While Jenn's parents were here we tried to suggest activities for them to do. Since they were from Mississippi, where the weather is significantly warmer than up here, it was hard to do stuff with them. Doug had a hard time when they wanted to go to the beach only to be there for less than 10 minutes and then wanting to go home. It was like an hour and a half drive to Ocean Shores so Doug was frustrated and felt like it was a waste of time. I don't think her parents planned very well when it came to dressing warmly.
Historically, November is our rainy month in Washington State with an average of 9.5 inches in Olympia. However, this November it was fairly dry and cold. I like the dry and cold weather because you can still go out on adventures without getting soaked and cold. It was my ideal winter day.
Doug had asked us if we wanted to go up to Mount Rainier with him, Jenn and her parents and I thought that would be fun. I haven't been up to Mount Rainier in a couple years. He added that they really wanted to see some snow. So we planned a day to go up there. The weather was suppose to be cold, clear and dry which was perfect for going up to the mountain. We knew the weather would be decent and we'd be able to see the mountain.
Erika, Zach and Ben didn't go and Jenn's dad, Gary decided he didn't want to go either. So it was Doug, Jenn, her mom, me, Mom and Dad. We decided to meet up at Mom and Dad's house at 11 a.m. and we would take one vehicle. Since Mom's Expedition was big enough for everyone, we took hers and Doug drove. Mom was a little apprehensive about how it would drive in the snow and ice, if we encountered it, because she needed to get new tires.
We headed out and drove towards Eatonville, which is about a 40 minute drive from Rainier through Yelm and McKenna. No one packed any food so we stopped at the Subway. I got my typical 6 inch turkey and cheddar on white bread with mayo, lettuce and pickles. We paid for our sandwiches and got back in the Expedition.
Along the way through Elbe and Ashford, we talked about various things. We had intended on driving up to Paradise when we got there, The entire highway was free from snow and ice. When we finally got to the park entrance, Doug paid our entrance fee and we headed on up, luckily we didn't have to wait in a long line to get in. As we got higher in elevation we noticed the snow piles getting bigger and soon we were in a winter wonderland minus the snow on the trees.
We got closer to Longmire and there were patched of compact snow and ice sprinkled along the road. You could feel the Expedition slip a little bit. That is where we decided that it was smart just to enjoy Longmire instead of trying to drive up to Paradise with bad tires and no chains. We found a place to park near the Inn and from there we just wandered around for about an hour and a half.
We first went into the gift store and looked at stuff for a while. It's been a while since I came to Longmire and explored. I think the last time was with Grandma Karen, Mom and Ben back in August 2014. I know we didn't come all the way up here to check out the gift store and to see snow in the parking lot so I suggested that we do the Trail of Shadows Loop. I've never done it in the winter so it could be fun.
We walked across the street and onto the loop trail. The trail was a little under a mile and it passed by a few mineral springs, a cabin, a marsh and a meadow. There was a lot to enjoy and take pictures of. This time we had snow in our pictures which made for some cool backgrounds for some selfies. We spent some time at each interpretive point along the trail. It was fun to read about them again after five years.
We took our time walking the loop because we were taking pictures, reading the signs and had to be careful in some areas because they were slippery. I think Jenn was the only one who slipped when we got to the forest area but other than that we all did alright. I thought Jenn's mom would fall because she wasn't wearing the best pair or shoes or warm clothes for that matter.
We finished the loop and headed back towards Mom's Expedition. Before we loaded up, we all used the restroom again just because. Doug decided to drive again so while he drove I ate my sandwich. I told him once I was done we could trade and I would drive while he ate his sandwich. He agreed. We drove down the swirly road and got out of the park. Doug pulled over near one of the cafe's along this highway and we traded spots. I drove the rest of the way to Mom and Dad's house.
It was a nice little jaunt even though we didn't get to go up to Paradise. Maybe next time when we have better tired on our vehicles.
Next Adventure: Erika's Birthday
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