July20-Day12 Mt Rainier,WA

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July 20th Mt. Rainier National Park,Washington

We got up from "boondocking" at Walmart and made our way to Mt. Rainier National Park. We spent about $40 at Walmart before we left so it wasn't really free camping for us!

It took us longer than we anticiapted to get to Mt. Rainier than we thought which is becoming commonplace for us. They don't have a lot of road options in the west we've learned.

What looks like a close trip on the map really isn't! We finally made it to Mt. Rainier. Believe it or not we had to sit at a construction flag for 30 minutes in the middle of nowhere on some mountain pass while they fixed the road.-It was worth the wait as Mt. Rainier was not a dissapointment. I think it is my favorite place to date.

We drove up and up the mountain for at least 20 miles to get to the top around some horrendous twists, turns, and steep inclines. At the top the volcano was so close you felt like you could touch it. Amazing landscape with tons of wildflower meadows at the base. Joan you would have loved it. We hiked a little and then just took in the sight. I didn't want to leave it was so beautiful. But we did and on the way down the cliff we drove beside was quite hairy-no guardrails. I mentioned this to Phil and he said"lori-only positive thoughts please"! I just held onto my security blanket(my pillow) and whispered "It says 15 mph,15mph-not 30". We stopped by the Grove of the Patriarchs on the way down to see some awesome 1000 year old trees. I can't even imagine how the redwoods could be bigger-but I guess I will find out! We drove on towards Mt. St. Helens and pulled into a campsight about 10:00 at night in the middle of the boondocks. Phil got the camphost out of his camper to help us while his wife(complete in housedress and curlers)made sure we had what we needed.

Kayla, Colin, Scott & Tara- We wish so much you could be here with us! wethink of you at every stop!

Phil-Let's get back to Mt Rainier. Yes, it was an unbelievable cliff, but what the heck-it would be a great way to go! Very difficult driving but that'smy job-Driving Miss Lori! To my boys-Kenny -remember Tuesday Thursday & Saturday even if I can't be with you. Gary-I think of you daily and how much you would marvel at the scenery.I miss you buddy. Don-Thanks for the call. By now you've gotten the travel blog. Terry-Where are you? San Diego? Is that in the US or Mexico?! Luke- I threw the wine glasses for Sara off of Mt Rushmore. What a sound but I have better gas mileage now! Mike- I can't decide which one of there weird beers to buy you! TJ, Devin & Trish-take care of my little girl and keep her safe!
PS-Hey Luke, we ran into a couple from Blacksburg today wearing Hokie gear. After talking to them I told them I would burn a couch at my campfire tonight in honor of the last time the Mountaineers beat Tech.

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