Alex started 10th grade at Eastside Prep Aug 31. His advisor is Ms Stearns. He is taking medieval history and literature, drawing and painting, web design, pre-calculus, chemistry, and Spanish 2. Plus he'll be on the debate team. Julia started 7th grade Sep 6. Her advisor is Ms Toupin. She will be on the debate team and the cross country team.
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Other fun in August included a walk-off win for the Mariner's in the 11th inning, watching the US Open on TV (Serena's last), an Eagles tribute band concert, a Steve Miller Band concert, a hike to Blanca Lake, our first trip to Wild Waves, a number of gravel rides for John, a party Julia hosted to watch her friend London play in the LL softball World Series, and tennis sectionals in Vancouver WA for Joanna (3rd place out of 4, one great singles win). It was among our best summers ever!
Julia, Maeby, and Joanna headed to the North Cascades earlier this week. We left Yellow Aster Butte trailhead around 2:30pm and climbed 2,000 ft in the heat to the meadows below the butte for camping. The scenery was out of this world. Perhaps as good as the Enchantments. There were only 4 other parties spread out over a huge meadow area. Maeby was perfectly behaved too. The next morning we hiked back down to the car and drove on a treacherous dirt road to Artist's Point near Mount Baker. The plan was to hike Chain Lakes Loop and/or Ptarmigan Ridge. But wildfire smoke had come in and temps were headed to the high 80s. We didn't want to chance it, especially with Maeby, so we opted instead to hike to Huntoon Point and then have lunch in Bellingham and get home in time for Bingo Night at the rec club. Final stats for the 2 days: 10 miles, 2,300 feet (it seemed harder than the stats!). Awesome trip!
Joanna headed to Susie's cabin in Mazama Aug 23-25 with Kris. It was great to catch up. We took a walk and dip in the river, e-biked to Winthrop and Perrygin State Park (barely enough charge!), drove up to the top of Goat Rock and peeked over at Susie's cabin.
Alex and Joanna decided to take Maeby on her first backpacking trip to Lake Valhalla near Stevens Pass. She loved it, especially zooming around on the beach and hiking the trails. She had one minor barking fit when some strangers crossed our camp and one midnight escape but otherwise was very well behaved. The bugs were annoying. Final stats: 7 miles, 1300 ft gain, 2 mph moving speed. Alex says he'll do a backpacking trip every 3 years!
