Snow has started to blanket the mountains across Washington, and with those whimsical flakes comes an unfettered excitement for ski season. If you’re a Seattleite, you know the only way to get through the “Big Dark” is to either hibernate through the winter or get your ski gear out of the garage and head up to the mountains for buttery turns. Our family is the latter (although snuggling in a blanket all winter long doesn’t sound terrible).
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As soon as the ski slopes open, you can find us on the slopes - and those first turns may come sooner rather than later. Stevens Pass has set an approximate opening date for December 5. I know, I can’t believe it either! Winter is coming early this year.

The Lofoten Islands in Norway are a fairytale come to life—dramatic, jagged mountains towering above turquoise waters, quaint fishing villages painted in cheerful pops of reds and yellows, and a culinary scene brimming with fresh seafood. When we booked our dream trip to Norway, we had peaks in our sights. For us, vacations aren’t relaxing getaways – they are excuses to explore and have a bit of type 2 fun. This trip was no different. We wanted to uncover hikes that would leave us breathless—and did they ever, both figuratively and literally. Hikes in Norway were like none we have experienced before. There wasn’t a switchback in sight to ease the elevation gain. The trails didn’t meander but rather went straight up the mountainsides. 
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For five days, we traveled around the Lofoten Islands in a camper van we affectionately named Betty White. It was an experience we will never forget.  ​

When I signed up for my first triathlon, I honestly had no idea what I was getting into. Well, maybe that’s not true. I knew I’d need to swim, bike and run. I also knew I was a complete novice with a lot to learn.

To paint a clearer picture. Here's where my journey began:

The extent of my swimming experience was diving into a pool. I dove in college (very poorly), so I hard experience in water. I just didn't know how exactly to swim well. When I signed up for the triathlon, I couldn’t swim a lap. Don’t get me started on flip turns. I still don't know how to do one. When I swim laps, I slowly make my way to the end of the pool, touch the edge, and then literally turn my body around and kick off the wall to start another lap.

My road bike was strictly used for commuting. I bought it years ago to get to and from work. It's a beautiful bike, but I don't have a clue what I'm doing when it comes to gears.

Running was my best discipline, and even that felt hard. When I began, I was thrilled when I completed a 10k. I enjoy running, but miles haven't always been easy.

Something inside me wanted to push my limits though. I’ve always loved training, and a triathlon felt like a different kind of test. I needed a goal to reach - and a triathlon felt like a good challenge. 
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Here are a few things I learned along the way.

The Enchantments, located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington, is a hiker's paradise. The jagged peaks, Gatorade blue alpine lakes and other-worldly splendor draws crowds every year. It's a bucket list destination for many (myself included). This area is my favorite in all of Washington state - the North Cascades being a very close second.

To camp in the Enchantments, you need to secure a coveted permit, which can be obtained through a lottery system. There's a catch though! The lottery is exactly what it sounds like - thousands enter, and nearly everyone loses. I think I read somewhere (so don't quote me), the odds of scoring a core permit, which means you can camp anywhere throughout the Enchantments, is around 2%. That's not very good odds. Every year, the outdoor community holds their breath, and most of the time, we commiserate together. 

Then, the planning begins.

Since getting a permit is nearly impossible to score, many opt to still go, but they do an absolutely grueling through-hike. From start to finish, the hike is more than 18 miles (I clocked 22 miles when I did it, so expect it to be longer than you thought). You'll also gain around 4,500 feet in elevation if you start at Stuart Lake trailhead. It's worth it though! I would recommend doing this more popular route, Stuart Lake to Snow Lake, because you'll save yourself some elevation. Personally, I also very much dislike the trail from Snow Lake to the core. 

After losing the lottery again and again, I decided (like many do) to just do it. So, I set out on my birthday last year in hopes of finally checking the Enchantments off my hiking bucket list. 

Was it amazing? Yes! Are there things I wish I would have known before going? Also, yes!

Here are a few things I wish I would have known before I went, so you don't make the same mistakes I did. 

When I was a little girl, I loved writing imaginative stories and whimsical (sometimes melancholy) poems. The vibrant, intricate worlds I created in my notebooks were a beautiful escape.  
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I dreamed about being an author. 

Wildflowers are blooming across hillsides; the sun is hanging longer in the sky; snow is melting in the high alpine; spring is a beautiful time of year to hike in the Pacific Northwest. if you're like me, you may consider spring a bridge season. It's always sad to hang up your skis and say goodbye to cold winter days hitting the slopes, and summer is still months away, with high elevation hikes still covered in snow. Spring is the time of year for waterfalls and low elevation hikes.

Here are a few of my favorite spring hikes around the Pacific Northwest. 

The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful wonderland. Just hours from Seattle, you can find winding switchbacks that lead to craggy peaks, pristine alpine lakes the color of sparkling gems, and meandering trails through lush forests blanketed in moss. Living here grants you access to hikes plucked from fairytales. 

​With so many trails to explore, you may be thinking, "where do I begin?" Well, don't worry, I have rounded up my favorite hikes in the Pacific Northwest just for you. 

Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, or you want to be cute and cozy in the pick-up line at school, I've linked some of my favorite winter Amazon finds. 

​Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and the sun is shining - spring has sprung in Seattle. It’s time to step outside and shake off those winter blues. To help sprout some inspiration, I’ve rounded up a few ideas for family outings. From farms to forests, fairs to florals, check out our list of fun, spring activities below.