Various Ramblings
Michael Nowak
Cha-cha-changes!
Cha-cha-changes!
Various Ramblings
Michael Nowak
Seeing can mean believing.
Seeing can mean believing.

green

#ForestFriday - Montana!

Back in May I had friend over in Montana and we went on adventure through places like the Kootenai National Forest and a little bit into Glacier National Park before it was all open. Enjoy some photos from the various forests along the way through Big Sky Country.

It’s a happy looking Outback (she’s happiest in the forest)

Lake Koocanusa

Maple leaves!

A little trail at Glacier National Park

The Swinging Suspension Bridge of the Kootenai River

Scarlet red and with an adventurous spirit - the Outback looks good against Lake Koocanusa

View from the trail - in Glacier National Park

Dreaming of the Northwest

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If you’d like to listen to me read this vs. actually reading it, play this video.

I’ve had the Pacific Northwest on my brain every day for the past month, at least. Living in the desert has me thinking more and more of the places with trees and water.

My favorite band is playing in Portland, Oregon on the first Wednesday in November so I bought a ticket to the show. I then found myself looking at plane tickets and rental cars, booking each one of those as well. I haven’t requested the days off of work yet, but I have a nonrefundable rental car so I’m going.

I will fly in to Portland in the early afternoon before the show and then go see some music and then I’ll vanish from the city for a while. I love the food, the beer, and the people I know in Portland, but I don’t usually fly to the PNW to see people… I fly there to go hide out in the trees.

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I plan to visit family for holidays this year, so i figure this could be my last quick long weekend out west for the year. It’s proving to be more difficult to take a “quick” weekend to Seattle or Portland from here in New Mexico versus when I lived in DFW. I used to grab a Friday evening flight and then catch a Sunday night/Monday morning flight so I had a full two days and didn’t miss any work.

I hope to be back near a major airport or closer to nature sooner than later. I’m not far, here, but I’d like to be even closer as in living among it or within an hours drive of some treelined water.

Ever since first visiting the Pacific Northwest in 2008, I’ve been hooked. I felt home, I felt safe, and I vowed to live there someday. Now, the world is ending and I’m wondering if I should make that someday more sooner than later.

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Life has me torn right now. I have family who I’d love to be close to, but I have dreams of living in the cool, green woods of the northwest. If I moved to to a city near Seattle or Portland, I could easily fly back to Detroit like I did when I lived in Dallas/Fort Worth. It would be a bit more difficult to drive there, but it would be living the dream. If I moved back to Michigan, or nearby, I would still have great trees and water to play around in and be close to family and friends whom I miss dearly.

I realize the privilege I have even debating this. If I find a remote job, I could visit my family for weeks at a time without even using PTO. I could easily navigate between the two and still live both dreams. I’m often caught in a daydream. I want the ease and convenience of living near family, but I want the adventure of living somewhere I have only visited. I’ve got some time to figure this out, thankfully.

*the future is all hypothetical, if anyone from work reads this*

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#ForestFriday - Cascade Pass Trail

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Today I’m looking back at my brief day trip to visit North Cascades National Park. I’ve created a post on it already, found here. Today I’m going to highlight some of the plants and fungi I found along the Cascade Pass Trail. The clouds may have prevented me from seeing the views, but my I was able to focus on the ground a little more.

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The trail climbed steadily, and I was continuously blown away by the lush greenery through the mist. The Pacific Northwest is truly magical and it’s easy to see why my heart can’t rest until I make a return.

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The trail had huge drop offs and that may make some nervous. I took it as motivation to slow down, pay attention, and enjoy the moment.

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(National) #ForestFriday - Chugach NF

I saved my photos from Chugach National Forest in Alaska for today so they could live in a post just for them. Chugach would easily be my number one National Forest, but I have only been once and we will not be going any time soon as far as I know. Enjoy some photos from the family vacation in the Chugach National Forest a few years ago. We saw trees, flowers, glaciers, rivers, and other things in between.

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#ForestFriday - Driving Through the Big Trees

I love the giant trees of Redwood National & State Parks. I seriously think of them on a weekly basis and always try to find a way to get back to them. I love standing under them, hiking with them, and driving very slowly through them. Enjoy a few photos of the drive along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. (Photos from August 2017)

#ForestFriday - Where the trees are skyscrapers and life is simpler

Today we go to the Northwestern part of this great land to a place called the Olympic Peninsula. These particular photos are from the trail to Pony Bridge from Graves Creek Campground. I recently did Hike 29 out there and, as usual, can’t stop thinking about going back. Enjoy the escape to the forest and have a great weekend if you can!

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Thank goodness it’s Forest Friday!

The photo I’m sharing is from when I was working on location, during one of the recent weeks away from home. When doing my field work, I often find myself on these narrow back roads and it is one part of the job I do not mind at all. Take a minute to find something you love and focus on that today!

#WayBackWednesday - Olympic National Park

I’m working on being more positive and upbeat so here are some photos from my trip back in March to the beautiful Olympic National Park in Washington State. When I need a moment at work, or anywhere else, I just try to remember my three glorious days in the trees and on the beach in the Olympic Peninsula. What do you do to take mental breaks? Where does your mind wander in a daydream? Feel free to share your magical places. Have a great Wednesday and week ahead. You’ve got this!

This is currently the background on my work PC… Helps me stay calm! (Quinault)

Rialto Beach - a peaceful evening watching the sun set

In the Hoh Rain Forest… with the sun peaking through the mossy trees

At peace among the trees on the trail to Sol Duc Falls

#ForestFriday - Little Susitna River

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On our last day in Alaska, after getting home from the 10 day camping trip, my other half and I made a quick little trip to this area by ourselves just to get away. This river flows through the Hatcher Pass Public Use Area and there is nothing nicer than a river flowing through the trees. I hope you get out and enjoy the forest this weekend!

#ForestFriday - Michigan's Upper Peninsula

This week, I'm sharing some photos you may have already viewed over on my Hike 20 post from my recent trip to Michigan.  I don't care if it's a cop out, the forest was gorgeous and quiet and deserves to be shared again.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is about a 2.5-3 hour drive north of my hometown, where I stay when visiting.  It was a warm morning, and the sun illuminated the lower levels, highlighting the ferns and mosses with a beautiful glow.  Everything was green and vibrant, making it feel so alive.

Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend ahead, and enjoy the forest photos.

#ForestFriday - Quinault Rain Forest Adventure

I had been to the Hoh Rain Forest before, but had never even heard of Quinault until my most recent visit to the Olympic Peninsula.  I was making my travel plans and took the suggestion of an awesome guidebook, and several people, to explore the Quinault area.  I didn't quite know what to expect, but I left from breakfast at the Kalaloch Lodge with an open mind and nearly an empty tank of gas - so I had to stop anyway.  I gassed up, turned on to the South Shore Road and was instantly in love with the area.

Highlights: Gorgeous lake views, rivers and creeks, waterfalls, moss-covered trees, mountain views, and more.

I drove South Shore Road, with a few stops to walk around, deep into the valley and back on the North Shore Road.  Do it however you want, but make sure you drive the North Shore Road.  Enjoy the forest, wherever you can!

You technically enter the National Park along the dirt road deep into the valley, I'm assume after leaving it for Olympic National Forest.  The borders and boundaries flow together.

Bunch Falls - just behind the sign in the first photo.

The road narrows further into the woods and as it comes around and becomes the North Shore Road.

The North Shore Road is more scenic with less houses and resort stuff overall.  Here's a narrow spot with a steep drop-off!

Along the Maple Glade trail, you'll follow a creek with vibrant green plants, moss covered trees, and plenty to see.

As you walk or drive through, you'll notice how these plants all live together - dependant on one another for survival.

A panorama along the Maple Glade trail.  You must see it in person to fully appreciate, but this is a good preview.  Stunning natural beauty.

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