How beautiful it is here.
“Here” meaning Washington Hwy 20 through the Northern Cascade Mountains.
(See the little head sticking out the window above? That’s Shiloh)
The pictures are nice and can be worth a 1000 words they say, but even that doesn’t express what the heart feels when these magical views are revealed around each curve in the road. (And there are a lot of curves!)
Folks often ask about my favorite places in my travels, so I can say now that the North Cascades are right up there near the top somewhere. (Other than Big Sur being first, I just can’t seem to make an orderly list).
The water really is this color. My camera (IPhone) didn’t play tricks.
To be immersed in this beauty is really what my Wandering Spirit needed right now. I feel it reviving after the period of low energy, even still.
This is a zoom of the 2nd picture, and it’s the view from the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center.
We’re up here by the Pacific Crest Trail!
Of course! A soak in the Skagit River.
Where we just came from. Yikes…
You’ve probably heard of the brand Cascadian Farms…organic products in the supermarket. Here is their road side stand, and the farm area where they began.
We are staying at Alpine RV Park, a small place in Marblemount, just on the outskirts of the west side of North Cascades National Park. Very undeveloped, and did you know it’s free to get into this National Park, even without a senior pass.
You are not seeing double! The only other RV that pulled in (at this point) last evening was another Casita! Met more nice people!
Dogs ARE allowed on MANY trails at this National Park!! Yay!
Mom, the water is COLD!
Wandering Spirit 
Your uplifting spirit is loud and clear!!!!
Hi Patty, I think the vibes of an area can definitely make a difference….
I can see me coming back to this area and staying awhile….meaning more than a week, which I’m staying for now.
Beautiful! 4 more yrs and Steve will retire, can’t wait to get on the road.
Hi Ego. It’s been quite an experience so far….so thankful for the opportunity.
Definitely a “fall in love with” place. I sure did. Visited the Cascadian Farms. We were allowed to walk all over the fields, which I did!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Hi Judie, yes me too?…I fell in love ( with the area!) and walked in the fields at Cascadian Farms. And I went in and had a soy latte too. 😃☕️
Hugs to you too!
It’s nice to see Joy and Shiloh splashing in the water. I am so glad the Cascades are helping you find your energy again!
Hi Marcia, Joy just loves it. Sometimes I think Shiloh goes in because Joy does. She soaks or swims and he walks around in the shallows. Such different personalities. 😀
The energy here resonates with my spirit….feels….just feels right.
Ooohh,it looks so wonderful for you and the dogs! I have spent too much time this summer looking for off leash beaches or creeks for the dogs. Yours look so happy. where are your selfies?
Hi Elinor, my selfies are pretty gross lately. I keep thinking I’m going to grow my hair longer and I try and….well….I’ve got an appointment for a hair cut tomorrow about 15 miles down the road! If she does a good job there may be selfies in my future. Or not. 😄
Off leash is rare for us, sadly, but in the water even more rare because so often there is strong current. Gosh I was glad Joy was on leash (long extendable leash) when she swam in the Snake River because I fear she may have been carried off in the current had she not been….and I would have been in there after her I suspect.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your posts and these gorgeous pictures! I actually have tears in my eyes from the sheer beauty of this place. How I long and desire to be there. At least I get to see the pictures you so generously share. Thank you so much for sharing the beauty your eyes get to see in your journeys!
Callie you are not alone….this beauty has brought tears to my eyes a few times in the last few days too. I am SO glad the pictures are bringing you pleasure. I do so hope that someday you WILL be here!
Love. Just simply love…
Isn’t it amazing Cindy! ❤️
I didn’t know Northern Cascades existed until I was planning our trip this summer and tried to hit as many national parks, etc., as possible. If we had had a few extra days, I would have gone from the Oregon coast by Mount St Helen’s and Mount Ranier to the Northern Cascades on our way to Glacier. (If we had another week, I was going to go by way of the Olympic Peninsula and a ferry across the straits.) You are doing some of that route in reverse, so this is really fun! I thought the Northern Cascades must be a lot like Glacier, which makes sense geologically and geographically, and a lot less crowded, and your pictures prove it. Maybe more volcanics which makes them even more interesting to me. 🙂 Definitely on the list for the more leisurely tour of the Pacific Northwest, this is a place to stay for a few days.
A friend of my daughter is blogging about moving her family to Switzerland, so between the two of you, I am getting a heavy dose of gorgeous mountain scenery, the next best thing to being there! 😀
Hi Kitty, yes it does remind me of Glacier, and more like Glacier when I was there 25 or so years ago and there were less people…and more glaciers. There are actually way more glaciers in this National Park than there are at Glacier NP now.
This park is on the newer side, became a park in….ummm…1976 or 1979, I forget right now. It’s fairly out of the way I guess, too. The tiny town of Marblemount is not a tourist trap, and this Hwy 20 closes down all winter without fail ( like Going To The Sun) from at least the visitor center for about 73 miles east.
Anyway, this gives you a good reason to come back this way and explore the Pacific Northwest, like you mentioned. I sure plan on coming back!
Breathtaking Micky Jane! So glad you have a chance to rejuvenate there!
Hi Deb, nice to hear from you! And I see from FB you headed for the hills recently too….they do have a healing effect, don’t they?
Just fantastic photos!! Great job. xxoo
Hi Krystina, thank you! Wish the photos could convey the vibe somehow…
That is just magical! and organics as well!!! That is definitely going on my bucket list. Hugs, Sharron
That’s the right word Sharron….magical. Yes, this is a bucket list worthy place!
Hugs!
The other comments said it all…..there aren’t really enough words to translate such beauty. Thanks for bringing us all with you through your words and pictures. That is now on my bucket list as a ‘must experience’ in person. Love your happiness too.
Hi Marie, I’m glad you are looking to visit this area sometime. I know you will love it too.
WOW!! Just WOW!!!
I know Marsha! And this is with an IPhone for a camera!
Oh my goodness!!! What splendor, what magnificent splendor!!! I could sure use a dose of that peace right now. If I can’t be there I am so thankful to you and your Goldens for sharing It with us!!
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And Gerri, im thankful to be here and to be able to share it. Yes, magnificent splendor is also a good way to describe this place!