We recently had an overnight at a Mt. Rainier Hut and so I knew I wanted some coffee for our stay . I picked this up at REI and I was so impressed with it! First of all , how can you not love the name basecamp when you are doing an outdoor mountain adventure? . As soon as we made it to the hut and after getting settled , I made a cup of coffee. It was so good! There is something about being on top of the mountain in a hut with a cup of hot coffee in hand. My friend and I headed out to the deck to enjoy as our littles played in the snow and we savored each drop with the beautiful background.
I really love the design and functionality of the coffee. Each filter fits into your cup and you tear the top off then pour hot water . Delish! Perfect pour over ☕️ It is perfect for outdoor adventures and officially added to my hiking gear .
A Fifth of the Story was our February Bookclub pick .It is a CIA thriller that tackles current social ideology and terriosm on the home front. I really loved how the author intertwined how it can affect more then one side of the battle and how our enemies are often not who we think they are .
Brock, one of the main characters, sees the bonds of brotherhood, friendships and loyalty tested .He quickly realizes the war he has fought is now on his home front. The book is filled with action and our whole book club agreed this could be made for tv .
It is a debut novel by Katherine Hutchison-Hayes that was nominated and a finalist in the First Novel category of the 2024 Christy Awards.
A huge thank you to the author for doing a zoom with our bookclub ❤️This was such an amazing gift and gave us a behind the scenes glimpse into the writing as well as the characters. Katherine was so authentic and real in our conversation of how the characters of the book came to be that it gave the whole story an incredible amount of depth that weaved it all together in a beautiful testimony of grace, perseverance and love.
1. Character Dynamics: How does Brock O’Reilly’s relationship with Andrew Pang and Matthew Shuggs evolve throughout the novel? What key events influence these changes?
2. Themes of Betrayal: The revelation of Matthew Shuggs’ true allegiance is pivotal. Were there subtle hints leading up to this twist? How did this betrayal impact your perception of the story?
3. Moral Dilemmas: Brock faces numerous ethical challenges in his quest to uncover the mole. How do his decisions reflect the broader moral questions posed by the novel?
4. Role of Patti Pang: Patti Pang’s strained marriage with Andrew adds depth to the narrative. How does their relationship influence the story’s progression and the decisions of the main characters?
5. Leadership and Trust: Dr. Harper, as the CIA Director, plays a crucial role in the unfolding events. How does her leadership style affect the team’s dynamics and the story’s outcome?
6. Race Against Time: The novel’s pacing intensifies as Brock races to identify the intelligence breach. How does the author build suspense, and what techniques are used to convey the urgency of Brock’s mission?
7. Exploration of Extremism: Matthew Shuggs’ involvement in a white supremacy organization introduces complex themes. How does the novel address the issue of extremism, and what commentary does it offer on such ideologies?
8. Setting as a Character: The various locations in the novel, from CIA headquarters to clandestine meeting spots, play significant roles. How do these settings enhance the story’s atmosphere and tension?
9. Title Significance: Reflect on the title, A Fifth of the Story. In what ways does it encapsulate the novel’s central themes or plot twists?
10. Personal Reflections: Considering the novel’s exploration of trust, loyalty, and deception, how did it resonate with your own experiences or beliefs? Were there moments that challenged your perspectives? These questions aim to foster a deep and engaging discussion about the intricate layers of A Fifth of the Story.
Bonus questions: Food plays a vital role in A Fifth of the Story. What were your favorite meals? Which ones would you want to get a recipe for to try for yourself?
Wahclella Falls Trail is one of our top 10 hikes! I lost count of the waterfalls as we hiked in and out but everywhere I turned there was a waterfall . It is definitely the greatest Show in nature and it’s a perfect hike if you are wanting a quick hike with a great views.
It felt a little bit like we were in Jurassic World because of how beautiful and lush it was. Absolutely breathtaking! You get a little of everything with this hike .. rocky , inclines , bridges and so many waterfalls ❤️
Stats ⬇️
📍Wahclella Falls 🧭 Cascade Locks , Or 🥾 1.9miles RT ( we came in at 2.9) 🏔️ 308 ft elevation gain ( we gained 591) ⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
Oh the beauty of Mt. Baker! Artist Point was our first snowshoe of the season and we couldn’t have picked a better place to go. You get endless views of the North Cascade peaks ,as well as stunning views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan.Two of the most beautiful mountains in Washington State.
It is also on the ski area boundary for Mt. Baker so as you climb up one of the steep sections you will see skiers and snowboarders a few feet from you .. this was actually pretty awesome!
Trail Stats ⬇️
📍 Heather Meadows and Artists Point Trail 🧭 Deming , Wa 🥾 3.2 miles RT ( we came in at 3.99) 🏔️ 872 ft elevation gain ( we gained 959) ⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple . Artist Point is in avalanche terrain, so it is best to check the NWAC avalanche forecast before venturing out (updated every night at 6pm).
This was one of our wettest hikes of the 2024 Season. I almost had a mutiny to not do it when we pulled up and it was still dark and pouring rain outside . So thankful for the friends who wouldn’t let me mutiny and encouraged me to still do it .
Persevering the dark and rain ❤️Beautiful but so wet
It was so dark we had to have headlamps on to start so I had to include our pic of starting the hike. You start by walking through the forest for a few miles and navigate a few water crossings. Keep going until you come to the Otter Falls sign and then you go to the left . There is a bit of a hill to navigate over and then you come to a beautiful hidden rock face waterfall .
Heart Rock.. my sweet friend has a gift for finding them
It still amazes me that there are these hidden waterfalls in nature . And yes! It was totally worth it!
STATS ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📍Otter and Big Creek Falls via Taylor River Trail 🧭 North Bend,Wa 🥾 9.5miles RT ( we came in at 9.06 ) 🏔️ 902 ft elevation gain ( we gained 1000 ) ⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
So true! Climbing is so much more than just the summit. The discipline that starts before you are even on the trail , the grit to push through when you really want to give up , learning to pace yourself to have the strength and energy for the climb but also enough to make it back down, telling yourself one more step a thousand times and fast enough to finish but slow enough you don’t miss the beautiful details inbetween .⭐️
“In the night, there was a storm, there at the beach Where she was born And Idun felt a feeling wrong, and so she walked there In the dawn And in a flute, the magic horn, a tune so passionate and Strong She played for them an orca song to ask them where they all had gone”
– Thomas Dambo
Bruun Idun, one of the Thomas Dambo’s Northwest Trolls, lives at Lincoln Park in West Seattle. She is one of the six trolls that the Danish artist has made from recycled materials and has installed around the Northwest .
Look for the birdhouses . They are a clue that you are in the right area . Walk along the water until you see her near the Colman Pool, and from her spot hidden in the trees, she sings to the orcas of the Salish Sea❤️
Thomas Dambo has trolls all over the world so I attached the link below to see a map of where you can find them ⬇️
Horsetail Falls is located in the “Waterfall Corridor “ of the Historic Columbia River Highway. It plunges a 176ft over a basalt cliff and is absolutely breathtaking. This waterfall is easily accessible for all . There is plenty of parking across the street but on sunny days come early because it fills up quickly.
If you want to add another short hike to Pony Tail Falls (Horsetail Falls #438) you will follow the trail to the left . It is a bit steep at first but it’s short so hang with it because when you come around a bend there is a beautiful waterfall that is in sight and feeds the Horsetail Falls. It cascades over a cliff and you can walk behind it . There is a beautiful pool that in the summer we have played in. It’s almost like a hidden pool…So beautiful!
📍Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls 🧭 Cascade Locks , Or 🥾 .8 miles RT ( we came in at 1.04) 🏔️ 301 ft elevation gain ( we gained 294) ⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
