you elect to or not. The lessons and the medicine surround you, and you are forced to face challenges and truths and learn lessons that you might not have even known were waiting for you when you started. I am proud of you, and I certainly hope that you are proud of yourself.
Nature is our greatest teacher and our most powerful healer, and I was humbled and honored to take this particular Vision Quest with you by my side.
You are good medicine.
Wado. Donadagohvi.