Why I blog....and a few links

Why I blog....and a few links

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

One morning, I awoke to a kind note in my inbox, it was a letter of appreciation from one of my readers. In it she expressed gratitude for my blog which really struck a chord with me. Over the past five years this blog has transformed from a family record to a public platform. I have learned first hand there is beauty in life's struggles and allowing yourself to be vulnerable does not make you weak. Opening myself up to others, especially after our son passed way has been one of the scariest and most rewarding experiences of my life. 

Lake Louise: Banff, Alberta

Lake Louise: Banff, Alberta

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Whenever we mentioned to others we were heading up to Jasper and Banff people would mention Lake Louise. Although I found Lake Louise to be beautiful, I think it is popular based upon its easy accessibility and uniqueness of having a hotel on its shore. Don't get me wrong, Lake Louise is beautiful, but I can think of many other lakes I would rather spend the afternoon at. The changing light provided an array of different water colors as we walked its shore. It was a lovely afternoon indeed. 

"Give Thanks" reader giveaway

"Give Thanks" reader giveaway

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Over the past five years I have been blessed with wonderful readers. As a way of celebrating my anniversary and expressing my sincerest gratitude I have teamed up with several of my favorite Seattle vendors to put together a fun gift basket for one lucky reader.

An afternoon at Horseshoe Lake: Jasper National Park

An afternoon at Horseshoe Lake: Jasper National Park

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

While visiting Jasper National Park our days consisted of hiking, exploring, and hanging out lakeside. In Washington state, you have to really work to visit most alpine lakes. The shortest distance you typically have to hike to these alpine lakes is three miles each way. However, in Jasper National Park there are breathtaking lakes literally a stone's throw from the main highway. In a matter of ten or twenty minutes you could be feasting your eyes on glorious scenery without another care in the world. Oh, Jasper National Park you continue to steal my heart again and again with these breathtaking lakes. 

Part Two: A weekend at Rolling Huts

Part Two: A weekend at Rolling Huts

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Aside from spending all day cozied up in your Rolling Hut there is so much to see and do nearby. As is fairly evident; we are big fans of hiking. Washington Pass is a mere 10-15 minutes away from Rolling Huts and will give you an array of hiking trails to choose from. Blue Lake and Cutthroat Lake are some of our favorites. If strolling around a western town is more your speed there is the quaint town of Winthrop with shops, restaurants and a candy store we love. Further afield there are resorts where you can go on a sleigh ride, ski, spot wildlife, snowshoe or eat a delicious meal. 

Part One: A weekend at the Rolling Huts

Part One: A weekend at the Rolling Huts

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

This past weekend was spent in Mazama, one of our favorite places in the entire state of Washington. For those of you who have never heard of Mazama, it is located on the eastern slope of the North Cascades with a population of around 200. Mazama has a humid continental climate which means they have warm, dry Summers and cold snowy Winters. Scenery and weather wise this is my kind of place. Living in Seattle we have such temperate weather, we never feel the extremes like Mazama. It is nice to have a place to come which is a mere 3.5-4 hour drive from Seattle, but you feel like you are worlds away from home.  

Icefields Parkway: Alberta, Canada

Icefields Parkway: Alberta, Canada

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Before driving between Jasper and Banff we had read how the Icefields Parkway is one of the most of scenic drives in North America. We have been on a lot of road trips all over the world, so we were a little hesitant to believe this to be true. However, once we embarked on our trip we were constantly craning our necks to look out the windows and repeatedly oohed and aahhed our way down the road. We have seen a lot of beautiful scenery in our lifetime and the Icefields Parkway is right up there.   

Finding gratitude in the everyday

Finding gratitude in the everyday

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

This past month has been punctuated by several big events. We celebrated the one year anniversary of our son's passing. Turning our son's brief life into the biggest impact for good has continued to become our life's mission. We honored Asher by making another large hospital donation and spent a wonderful few days at our favorite spot in Washington. 

Athabasca Falls: Jasper National Park

Athabasca Falls: Jasper National Park

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

One of the "must sees" in Jasper National Park is Athabasca Falls. We have seen a lot of waterfalls over the years and are not easily impressed. We approached the falls with a fair amount of skepticism, but were pleasantly surprised by just how stunning they were. Picture milky blue water cascading down moss covered quartzite and limestone.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Watching an animal in its natural habitat is truly one of the most thrilling experiences while being outdoors. From the squeal of marmots or pikas to watching elk, moose or big horn sheep The thrill of seeing an animal is never lost on me.  

 

Do you think you are photogenic?

Do you think you are photogenic?

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

On my birthday I wanted to take some updated photographs for this blog. As Cameron started to snap away I noticed how awkward I felt having my photograph taken. I hate to admit it, but in high school I did not even have Senior photos taken because I hated getting my photo taken so much.

Good eats

Good eats

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

One thing people often ask is where I like to eat. There are a dizzying array of choices in Seattle, so it is a good thing there are three meals in a day plus a couple snacks. 

Long weekend: Seabrook, WA

Long weekend: Seabrook, WA

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

If you are looking for a nice, relaxing getaway for the weekend than Seabrook, WA is a great option. The houses are fully furnished, so all you need to do is pack your bags and plan your menu or forgo the home cooking and eat at their on site restaurant. Seabrook  has great beach access, a small town feel and enough charm to keep you coming back again and again. 

Olympic Peninsula

Olympic Peninsula

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

The shorter days and grayer skies have me longing for warm, Summer days. It only seemed fitting when I came across these photos from our camping trip on the Olympic Peninsula that I revisit them and their Summery warmth. Enjoy!

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