Traveling with Tucson : Back in the Lower 48

Monday, October 9, 2017

Back in the Lower 48 - Tacoma & Mt. Rainier

Our first stop is Tacoma to visit Gary's son-in-law who is relocating here from Steamboat Springs, CO. The weather is beautiful and he takes us downtown to the waterfront for a walk along the water.

Even the Cormorants are soaking in the sunshine

Tucson is thirsty but is having a hard time figuring out how to drink from the water spout play area

A huge map of the area painted on the pavement

We stopped at RAM for a Burger - they had Gluten Free Rolls! Thanks Dave for a great day in Tacoma

We weren't sure if we would do Olympic National Park or Mt. Rainier. Mt. Rainier was a closer and easier drive and it looked like the weather was going to be beautiful today so we headed there. The campgrounds in the Park closed that day but we were lucky enough to find a small RV park open at the entrance with water and electric.

We get settled and head in. Our first view of Mt. Rainier

This Douglas Fir began to grow in 1293. In 1500 world population was estimated at 500 million. It was standing for the Declaration of Independence. The National Park Service was established in 1916. It stood through 2 World Wars. In 1950 the world population was estimated at 2.5 Billion. It was cut down in 1963.

There are several Waterfalls in the Park

The drive up to Paradise is beautiful.

We did a short hike to some waterfalls

The views are stunning

We came across a Doe, Buck and this smaller Buck grazing near the trail.

We let Tucson out so he could play in the snow
and entertain everyone

A view back to the Paradise Visitor Center

Reflection Lake was stunning too

Glad we weren't towing the 5th wheel!

Next we hike the Trail of the Patriarchs. An old Growth Forest

A cool swing bridge to cross

The Twin Douglas Firs are 1000 years old. The centers are rotted only the outer 8-9" are solid wood. One lost it's top to wind the other the crown is dead but they still survive.