Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary

New Home!

2013-09-16T18:07:00.001-07:00

Starting today my blog has a new home! Be patient with me over the next few weeks as I continue to work hard to improve it.

Check me out here: http://lisettewoltermckinley.com

You can follow me at Bloglovin here.

Cheering yourself up

2013-09-16T05:00:00.001-07:00

Do you have ever have one of those weeks when you wake up day after day feeling just blah? In your opinion your hair looks lame, your clothes look dumpy and you are ready to sell all your belongings and start anew? Well, last week was one of those weeks for me. Instead of spending too much time posting all my belongings up on Craiglist or wallowing in self pity, Cameron ensured our evenings were spent going on long walks, eating multiple cones of ice cream and soaking up every ounce of sunshine humanly possible.

Here are some lessons I have (re)learned from the week:

1. Sometimes the ability to cook for oneself seems entirely overrated. If I do the math, considering time and money saved, eating out just might be a better deal.

2. Killer sunsets should be enjoyed daily.

3. A spouse should be able to alter your mood (for the better) merely by their presence.

4. Multiple ice creams cones in a week needn't be reserved for vacations.

5. Picnics, pizza and the person I love, is a winning trio of p's.

Who goes around throwing all these perfectly good pair of shoes over power lines?

This R.V. seems to have taken up residency for the week down on Alki.

Killer sunsets every night this week!

Modern day adventurers

2013-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

When you spend as much time hiking as we do, it gives you a lot of time to think. Oftentimes, I think about how pristine these places are we visit and how rugged and utterly breathtaking they must have been back when Lewis and Clark first laid eyes on them. From May 1804 to September 1806 they were the first American expedition to cross the western region of the United States. Their primary objective was to explore and map the recently acquired territory while documenting the plants, animals and geography.

Over this past year when my heart has felt heavy missing our son, I have focused on improving my childlike wonder and amazement in all of God's creations- from the tiniest rock to the daintiest flower. I like to think Cameron and I would have been fantastic explorers. We have just the right combination of curiosity, guts and drifter in us. I would have been in charge of cataloging and naming all the flora and fauna, while Cameron would have been in charge of setting our course and hacking our way through the forest.

Hiking along the trail to Crypt Lake

Some spots were a bit tricky.

Crypt Lake

There was a pretty good trail all around the lake.

Perfection!

Sunbathing and sun spots

Did you know I was a butterfly whisperer? This butterfly would not leave me alone.

Fisherman at Crypt Lake

Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

2013-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

I went on a blueberry picking kick this Summer and as a result I ended up with a large quantity of fresh berries. One day I decided to do something with them other than eat them straight out of the bowl. I found this recipe online and quickly got to work. I loved the addition of applesauce and I added a little demerara sugar on top for a little crunch.

Waterton Lakes National Park

2013-09-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Cameron and I ventured for the first time into the Canadian side of Glacier, Waterton Lakes National Park. Since we were camping on the eastern side of Glacier, Canada was a mere hour from our campsite. Once we entered Alberta, we were smitten with the little bit we saw and have big plans for future trips to this region. Upon entering Waterton we witnessed what I would call reflection perfection! After a quick visit to Prince of Wales hotel, we boarded a boat and started on our hike up to Crypt Lake.

Once at the lake I had fun capturing sun spots galore.

The pristine water of Crypt Lake

The perfect lunch spot!

Hiking around Crypt Lake after lunch.

Views on our hike down.

This was a first hike where we were in and out of two countries while walking around the same lake.

View of Waterton Lake

Riding the boat across Waterton Lake.

Prince of Wales Hotel

Peace! Says my travel companion extraordinaire

Dating my husband

2013-09-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Cameron and I made an appearance in the latest issue of Seattle Met Magazine. The photo was taken at a Seattle Symphony's Cirque du Symphony and is a great memento of how much we love to get dressed up, spend an evening out and most importantly just be together. We enjoy attending all types of performances and like to make it extra special by dressing up and having a nice dinner beforehand. Consistently making my spouse a priority in my life has proven to be my biggest blessing in life.

What does your typical date night look like?

Logan's Pass and Hidden Lake

2013-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

The highest point on the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park is Logan's Pass, it is also located on the Continental Divide. We like to stop here to go on the short, beautiful hike to Hidden Lake. This year, a storm was in the process of passing through while we made our way up the trail. The wind howled at such crazy speeds I witnessed a few children having a hard time standing up straight.

The beginning part of the trail is boardwalk in order to protect the fragile meadow. You would be surprised how many people still stomp around wherever they please. For years we have worn "Don't be a meadow stomper" buttons on our hiking packs. Nothing makes us crazier than people disrespecting nature.

Last time we were here, it was much calmer, warmer conditions.

Visiting Glacier

2013-09-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

Fisherman at Crypt Lake, Alberta

As I have gotten older I crave beautiful vistas, wide open space, plenty of fresh air and starry filled skies. Next week I will be posting about our recent trip to Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park (the Canadian side of Glacier). Those few days we spent there our legs functioned on overdrive from hiking eight to ten miles per day and our brains were spinning from all the gorgeous scenery we witnessed.

If you cannot wait until next week, here are some photos from our last trip to Glacier.

Summer walks

2013-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Summer walks are pretty spectacular around here. We have this lovely park called Lincoln Park, just minutes away from our home. We spend countless hours going on walks, sitting on park benches while watching the ferries come and go and watching the sunset.

Here are some other spectacular evenings we have enjoyed there.

End of Summer baking

2013-09-05T05:00:00.001-07:00

Summer has a tendency to pull me outdoors and make me crave simply prepared food. I shy away from baking in the warmer Summer months, so late Summer is the perfect time to make use of all this wonderful abundance of locally grown food. A couple weeks ago my friend brought over some rhubarb. I have never baked with rhubarb before and I was excited to give it a try. I came across this recipe for rhubarb crumb bars and they seemed simple enough to make.

Overnight backpacking trip: Snow Lake and Gem Lake (Part Two)

2013-09-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

As we approached Gem Lake the clouds started to roll in, within minutes the lake was completely fogged in. I am never as acutely aware of nature as when I am hiking. The dew on the plants leaves, the clouds passing by, the new growth on the trees these are the things which consume my thoughts.

As we started our descent back to Snow Lake the clouds began to part and the sun tried its best to push through. Spots of red, orange and yellow are starting to remind us Fall is near.

Backpacking is such a wonderful experience. I highly recommend these types of weekend getaways for anyone who appreciates uninterrupted conversations under star filled skies.

Overnight backpacking trip: Snow Lake to Gem Lake (Part One)

2013-09-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

On the weekends we like to get out of town, it needn't be far, just a forty minute drive right up into the mountains. Sometimes, especially in the Summer we turn our hiking trips into overnighter adventures. Backcountry camping means early mornings on the trail, spectacular star filled nighttime skies and a great reminder that we can survive and be completely content on far less. The weekend was perfection, well, until I was bit on my eyelid and the whole right side of my face started to swell and my eye was stuck shut....but that my friends is another story.

Welcome to drop dead gorgeous Washington state. I was in heaven the entire time. We have been there probably a hundred times, but my grateful heart was oohing and aaahing at every turn.

We set up our tent right by Snow Lake. I know it is super easy, but setting up a tent makes me feel self sufficient and outdoorsy.

The view from our tent.

Since there is always a possibility of bears in the mountains, we hung our food in a tree. This can be challenging to set up, so I leave it to the mister. His long arms and height are pretty much helpful all of the time.

The best part of camping is the stillness of the morning.

As we set out to Gem Lake, the trail was completely clear and there was not another hiker in sight. This is the benefit of hiking in to camp. You get a head start on the day and the crowds.

Walking across this enormous log is always a highlight of going to Gem Lake.

Since we like to act like Mountain Wo(men) we filter our water straight out of the lake. One section of the trail hugs the lake which makes for one distracted hiker.

The bugs were relentless this time of year. It was hard to stop for a photo because they were literally swarming my face.

Gem Lake

Transitioning to Fall

2013-09-02T05:00:00.001-07:00

Summer is such a wonderful time of year in the Pacific Northwest, but Fall always finds a way to steal my heart. Even though we officially have a few more weeks of Summer, it is starting to feel more like Fall as children head back to school and temperatures start to cool. As you set out to make your Autumn plans might I suggest an apple picking trip, a glorious hike or a drive to do some leaf peeping.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in the Fall:

Head to east of the mountains to Leavenworth for a scenic drive, some spectacular fall hiking or leaf peeping.

Visit a pumpkin patch and then host a Harvest Party with all the fresh produce you procured from the farm or a Pumpkin Carving Party.

Purchase pumpkins and gourds to decorate your home.

Plan a trip to the local fair, like the Puyallup Fair.

Make a quick Fall centerpiece for all your dinner guest to enjoy.

Take a walk or two around the neighborhood and don't forget to bring your camera.

Spend more time indoors making comfort food like Winter Vegetable Soup, Winter Vegetable Soup or Minestrone.

Go apple picking and then make caramel apples.

Make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread or Sausage and Feta Hand Pies.

Find solitude in the city.

Going away party basket

2013-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

My good friend moved away from Seattle this Summer, so I found it to be a great excuse to throw her a going away luncheon. I created these little baskets for each guest with some of my favorite edible treats that are made in Seattle.

Check out what I put inside:

Salish Lodge honey, in 2011 they installed hives which produce over 600 pounds of honey annually.
Seattle Chocolates Chocolate Bar
Honey Sticks
Half Pops
Dried Lavender from my garden
Dilletante truffles
A great little souvenir, a Seattle postcard.

A weekend on Orcas Island

2013-08-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

We planned a kayaking trip with friends to Orcas Island several months ago and just recently returned from our much anticipated trip. I walked away from the weekend with a newfound love for Orcas Island.

We thought we had allowed plenty of time to catch the ferry, but ended up having to wait a little over five hours. Yes, you read correctly five hours. This was such a drag and really drove me crazy, but my always calm husband took it all in stride and once again proved to me keeping calm really makes life better. In the end, it meant we were robbed an evening of exploring on Orcas, but on the bright side we were able to watch the sunset as we docked. Looking back my advice to you is this: Don't work a half day on a Friday in the Summer and expect to catch the ferry to the San Juans. Be prepared to take the whole day off and catch the earliest ferry you can.

The sun setting aboard the ferry.

Total brilliance!

We were worried every place in town would be closed for dinner, but the Outlook Inn saved the day and we enjoyed the most delicious meal we have had in a long time.

We spent the night at Moran State Park and basically spent less than twelve hours at our campsite. We set up the tent by head lamp and the next morning we arose early and were off to find breakfast before our kayak trip.

Unparalleled views.

Out of habit we typically camp in Anacortes and then walk on the ferry to explore San Juan Island, but after this trip I see many more trips to Orcas Island in our future. Orcas Island has a charming downtown called Eastsound. Within a couple blocks are housed adorable inns, restaurants and shops galore. We were lucky enough to be there over the weekend and stumbled upon their farmer's market and enjoyed the likes of homemade jam, honey, pesto pasta and ice cream.

Some of our favorite places to eat were:

New Leaf Cafe at the Outlook Inn
Allium Restaurant for dinner
Brown Bear Baking for breakfast
Lily for locally made Lopez Island Creamery ice cream

Low tide in Eastsound with the Outlook Inn in the background.

Admiring the view and how easy it is to get away from everyone.

Getting ready for our kayak trip.

This was our friends first time kayaking!

A little break

Harbor seals galore!

My dear friend, Lynn and I.

Cameron and I at Mt. Constitution

The view from Mt. Constitution, the highest point on Orcas Island.

Waiting to catch the ferry home.

End our trip just like we started it, with a brilliant sunset!

Do we live in a photo obsessed society?

2013-08-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you have ever juggled multiple electronic devices or had someone take a photograph of you taking a photograph, it gives you pause to think how all this documenting can get in the way of enjoying life. We live in a society where people take photographs of everything from eating breakfast to going to the grocery store. Between my iphone and my point and shoot I always have at least two cameras on me. When I decide to bring along my SLR the total spikes to three.

Oftentimes when we go on walks I leave my cameras at home. Inevitably we will come across a baby seal on the beach or a spectacular sunset and I regret not having a camera to capture it. How about you....

When is all this documenting too much? How do you personally find balance between taking photographs for memories and being present in the moment to make memories?

Summer at Mount Rainier

2013-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Mount Rainier in August is magical. The wildflowers are in full bloom, the skies are typically bright blue, and the waterfalls add to all the wonder and amazement. The skies at Mt. Rainier are so dynamic. From one moment to the next Mt. Rainier might be out in its full glory or temporarily hidden by clouds.

Wildflowers galore!

Indian Paintbrushes dotting the hillsides.

Mt. Rainier is so deceiving, it looks so close, but it still a long way to the top.

The perfect lunch spot.

The wildlife at Mt. Rainier is pretty friendly because they are used to crowds and people everywhere in the Summertime.

Clouds rolling in as we make our way down.

Mt. Rainier before it became completely hidden.

Lunch with a view!

Biggest hiking advice: invest in some good trekking poles. They give your arms a great workout and help with stability on rocky terrain.

Pond Sailing in South Lake Union

2013-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that for a mere five dollars you can have hours of fun at the Lake Union Park pond sailing an adorable little sailboat through The Center for Wooden Boats? I had no idea about this until we happened upon the pond the other day. You can make it a cheap date or a family affair, either way it is certain to be a crowd pleaser.

Center for Wooden Boats

Me and my ham..... I mean my love!

Herbs for sale at the floating market.

Farm to Table Dinner with Matt Dillon

2013-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

After months of stellar weather, rain threatened the forecast on the day of our Farm to Table dinner. We were reassured via email, regardless of weather the dinner would go on as planned. As we arrived at Stuart Landing Farms we were invited to partake in a beverage and hors d'oeurves while we awaited our farm tour. Once on our farm tour we learned how the farmers are allowing their crops to go to seed and overwinter so they can then collect the seeds and redistribute them or create an even hardier crop in the subsequent years. The whole idea of becoming a farmer in this day and age of modern conveniences and fast food fascinates me. There is nothing quite like a fresh picked tomato, lettuce or berries. I was inspired by these men who are working with nature and not against it.

I have never attended a Farm to Table dinner before, but I was expecting the connection between the farm and our meal to be greater. I was expecting to see the same food on my plate growing in the ground nearby. Although I thoroughly enjoyed myself, the farm acted more as a venue than the source of our food.

Have you ever been to a Farm to Table dinner? What was your experience like?

Enjoying the welcome reception and hors d'oeurves before the farm tour.

An old mattress acting as a drying rack for sunflowers.

Flowers dotted the landscape everywhere.

Just a few of the varieties of tomatoes growing.

Stuart Landing Farms

Our chef for the night, Matt Dillon, working the grill.

The menu and place setting. I loved the blue Ball jars with flowers.

The first course

Harvest time

Vine ripe tomatoes

Attire was "farm fancy" this was our interpretation.

Prep work by Matt Dillon and sous chef.

A wagon full of blankets in case the air turned chill.

Passing platters of delicious and colorful food.

SLU Burger Competition

2013-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you combine excellent weather, stellar food and great friends? Smiles all around and a good time had by all. This year was the second annual South Lake Union Burger Competition. The competition was fierce with five burgers coming from Top Pot, Sea Star, Whole Foods, Brave Horse and Lunchbox Laboratory.

We were happy to see our friends stopped by.

Even though it was toasty, there was a good size crowd.

Cameron caught with a mouthful. We were able to enjoy our burgers between directing people at the event.

The Brave Horse's Three Alarm Queso Burger.

Here is a recap from last year's competition.

Picking my way through Summer

2013-08-21T05:00:00.001-07:00

This Summer we have been fortunate to spend a ton of time outdoors, in particular berry picking. We have been strawberry picking, raspberry picking, blackberry picking and now blueberry picking. For deliciousness factor my favorite berries to pick are raspberries, but I also appreciate the thoughtfulness of blackberries to be free and plentiful and the ease in which clusters of blueberries fall off the branches. Basically, I love all berries for different reasons.

What are your favorite berries to pick in the Summer?

Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm

Rows of blueberry bushes

Ripe for the picking

Harvold's is our favorite for strawberries and raspberries, located at 32325 NE 55th Street Carnation, WA 98014. They only accept cash so plan accordingly.

Larsen Lake and Mercer Slough are convenient places in Bellevue to go blueberry picking. Both have produce stands in addition and Mercer Slough accepts credit cards. Bybee Nims located in the shadow of Mt. Si is the most scenic place for blueberry picking, but a tad pricer than the two places in Bellevue.

Here is a comprehensive list of where you can blueberry pick around the state.

Night hiking

2013-08-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Especially during these long days of Summer, we like to make it a habit of hiking after work at least a couple times. As the sun was starting to set behind the mountains we set out on our hike up to Snow Lake. The best part of night hiking is how busy trails often become empty and the evening light is something out of a dream.

Signs of Fall are starting to crop up along the trail.

Wildflowers line the craggy mountainsides.

Day Trip: Port Townsend

2013-08-19T05:00:00.001-07:00

After Youth Conference was over, the youth packed onto the school buses and were homeward bound. Instead of heading home we jumped into our car and drove north from Fort Flagler to Port Townsend. Once we were there I could not get enough of the charming marina, in particular the adorable little yellow boat which was reflecting off the glass like water. One of the reasons we came to Port Townsend was I had read they have the best pizza in all of Washington. Being the pizza connoisseurs we are, we came to find out for ourselves.

The pizza place is called Waterfront Pizza, it really is just a hole in the wall with a teeny, tiny restaurant above and a take out place below. It reminded me of something you might find in NYC. Interestingly enough, the secret to their pizza is the sourdough crust. Now I am not ready to say it is the best pizza in Washington, but judging by the line the locals seem to dig it. While I enjoyed a slice of veggie pesto, Cameron stuck with his tried and true pepperoni. It is safe to say I not only out ordered him, but ended up with the bigger of the two slices. After window shopping, strolling the marina, eating our pizza and enjoying the art walk we drove over to Fort Worden.

Lighthouse at Fort Worden

Marrowstone

2013-08-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

One late afternoon during our free time at Youth Conference we drove to the town of Marrowstone, WA, population 800. The clouds hung low, the water was calm and the town had such a great small town feel it made me wonder if I could be happy living in a place like this. One of the most delightful surprises was the general store had a swing on its front porch, oh how I heart swings!

The rain brought all the slugs out, there were hundreds of them in the field.

"The worst day fishing is better than the best day working"

A day in Seattle and where to find me today on the web

2013-08-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Today I will be guest posting over at Melinda's Musings about my favorite way to spend a Summer day in Seattle.

And the for the fun of it, here are just a few reasons why I think Seattle is so great:

1. We have access to some of the freshest seafood in the United States both in our own shores and from Alaska.

2. You can leave the city, drive up into the mountains and be surrounded by trees in a mere 30-40 minutes.

3. Water, water everywhere. If you enjoy sailing, kayaking, SUPing, canoeing, or boating there are endless waterways to explore and sights to take in.

4. How many other places can you take a water taxi, or kayak into the city?