Hiking Fragrance Lake // SBL 2k17

Hey there friends,

If you've read my summer bucket list post (which you obvisouly should go do if you haven't), then you'd know my number 1 thing was to hike Fragrance Lake. A couple day ago, my dear friend Chloe and I did just that. After a six mile roundtrip hike full of switchbacks, sweat, and satisfying views, I had completed my first activity on my to do list, and then ate a well deserved burger. Of course, did you really go on a hike if you didn't take photos? Chloe and I say no, so here are a few of my favorites.

After 1000 feet in elevation in a little over 2.5 miles, we made it to the top where there laid a beautiful lake. It was just another mile of a relatively flat path around the lake, which of course had many trails down to the water where we waded and got attacked by the mosquitos. Note to self: bring bug spray next time. As always, Chloe and I were ill prepared, and we didn't bring swimsuits either, but we watched a few people swim and some dogs enjoy the water. But boy let me tell you, how I would have loved to jump in that water and cool down. 1000 feet really killed me.

Lucky for us, the trails were mostly shaded by the tall trees. There's something so unbelievably peaceful about walking in the woods and listening to the sounds of nature. Something so simple always reminds me of just how non-simple and completely breathtaking our Lord is. I think we often forget just how beautiful this world is, and who made it that way. I can't stress enough how important it is to leave your home and explore the world, appreciating the beauty our amazing Lord created that surrounds us. 

For an extra .2 miles, there was an opportunity to walk over to a lookout before continuing to the lake. Obviously I wasn't going to turn down a beautiful view for .2 miles, so Chloe and I both enjoyed the breathtaking site of the water and taking pictures near the edge. I just adore how in Washington, you can be hiking in the woods, exploring hidden lakes, while also seeing beautiful views of the water and mountains. Maybe I'm biased, but I sure do think Washington has it all ;) If you ever need a passionate tour guide, hit me up!

What summer adventures have you been on lately? Where do you find God's peace and appreciate his beauty? Don't forget to use this summer to explore new places, laugh a lot, and catch up with friends, okay? It's already a month into summer, so don't let it go to waste.

Have a beautiful, wonderful rest of your day,

Elizabeth

Follow Me Around: Whistle Lake

Hello Everyone,

Today I come to you with another follow me around post. I really enjoyed writing the last one (check it out here), and it's been awhile since I've posted another one. When my family told me of their plans to hike Whistle Lake, I knew that would be another great opportunity to take some pictures and show you around a bit.

The day we hiked was very humid and overcast. There was a slight breeze that made it tolerable though. Whistle lake was a really cool hike! At times you'd be walking along the lake, viewing the water and beautiful mountains, and at other times, you'd be strolling through the forest, surrounded by trees and the whistling of the birds. Some people prefer to be always walking with a view, but I love walking among the trees. Something about it is so relaxing. 

We came across this bench that looked out among the water. I wanted so badly to sit down and start reading a book. What a perfectly charming and calming place it would be to relax with a wonderful novel. Maybe someday I'll have to journey back to that spot and spend sometime there.

Another super cool thing about this lake is all its different activities you can do. There are trials for walking, biking, horseback riding, and some even for motorbikes. Whistle Lake is also very popular for its cliff jumping. There's a wide range of cliffs with different heights you can jump off of. There are also a few rope swings to use. Sadly, we weren't able to partake in swimming and wildly jumping of cliffs, but hopefully we'll come back another day and try it out.

Finally, we ended our hike by sitting by the water and taking in the lovely view. We snacked on some cheese and crackers, the classic packed lunch, and filled up on some water. Again, it was really peaceful. The hike itself wasn't very difficult, so we all had a really good time without smelling too badly in the end. On our way home, we stopped at The Donut House in Anacortes and rewarded ourselves. It was a wonderful ending to a great day.

With Love,

Elizabeth


Side note// Sorry my posts have been so spaced out and you've seen little action from on your blogs and my social media. I'm currently volunteering at Warm Beach Camp, as stated in my What I've Been up to post, and I have very little time to be on the internet. I am trying my best to read what all you wonderful people have posted, but if you've noticed my lack of activity, that is why. I continue to be busy for the next couple of weeks, but I will update you and comment when I can. Hope you all are doing well and having a wonderful summer :)

Follow Me Around: Sauk Mountain

Hello everyone,

Last Sunday I went on a hike up Sauk Mountain with some of my brothers and I's friends. It was a beautiful day for a hike, so after church we all met and carpooled up to the trail head. The trail was very muddy, and in some places, covered in snow. When a steep mountain and its switch backs are causing you to slide around while trying to climb, it is pretty terrifying. Four people made it almost all the way to the top, but the other five of us didn't quite get there. A friend of mine (the one in the tie dye hoodie)  and I tried to follow, but after both slipping and sliding down the hill, thinking we were going to fall to our deaths and having to somehow stop ourselves, we got scared and decided we would try again when snow didn't cover the trails. 

After we all made it down safely and in one piece, we hopped in our cars and headed to our favorite pizza joint, because who doesn't love pizza after a tough hike? It was super fun to all hangout around the table, talking and laughing. We're hoping to go on another hike this coming Sunday so stay tune just in case. 

With love,

Elizabeth

Follow Me Around: Oyster Dome

Yes, the trail was super muddy. Both shirt and shoes are from Nike, and the leggings are from Old Navy

 Hello everyone,

I am so sorry for not posting for an entire week! The last few days have been kind of crazy. I know I promised some yummy valentine themed recopies, but I got to busy with school and then I had a youth retreat, so I never got around to it. I could still post them, but they would be kind of out of place. If you all are interested though, let me know in the comments below! I would totally do a post on them if it's wanted.

Anyways, last Sunday I went hiking with a one of my good friends and both our older brothers and their friends. We hiked the Oyster Dome trail, it's a pretty famous and difficult hike here in the Pacific Northwest. It has been on my bucket list forever, so it was pretty cool to finally experience it. We had perfect weather, high 50s and low 60s. It took us about two hours to hike the 4 miles to the lookout, but it was so worth it! We got to watch the sunset and take in the view, these photos really don't give it justice. The sunset was beautiful, but that meant we had to walk the entire way down in the dark, which was difficult but sorta fun at the same time. Overall, I would totally hike this trail again come spring or summer.

With Love,

Elizabeth