Status Update
For all y'all that aren't on facebook (or haven't friended me), I changed my status there. Since I have space to write here, let's use it.
Vickie and I went hiking along Ptarmigan Ridge last Saturday. Being fall, the summer trailhead was closed. So our first two miles was along a trail that followed the road. And gaining some 1000 feet or so. The weather was pure, distilled awesome for most of the day. A sunny upper 30s is great for fall hiking.
So we reached the summer parking lot with its light coating of snow.
For here, the hike flattens out as it follows the ridge between Shuksan (~9700ft) and Baker (~10800 ft). At one point we were forced to dodge rockfall. After navigating some frozen streams along the ridges and assuring her that we could stop for lunch soon, just another 15 minutes to find a great spot.
I took out the surprise picnic blanket to sit on. Started the stove for hot chocolate. Even a red carnation had hidden itself in my pack for her. Then staring at the sky, I was sad that clouds were rolling in to reduce the sparkling brilliance. But I reached in my pack and produced the iPod to play Adagio for Strings. So I stood before her, with Shuksan to my back and the sun to my face. Stood and slightly rambled, until I knelt and offered her a ring. She accepted and I slid it onto her ungloved left hand. The wind was picking up and the temperature cooling, so we shot a quick photo of us.
Having successfully hiked back to the trailhead, we placed the necessary calls to parental units. And then to dinner. Another photo of her engagement ring while there.
So now you know why my mood has been "happy" for my posts this week.
Vickie and I went hiking along Ptarmigan Ridge last Saturday. Being fall, the summer trailhead was closed. So our first two miles was along a trail that followed the road. And gaining some 1000 feet or so. The weather was pure, distilled awesome for most of the day. A sunny upper 30s is great for fall hiking.
So we reached the summer parking lot with its light coating of snow.
For here, the hike flattens out as it follows the ridge between Shuksan (~9700ft) and Baker (~10800 ft). At one point we were forced to dodge rockfall. After navigating some frozen streams along the ridges and assuring her that we could stop for lunch soon, just another 15 minutes to find a great spot.
I took out the surprise picnic blanket to sit on. Started the stove for hot chocolate. Even a red carnation had hidden itself in my pack for her. Then staring at the sky, I was sad that clouds were rolling in to reduce the sparkling brilliance. But I reached in my pack and produced the iPod to play Adagio for Strings. So I stood before her, with Shuksan to my back and the sun to my face. Stood and slightly rambled, until I knelt and offered her a ring. She accepted and I slid it onto her ungloved left hand. The wind was picking up and the temperature cooling, so we shot a quick photo of us.
Having successfully hiked back to the trailhead, we placed the necessary calls to parental units. And then to dinner. Another photo of her engagement ring while there.
So now you know why my mood has been "happy" for my posts this week.