On the way home, the Hood Canal Bridge was opened for two freighters likely headed to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, so we had to wait for about 30 mins. Very pretty! Saw a sea otter swimming around.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Dry Run out to Quilcene, WA
Rob and I are going to head over to the Olympic National Forest, and head up to the top of the Buckhorn Wilderness (approx almost 7,000), to spread Janni's ashes in late August. Yesterday, we took the Southworth, WA ferry (from the West Seattle Fauntleroy ferry dock), then headed north past Bremerton, Poulsbo, etc.. across the Hood Canal Bridge, then over to Quilcene, WA. Quilcene is at the foot of the Olympics on the east side, a little rural mountain town with a really nice USFS Ranger Station. We got our annual Forest Pass for a year, reconfirmed our route and got some info. Then drove to the road that heads 14 miles into the woods to the trail head. We are now set and ready to go next month. So happy we did this scouting trip on such a nice summer day!!
On the way home, the Hood Canal Bridge was opened for two freighters likely headed to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, so we had to wait for about 30 mins. Very pretty! Saw a sea otter swimming around.
On the way home, the Hood Canal Bridge was opened for two freighters likely headed to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, so we had to wait for about 30 mins. Very pretty! Saw a sea otter swimming around.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Rant: People who project elitism but don't know the facts about world events
I haven't posted a major rant in a while, but this week brought one on. Living in the Northwest, I am fully aware a majority of the population that live to the west of the Cascade Mountains (in both OR and WA) are more liberal politically than I am. I get it. And I say, so what. So, I have a different take on things, a conservative take, which is what free speech allows. This doesn't mean I'm wrong, or others are wrong. And many times, depending on the issue being discussed, we are never going to agree no matter how strong the argument. So hey, let's just call it a draw on our differences, shake hands, hug it out and enjoy a NW beer or glass of wine!
But, sometimes I like to post a story on my Facebook wall with a short and sweet comment. And Holy Crap! The smug, elitists come out to condemn me as one of a variety of things, depending on the story: 1) racist, or 2) bigot or 3) against whales or 4) a moron or 5) against human rights or 6) against mexicans or 7) anti-the downtrodden, etc.. etc...... the list goes on and on... Amazing! And I gotta say, if there is one thing that really chaps my hide, is my intelligence being insulted by that "I know better than you" tone of voice. Ugh - worse than nails on a chalk board.
So, here's the deal folks - I am conservative, but I am not perfect. I am uber-patriotic and love this country, yet realize it's not perfect. I will always be on the side of putting the U.S.'s interests first. I am pro-Israel, and will never waiver on this stand. This does not mean I am anti-Arab or anti any other country in the middle east. I am a gun owner, an belong to the NRA. This does not make me crazy, just because I legally exercise my 2nd Admendment right.
I strongly feel English should be the offical language of the U.S.. This does not mean I am anti-immigrant from any country. My Holdgrafer, Schouwieler, Duma, Edlund, Mahoney, Morris, and Heinz families came here from the "old" country, and managed to learn English and become American. Why expect anything else in 2012??! It's not that hard people. If I went to these countries (Germany, Ukraine, Ireland), I would need to learn that language and assimilate to that culture.
I am often against the tactics of PETA and Greenpeace (just to name a few). This does not mean I am anti-animal (far from it, as anyone who knows me knows!!). As Ocho Cinco would say, "Child, Please".
So, there you go. I happen to try to be fair, open minded and well read on many issues. If you want to discuss any issue with me, come to the plate with some facts to back up your opinoins/values/views and come with an open mind and fair attitude - I don't want to hear that I'm stupid, ignorant, a moron, etc... etc.. just because I don't follow the crowd.
I will never apologize for being "different" from many of those in my life, as I don't expect them to do the same.
P.S. I really hate those Che T-shirts.... grrrr.... Dude, get a clue. He's a commie loser who is repsonsible for killing thousands in Cuba. Thank God he is gone!!
But, sometimes I like to post a story on my Facebook wall with a short and sweet comment. And Holy Crap! The smug, elitists come out to condemn me as one of a variety of things, depending on the story: 1) racist, or 2) bigot or 3) against whales or 4) a moron or 5) against human rights or 6) against mexicans or 7) anti-the downtrodden, etc.. etc...... the list goes on and on... Amazing! And I gotta say, if there is one thing that really chaps my hide, is my intelligence being insulted by that "I know better than you" tone of voice. Ugh - worse than nails on a chalk board.
So, here's the deal folks - I am conservative, but I am not perfect. I am uber-patriotic and love this country, yet realize it's not perfect. I will always be on the side of putting the U.S.'s interests first. I am pro-Israel, and will never waiver on this stand. This does not mean I am anti-Arab or anti any other country in the middle east. I am a gun owner, an belong to the NRA. This does not make me crazy, just because I legally exercise my 2nd Admendment right.
I strongly feel English should be the offical language of the U.S.. This does not mean I am anti-immigrant from any country. My Holdgrafer, Schouwieler, Duma, Edlund, Mahoney, Morris, and Heinz families came here from the "old" country, and managed to learn English and become American. Why expect anything else in 2012??! It's not that hard people. If I went to these countries (Germany, Ukraine, Ireland), I would need to learn that language and assimilate to that culture.
I am often against the tactics of PETA and Greenpeace (just to name a few). This does not mean I am anti-animal (far from it, as anyone who knows me knows!!). As Ocho Cinco would say, "Child, Please".
So, there you go. I happen to try to be fair, open minded and well read on many issues. If you want to discuss any issue with me, come to the plate with some facts to back up your opinoins/values/views and come with an open mind and fair attitude - I don't want to hear that I'm stupid, ignorant, a moron, etc... etc.. just because I don't follow the crowd.
I will never apologize for being "different" from many of those in my life, as I don't expect them to do the same.
P.S. I really hate those Che T-shirts.... grrrr.... Dude, get a clue. He's a commie loser who is repsonsible for killing thousands in Cuba. Thank God he is gone!!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Hiking up to Poo Poo Point, Tiger Mountain, WA
Rob and I are headed out to the Buckhorn Wilderness area of the Olympic Mountains Aug 21st to spread Janni's ashes and do an overnight camping trip. So, in an effort to get in better shape, we're doing several hikes to prep. Two weekends ago we went up 1200 feet to the top of Poo Poo Point, out near Issaquah. Ugh, it was all uphill the whole time. I had to stop a few times to rest. But the view is so worth it - on a very clear day you can even see some of the buildings in downtown Seattle to the west.
This is where the local paragilding club takes off. It was pretty busy and crowded at the top, and then we were able to see them sail down to the bottom. Pretty cool!!!
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