Return to Paradise

The heat is upon us. Three days of mid to high 90's is a recipe for disaster when AC does not exist. So on days like these we get creative in making our own AC. Yesterday we found cooler temperatures on Mount Rainier. It has been nearly 11 months since our last visit to Paradise and it was a most memorable day (we got engaged AND pregnant). This was Makenna's first trip up the mountain and her first time in snow. Although I had been on the mountain two previous times, this was the first time it was a crystal clear day. So clear that we could actually see Mount Baker from the trail! We almost didn't make it to the park because of a horrible accident involving a car and two police motorcycles. Thankfully there were no fatalities and the officers escaped without serious injury. This held up traffic for a number of hours and thankfully we arrived with just 45 minutes to wait before it was cleared. The wait was worth it for we picked the one weekend of the year that the park waves the entrance fee! It was a beautiful day spent hiking and enjoying the cooler temperatures. It was great that Grandpa Steve & Grandma DelRae were able to join us on yet another "Oderman Family Adventure". :)