She who hikes and climbs

Last summer I picked up a map that has all of the Washington State Parks with the resolution to visit every single camping or day use area. I mean what a great way to explore the state and discover new places. Which if you know me, that is right up my alley, I love to travel and find new places to explore. On sunday I didn't have work! and I also had to take L to football practice, so I contacted my friend L and asked if she wanted to go hiking with the other 2 kiddos and I. She said yes, so we met in Burlington at the Park and Ride and headed to Larrabee State Park . The drive was beautiful, but sketchy. There are no shoulders and very narrow lanes. Once we arrived at Larrabee I remembered I forgot my coat and Miss A's coat, we had our fleeces; but it was a cool 36 degrees with shade and a slight breeze. Oh well. Once we were moving and the day progressed we warmed up. Below the parking area is the amphitheatre, playground, bathrooms and a building with picnic tables. ...

We have not done any hiking the last couple of weekends due to being sick, visitors ect; so by the time Monday came around this week I was chomping at the bit to get outside and hike. I crave being outside now, more than I used to, and I have noticed it makes a huge difference in how I feel. This Sabbath I decided to check out Paradise Valley Conservation Area . It isn't too far from our house and there are numerous trails making it so you can do as little as you want, or up to a total of 13 miles. Paradise Valley is a multi use trail system and I do recommend downloading the map. There are sign posts that tell you the name and if it is single or multi use trail. We did encounter a few mountain bikers along the way, but it was easy to move aside for them or them for us, and there were quit a few of us... 4 adults, 6 kids and a dog. Paradise Valley has a dirt parking area with some major pot holes (it looked like you could go swimming in some of them. lol)...