Squak Mountain – Issaquah, WA
One of our goals this year as a family is to really get into hiking and camping. This last weekend we were able to go on our first family hike. We were looking forward to it all week, keeping a close eye on weather while searching for places to go. Weather didn’t seem too promising, but we made the decision to plan a hike and if needed, we could cancel. Rather then not plan one at all and then have the weather turn out nice.
Dan found a great family hike on Squak Mountain, just outside of Issaquah; between Tiger & Cougar Mountain. We (Dan, Katie & Alyssa) got up early Saturday morning, ate a healthy breakfast and headed out. Alyssa had never been on a hike so she was really looking forward to the experience.
We arrived at the trail around 10:45. It had been sprinkling and a bit chilly, but we had hopes that it would go away. We decided to set our goal for the Bullitt Fireplace. This would make for about a 2 mile hike, one way. Unfortunately shortly after starting the hike, Katie had noticed a pinched nerve in her hip. We decided to keep going, hoping the pain would go away. As luck would have it, it only seemed to get worse and worse. We had already gone a mile; and she thought it would be such a waste to turn back now. So, we kept trudging a long, having to stop from time to time.
There were many junctions throughout the hike, which didn’t seem to match with the original map that we had looked out. After researching this hike, we realize we weren’t the only ones that had this problem. We found that it is best to follow the signs along the paths rather then use the map that was posted out front.
What a feeling it was to reach the Bullitt Fireplace. We were so happy that Alyssa was able to experience her first achievement as a hiker. She did so well, not a single complaint. She’s already looking forward to many many more hikes.
The Bullitt Family donated the original 600 acre land in hopes that it be preserved as a natural area. The Squak Mountain Trail passes the Bullitt Family summer cabin. Years ago, the house (which was built by Stimson Bullitt) burnt down, leaving only the fireplace and chimney. This is an excellent place to stop and picnic and either continue on with the hike or use as a turning around point. Considering Katie’s injury and the fact that it was our first hiking experience… We decided to turn around.
As you can see the weather didn’t exactly clear up. Just as we got to the Bullitt Fireplace, it started to sprinkle with small hints of snow. We’re so happy that we didn’t let weather get in the way.
After our hike, we treated ourselves to a nice soak in Paul’s Hot Tub. Then went out to have dinner with Chris, Sarah & Zack. We played Wii for a little bit. I couldn’t help but think of how silly it is that they have these games and activities on a game system. Have our lives really became so wrapped up in technology that we have to have our fun in front of the TV, no matter what it is we’re doing (Bowling, Tennis, Carnival Games, Etc…) After such an adventurous day I kept thinking, What’s next… Hiking on Wii?
(as always, you can view more of our pictures from this hike in our Picasa Folder to the right)
No comments:
Post a Comment