Jill flew out from Minneapolis to spend a week with me here, and we had a GREAT vacation.

Saturday/Sunday we went to Bumbershoot and saw something like 15 bands. Beck, Lucinda Williams, Stone Temple Pilots were some of the big names. We also became fans of artists and groups like Sons and Daughters, The Blakes, Joe Bonamassa, and Vicci Martinez. Some great new music got discovered over the weekend!

Monday Jill and I took a day trip to Mt Rainier. I was just there three weeks ago with Katie, but this trip turned out VERY differently. Katie and I had a gorgeous day, but Jill and I didn’t have the same luck. It was beautiful in Seattle, but it was a bit chilly when we got to the mountain. We headed up the Skyline Trail, and by the time we were up about 1,000 feet (the trail has a 1700 foot elevation gain) it was quite foggy and getting colder. By the time we were up about 1500 feet, visibility was down to about 30 feet, and it was a mix of rain and snow. I was dressed in shorts, so needless to say, not the ideal situation. We had low visibility, the weather was getting worse, and I was freezing cold. Yet, we continued on, and finished our hike. Rainier is an unbelievable place, and Mother Nature has a GREAT EYE. Even though we were cold, wet, and tired, it was well worth the hike.

Tuesday morning we headed up to the San Juans for another three amazing days. By the time I was on the ferry home last night, all I could think is that there is no place else I’d rather live. Just wow. Harbor seals, porpoises, deer, exotic animals, purple starfish, sea lions. All there to just watch, take in, and enjoy. I have few pictures from the trip, as it can’t be captured in pictures. But it was amazing. Great friends, wonderful environment, rejuvenating experience.