Sea Salted Bee: September 2015

Friday, September 25, 2015

WASHINGTON - I live here now, and it's incredible!

I will always be a Massachusetts girl at heart. From the salty shores of Cape Cod, to the historical maze-like streets of Boston {that I can navigate like the back of my hand}, I am at my core, a New Englander.

As I {slowly} moved across the country over the past year and a half, I doubted if I would ever truly feel at home outside of the ever-quaint New England bubble. Chicago was an amazing city, and I learned so much about the mid-west, BIG city living, and what it's like to consume a TON OF PIZZA. We lived in the most charming apartment in the most charming part of Lincoln Park, but somehow, it always felt like I was visiting, and never like home.

In May when we moved to Issaquah, WA {just 20 miles East of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains} I assumed it would feel the same as Chicago: nice enough, but not quite as good as home. With the hustle of wedding planning, the chaos of moving-in and immediately traveling to the East Coast for business, it was hard to feel settled. But as the dust settled from the wedding, I finally had chance to slow down and truly enjoy everything this place has to offer.

The wildlife, natural beauty and endless adventure that we have here is truly unmatched and motivates me to get out and enjoy every last drop of sunlight. Close to the conveniences of suburbia and the excitement of an uber cool city {Seattle ROCKS!} but far removed enough to be in our own world {seriously, no cell service and wifi moves at a snails pace).

I'd be lying if I said that watching our dog enjoying all the open space here didn't make my heart burst with joy. She chases every bunny, sniffs endlessly in the woods, and basks in the sunshine. I'm calling it her "retirement years".

What I enjoy most of all, though, is that this is where we are starting our marriage. This special place is filled with romance! Chilly nights spent in Adirondack chairs by the bonfire watching the stars...swinging in a hammock under twinkle lights to enjoy a night cap...trail running together every day with the dog...we are the cheesiest newly-wed stereotype ever. Can you blame us though? We are so blessed to be in this gorgeous corner of the universe.

Even the spider webs are gorgeous here, especially in the morning light

yes, this is a real live 300 lb black bear in our back yard eating plums 30 feet from our back door

Home is where your boots are.

Winter heating system

This gentleman was very interested in me

My trusty adventure-mobile

Happy Living!
xoxo,
Bee

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Mt Rainier National Park

Before moving to the Pacific Northwest, I assumed I knew just how stunning the mountains could be. Afterall, I was lucky enough to go to Middlebury VT, nestled in the green mountains. I traveled frequently to the Austrian Alps for business. I have visited Colorado & Montana.

But nothing properly prepared me for how seeing Mt Rainier would make me feel. I saw Mount Rainier for the first time, standing tall and ethereal in the background of Seattle, peeking through the clouds for the first time in a week. In the winter, the mountain hides in a cloak of greyness. When he finally pokes through the clouds though, one quick glimpse is enough to take your breath away. Takhoma, as the mountain is called by the Natives, stands tall 90 miles from the city, to the Southeast. 90 miles...that's the equivalent of seeing Providence from Boston.

Mt Rainier National Park was created in 1899 by President McKinley to become the nation's 5th National Park. The 370 mile area surrounding the glacially-encased active volcano has become a wonderland for hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, including famed Scottish American conservationist, John Muir, who once said : "Of all the fire-mountains which, like beacons, once blazed along the Pacific Coast, Mount Rainier is the noblest". I couldn't agree more.

The steps at the top of Paradise Road in the Park. In the Winter, the Paradise area of the mountain is known for breaking national snowfall records.

After many weeks of nearly driving off I-90 trying to catch a small glimpses of Rainier through the valleys of the foothills, Ty finally brought me for my first visit to the park in June. Since then I have returned three times. Each time, I fall more in love with the enchanting forest and majestic mountain. I am very much looking forward to exploring for many years to come.

Below are some photos from our time at the park, though none of them do the mountain's majesty any justice.

Sunrise Hike

We hiked to only about 8k feet elevation. The Summit stands at an amazing 14,409 feet.

Driving up the road to Paradise

My handsome trail guide pointing out other significant peaks in the distance.

Lenticular cloud swirling over the summit

More from John Muir on Mt Rainier: "The view we enjoyed from the summit {of Mt Rainier} could hardly be surpassed in sublimity and grandeur; but one feels far from home so high in the sky, so much so that one is inclined to guess that, apart from the acquisition of knowledge and the exhiliration of climbing, more pleasure is to be found at the foot of the mountains than on their tops. Doubly happy, however is the man to whom lofty mountain tops are within reach, for the lights that shine there illuminate all that lies below"

Happy Hiking!
xoxo,
Bee

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Gratuitous Wedding Photos

Y'all, I got married 7 weeks ago to the best guy in the whole wide world.

We had a charming wedding with beautiful guests in a stunning place and perfect summer weather. My dear friend & amazingly talented wedding photographer, Taj Chin {TAJ Photography} captured every darling detail of our little wedding. Below is a selection of my faves!

I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!

All photo credits: Taj Chin

Rehearsal, Rehearsal Dinner and Welcome Reception:

My mother-in-law brought some cedar from Alaska & Washington for each place setting.
Such a special touch for the rehearsal dinner.

The ring bearer and flower girl were my charges for the 3 years I was a nanny.
They were the best little wedding helpers all weekend!

Schilling Beer Company is an awesome brewery in Littleton NH....go there if you find yourself skiing in the area this winter. Great food, great beer and awesome people!