Canning and hiking and the arrival of fall...

I have finally surrendered to fall I think. Not that I had any choice! I received the October issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine in the mail yesterday and it had such a lovely fall cover that made me feel all warm and cozy and happy that fall is here.

I tried my hand at canning for the first time. I canned
some peach jam. I was a bit nervous about it but it all went very smoothly with only a couple scorched fingers from some very hot drippings. I took a jar over to my parents and we opened it and tasted it and I have to say it was pretty scrumptious! I can't wait to make some pancakes to spread it on. And I can't wait to do some more canning! :)




On Wednesday my dad, Daniel and I went for a hike up on Chinook Pass near Mt. Rainier. We did the Naches Peak Loop, a lovely 4 mile loop that is very easy going but extremely beautiful. The wildflowers were still out and there were lovely little lakes, meadows and little waterfalls along the way. Plus amazing views of the Cascades and Mt. Rainier. Clouds were covering the mountain somewhat but it still was a beautiful to look at. Daniel was a very happy hiker as usual. My dad was very excited that the trail was part of the Pacific Crest Trail (the trail that reaches from the Canadian border to the Mexican border). He had me take his picture near the sign. We are planning on heading up to the other side of the mountain next week to do another hike near Paradise.

There's the mountain, kind of. :)


Dad on the Pacific Crest Trail.

And I had to include another cute pic of Daniel for his Auntie Ru Ru! :)