Memorial Day Weekend

I was fortunate to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with my friends while reconnecting with nature. Friday night was spent celebrating a co-workers birthday. Saturday morning, I headed to the Olympic Peninsula with Kim and Viktor. I rode on my very first ferry boat from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island and saw a great shot of Mt. Rainier. We spent the day at Lake Crescent hiking to a waterfall. Then we traveled to La Push, which is at the northern coast of the peninsula, and spent some time on the beach. On Sunday, I went for an hour bike ride along the Olympic Discovery Trail. I saw an old railroad bridge with the Dungeoness River below. We headed out to the Dungeoness Spit, which is quite litearally, a spit of land without any vegetation, only birds, driftwood and rocks. There was a lighthouse 5 miles out, but an 11 mile hike wasn't in the cards for us.

Monday was spent sleeping in until noon then heading to Seattle for the Folk Festival with Alea and William. We saw some great acts; my favorites were an irish group, the capoeira dance group, and and funk band called Lazybones. The weekend was fantastic, but it's time to return to work tomorrow.

Sunny days in Washington

Well, I've definitely gotten outside and have explored my area so far. I am loving it out here, although still miss having my friends and family there when I need them at a drop of a hat. I'm really learning how to live alone and be happy. I am currently training for the Mountains to Sound relay race at the end of June. My co-workers and I are all participating in completing the 100 miles of racing including mountain biking 22 miles (this is what I am doing), road cycling 50 miles, kayaking 12 miles, running a 6 mile "sprint" and a half marathon. Hope my math is correct on all that. It's going to be my first EVER race and I'm a bit nervous since I have the mass start, but I'm excited to be participating at all! Here are some new photos I have taken the past few weeks, ranging from cycling scenes to nature hikes, to good friends. I hope everyone is doing well! Enjoy!

Weekend in Portland

I ventured south to visit Becky for the weekend. I went for a day hike with her boyfriend Pete and Floyd the puppy at Multanomah Falls within the Columbia River Gorge. It was a really nice day, but a bit chilly in the mountains. I realized the altitude does not help my respiratory system very much. Nonetheless, we made it to the top of the falls. Later, we all went out to dinner and drinks in downtown Portland and ended our night at a Karaoke bar on the east side. Good times had by all.

Washington Fun

St. Edwards State Park biking, Bellingham, my apt and flowers for passing my PT boards!! I'm officially Dr. Erin!!!

Moving to Seattle Washington!

Well, the time has come for me to venture off into the wild west and find out what I'm made of. My trip started out by stopping off in KZoo for a quick visit with Jess. After a fine McDonald's dining session, I hit the road only to be stopped in Indiana due to a HUGE accident. 3 hours later, I finally got back on I-90 only to hit a HUGE snowstorm within 20 minutes. What luck, I only made it to Davenport, IA and spent the night in a hotel on a HUGE king-sized, pillowtop bed! I was able to make it to Colorado that night, by the grace of God and stayed with Justin and Susan in Denver. I spent the day lounging, studying for my boards, and even got my haircut. I left that evening after eating dinner with them and spent the night in Laramie, WY. I made it to Boise, ID that day. I loved the trip up I-84 in Utah; it was gorgeous going through the mountains! Idaho was boring. Lots of potatoes... hehe! Day Day 4 got me to Portland, OR, where I got to hang out with Becky. The drive through the Columbia River Gorge was just super awesome; every corner I turned, there was another great sight. I stopped off at a few waterfalls and hiked around in a state park that was plowed, yet deserted. I made it to Olympia, WA, the capital, and walked a bit, then off to my destination at Kim and Vic's place in Seattle. The longest trip of my life, but I'm glad I did it all by myself. I really am proud of myself for starting my new life, new career, and new friends. Not that I'll ever forget the ones back home of course!! Thanks to everyone who helped me and supported me. I appreciate it all! Miss you all!!! Love, Erin