The Hazard Chronicles

Often called the "American Alps," the North Cascades are perhaps the most serious and renowned of all mountain ranges in the lower 48 when it comes to mountaineering. These are technical, complex peaks, that require a huge bag of tools for the majority of ascents. And for those who aren't venturing into these regions to climb, as long as they are willing to put the work in, the views themselves are unmatched by anything in the world. I really do not think that is an exaggeration. Man, I love these mountains.

Over the years I have done a number of more adventurous trips in the area, but this weekend was my chance to share it with the family. We were pretty chill about things for the most part. We did a lot of hiking and climbing (cragging), and just marveling at the beauty of this corner of the world. We had a dinner at a restaurant that has always been my after-trip splurge, and we enjoyed the comfort of the trailer at night. On one day, the older kids and I did Trapper Peak, which is a thirteen mile, third class scramble to the top of one of range's minor peaks, but affords an amazing overview of the jagged skyline.

Also, I'm not going to sugar-coat it: there were some really annoying parts of the trip with the kids. A little bit of bickering is pretty normal- especially in a car that feels small when we all get in. We don't like that, but we accept it. This trip was ridiculous though. When we were actually doing things, all was well. But the minute we stopped, it was like certain kids would just hone in on the most petty things imaginable and run with it. Like, a third party observer might think that fighting and complaining was almost a planned activity, for the amount that went on. Ugh. Moments like this take away from the vibe of what could otherwise be a really great trip, and that's frustrating.

The moments that were good were really good though. Kind of like these mountains- huge dramatic highs and lows. Fitting, I guess, for a fun trip. Here are some photos:

There's the Liberty Bell group in the background as we went over Washington Pass. These are always so striking to me.

This one and the next one: Downhill trail running holds its own special place in my heart.

On top of Trapper. Check out that skyline! The photo doesn't even do it justice (it never does). All of these mountain looked like you could just reach out and touch them from our little perch in the sky. It was breathtaking.

The views on the way up weren't bad either

While me and the older kids did Trapper, these three picked Huckleberries...and blew bubbles? And Maren didn't find any? It's not until this moment as I am writing this that I realize that I really don't know what this photo is all about.

The Old Schoolhouse Brewery has good food and a great ambiance. 

Games in the trailer

Ev, Addy, and Jack crushed some personal goals and climbed some of their hardest routes to date. It was fun to see everyone enjoying this classic Mazama crag.

*****

Besides the Cascades, we did a few other things this week:

Rachel had a light day at work, so her and Addy had a day to themselves- climbing at the gym, eating out, and an art museum.

Backyard BBQ- most of the kids invited friends over for this. It's a small thing, but fun

Jackson and his friends are such teenagers. They spent most of the evening running around with airsoft guns and walki-talkies.

Have a good week!