'Relaxing' Weekend

Guten tag meine Blumen! How are y'all this wonderful day? I am on the tired side as I opened at work and have unsuccessfully tried to nap this afternoon. But on the up side, my man took me out to lunch right after work at Mammoth. That's always a nice little pick me up :)  Anyways, I thought I should quick catch you up on my 'relaxing' weekend after conquering Mount Rainier.

Friday evening, Aaron and I left Seattle for Washington Pass. I know, I know - how is Leavenworth taking us not being there every weekend?! We will have to go again soon to make sure Leavenworth knows it holds a special place in our bouldering part of the heart. We had a real fun drive to WA Pass this time around. Google Maps was playing tricks with us and we did all sorts of strange things to get to a Walmart for groceries after Subway (we were getting a little hangry). Then the traffic was unbearably slow because of multiple accidents. Once we were close to the pass, we saw a lot of deer (maybe elk)? so we had to extra alert - which is oh so easy when it's past your bedtime. Anyways, we made it safe and sound and crawled into bed shortly after.

Liberty Bell Group in the North Cascades. Finally summitted Liberty  Bell :)

Saturday morning we slept in (per my request). We decided during breakfast to do a short easy trad climb and then see how we were feeling. Well, the hike in reminded my legs that they were still in denial from Mount Rainier (Aaron was a little tired too, fyi). Anyways, we made the journey up to Liberty Bell and got set up to climb Overexposure (2 pitches, 200', 5.8). First things first. Gradings in Washington aren't as stiff in Yosemite. It felt like a breeze which was wonderful. Anyways, the climb we were doing is the rappel route for Liberty Bell so we had a fun time making our way up and them down. We did it in one long pitch, Aaron lead, and I follow and cleaned gear. It had a layback section, a beautiful splitter, and even some small fingers. We cruised up the pitch, unroped and scrambled to the summit. After we made our way back down to the truck, we drove to Mazama for a little snack and coffee (we forgot the french press so instant coffee it was. YUCK). We hung out and read our books for awhile before making our way to Diablo Lake for the night. We made dinner at the Diablo Lake Overlook and continued reading our books. That night, we fell asleep to a beautiful view and a night full of stars.

Sunday, we had a slow morning getting ready for the day. We drove to the Thunder Knob Trailhead and did a short hike (3.6 roundtrip, 680 feet gain). I snapped a few pictures and then we made our way back to Seattle. We had lunch at this cool Ma and Pa diner in Concrete, WA called Cascade Burger. It was a 50's style diner that served burgers, fries, and milkshakes. I'd stop by there again. And as usual, we hit major traffic on I5. Then I got to do laundry. What a better way to end the weekend that do laundry? Keep posted for next weekend when Aaron's sister, Kelly, and her boyfriend, Franz, come to visit!! I'm so excited :)

Diablo Lake from the overlook. The lake is really that blue in person too!