Tag: adventuring

cascade mountains, family adventures, hiking, pnw

Chasing the Golden Larches ~North Cascade Mountains

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

October in Washington State is one of the most beautiful seasons and the perfect time to visit .

Look at all the beautiful fall colors that are so vibrant and welcoming🍁

Heading up to Heather Pass

The Golden Larches were on full display and we were lucky enough to catch them..they turn the bright golden color for such a short time before they lose their needles .It was interesting to touch them .. they were so soft .

Look closely you will see a beautifully hidden lake (Lewis Lake ) just past the larches .. thanks to my friend who spotted it!
Viewpoint at Heather Pass

We also talked with another hiker .. Keith from Ohio who recommended a short trail off of the Maple Pass Loop …the Wing Lake Trail ..where he captured the most beautiful hike through the larches .

The weather in the North Cascades is a little of everything …sunshine,rain and even some snow and the mountains are basking in the final streams of sunshine as they prepare to welcome winter.

Heading to Maple Pass

We experienced all their weather including the snow and enjoyed all the beauty of fall. The pics look so unreal but the actual views were so much better! The camera never captures the full experience .So thankful to be able to experience all this beauty!
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“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Descending Maple Pass is so beautiful! You see the path as it zigzags along the mountainside and everywhere you look you see mountains. If you look closely you will see other hikers who look like little specks .

Look to the left of the picture .. do you see the path through the trees? We hiked all the way around and could see the other side from where we were.. so cool!
That zigzag is our path down

Views of Rainy Lake as we were descending back to where we parked.

Here are our stats⬇️

📍Maple Pass Loop

🧭 Winthrop, Wa

🥾 6.5 miles RT ( we came in at 7.9 miles)

🏔️ 2162 ft elevation gain ( we gained 2254 )

⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple 

The Larches in all their beauty this past week at Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascade Mountains was such a blessing to experience. So thankful we were able to catch them during this magical transformation.

Maple Pass Loop also connects to Rainy Pass with the PCT Trail and we had the privilege of catching up with one of the PCT hikers,Daniel and his dad who was there to provide refueling snacks for those on the trail. Daniel started hiking in April from Mexico and had it had been 179 days since starting and he had just a few more to finish the PCT ! So impressive! He looked great and by the time we finished the hike he was already on the trail again but his dad was still there to cheer on the PCT hikers and us! What a nice guy! You can follow all his adventures on his YouTube channel I linked below ⬇️

https://youtube.com/@mountainhearthikes?si=bAXXtT3K2Q1OiBRi

Here is a reel of our full day and all the views! Enjoy and don’t forget to subscribe to see more of our adventures!

Gathered thoughts

Fall Bucket List 🍁

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Make time for some of your favorite Fall activities 🍁
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What’s the first thing you’re checking
off your fall bucket list this year? 🍂

pnw, Review, travel

Village Books and Paper Dreams Bookstore ~Fairhaven ,Wa

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Village Books and Paper Dreams Bookstore in Fairhaven located in Bellingham,Wa, is a great place to visit and grab an espresso ,visit with a friend and pick up a new book.
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They offer new and used books as well as stationary,cards and lots of fun gifts for the book lover in your life.


The cafe is a great place to meet with a friend in a cozy setting with a living wall . Such a fun atmosphere!

American Girl Doll, Money Saving, Party ideas

Afternoon Fall Tea Party 🍁

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Fall Teaparty 🍁
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We had the sweetest fall tea party recently and ofcourse had to include @americangirldolls . Check out the little tea sets and napkins that coordinate .. so cute!


It was fun planning the details and working within a budget . I was able to keep it super affordable without compromising the theme of the party . So many little details that brought the tea party together and made it a beautiful party🍁


The leaves made cute place settings by just writing the name of the attendee on it and adding a glittered acorn to the plates. So cute!

Here is a list of all the things I purchased and a full budget to plan your own ⬇️

Doll tea sets with spoons set of 10 10$

Leaves, acorns ,pumpkins 4$

Napkins 3$ ( I cut one napkin to make the doll sized napkins )

Less than 20$ for the decor! I used our tea set and plates and serving items I already had on hand .

Food was mostly from Trader Joe’s and Target . I also made cucumber sandwiches and pumpkin pie was the treat! I spent around 30$ on food .

Total budget with food – 47$

Hotel, pnw, Review, travel

Hotel Leavenworth ~ Cascade Mountain Lodging

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Hotel Leavenworth is the perfect place to soak in some relaxation vibes . We planned to stay here after hiking in the Cascade Mountain Range and it was such a blessing! It is on the Main Street in Leavenworth , has parking that is included, and is convenient to so many restaurants! One of our favs .. Gustav’s , is located directly across the street.


The hotel could be described modern ski lodge . We loved the common area in the hallway between rooms. There were places to read or grab a drink and just hang out.


The room was so spacious! We had a jet tub in the room ,but in a seperate area, a huge walk in space to unload our gear , and a beautiful sitting area with a fireplace. It was the perfect room after a long day of hiking.Check out our full video tour of our room below ⬇️


There is also a beautiful patio area that was one of our favorite places to hang out.


And if that’s not enough reasons to stay here , they also offer a romance package with wine, flowers and chocolate so perfect for a getaway ❤️

homeschooling

Pumpkin Sight Word Hide & Seek

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Learning sight words is so much fun when you get creative . I picked up these pumpkin eggs and filled them with scrabble tiles. I hid them and then let my students seek them out . Once we returned to the classroom ,they opened them and worked on unscrambling the scrabble tiles to reveal the sight word. So much fun for the whole class!
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To get the link for the eggs and scrabble tiles comment 🎃 and I’ll send you the link to purchase :)

Gathered thoughts

Falling Leaves

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

“In every change, in every falling leaf there is some pain, some beauty. And that’s the way new leaves grow.” — Unknown
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Beauty in all the changes. I took this pic last fall when we were on WSU campus and even now it reminds me of all the beauty ,pain and growth that has happened this past year. Would I change it? No. I know in all of it ,God is writing a story more beautiful then I ever could . So I will keep my eyes on him , trusting him as the author to my story…bringing beauty to my mess to glorify His name.

Gathered thoughts

First Day of Autumn 🍂

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and falling leaves 🍁
Happy 1st day of Autumn 🍂

Book, coffee, Review, travel

The Sword and Shovel Coffeehouse & Bookstore

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

The Sword and Shovel Coffeehouse & Bookstore in Moscow , ID is one of my top 10 Bookstores in all of the United States .

It is the New Saint Andrew’s College bookstore and is beautifully appointed. You can find just about any book from literature to law, natural sciences, theology, and rhetoric.



They offer a stunning study area that makes you feel like you just stepped off the streets of London into a cozy bookstore and you can imagine Lewis and Tolkien in deep conversation in the cozy space.


One reviewer says it best.. Walking into Sword & Shovel feels like stepping into a storybook — one where warmth, wisdom, and wonder come together under one roof. This coffee house bookstore isn’t just a place to grab a cup of perfectly brewed coffee or pick up a thought-provoking book — it’s a haven for the soul.-Michael

Check out our video of this amazing Bookstore & Coffeehouse ⬇️

history, pnw, Review, travel

Charm of Historic Fairhaven ~Bellingham , Wa

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Visiting Fairhaven feels like you have just stepped into a hallmark movie. Unique shops and twinkle lights everywhere pulls you into the magic of this beautiful town.
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With its charm also comes history .Fairhaven was settled in 1853, and started out as a booming manufacturing hub , it has since been designated as a National Historic District.


It is also host to the annual Ski to Sea race which takes place on Memorial Day weekend. The Ski to Sea race is accompanied by the Historic Fairhaven Festival, a street festival in Fairhaven to celebrate participants completing the relay race.

If you find yourself in Washington State , this is definitely a stop to add to your itinerary⭐️