Washington day 2

Just as I predicted it was indeed a super early wake up.  Oh and the view . . .

I told you it was amazing and just steps from where we stayed last night!  I really enjoy being up early and on the trails before the crowds arrive plus it is so much quieter and usually the critters are out and about too.  The critters were out in full force this morning!  What surprised me the most was the amount of snow still on the trail . . .

. . . you could not really see the trails and just sort of walked where others had walked.  It didn't matter  because it was amazing outside!  The wildflowers were just starting to bloom and can't imagine how pretty would be in a few weeks!  I could not soak up enough of the views from the Skyline Trail . . .

 We just stopped and sat down and scanned the area for wildlife.  In the far distance we spotted a deer with her fawn . . .

Just a stones throw were a bunch of marmots soaking up the sunshine and frolicking . . .

. . . chipmunks and squirrels scurrying around trying not to be noticed . . .

. . . a grouse in the snow . . .

Just amazing outside and the weather oh it was beautiful too!

Just look at the sky; it was just so blue and not a cloud in the sky.  We headed back down to have our breakfast . . .

. . . of champions of course!  As I was leaving I turned for one last view and  noticed the quote on the steps . . .

And then headed to Nisqually Vista Trail that had even more snow!

It was back on the road with a stop at Narada Falls . . .

 

. . . again it was a steep hike down but so pretty especially that rainbow!  As we drove towards the exit the crowds were arriving so our timing was perfect.  We stopped in Longmire at the museum, looked inside the old buildings, and saw this really old cross section of a tree.

 

Back towards Seattle we went with a stop for lunch . . .

Oh how I loved my gyro!