Cmbtvet wrote:
beautiful set, what side of Mt. Rainer? east or west? I was stationed at Ft. Lewis and would go up there on weekends from the west side I think its in a town called Longmire it takes you up to Paradise and there's a seasonal hotel up there, beautiful country, nice trails along a creek which has a nice waterfall cougar falls I think its called
These are all from Paradise. It was such a beautiful day we went around to Sunrise on the East side in the Afternoon. By the time we got there the light was harsh, but it was a completely different view and equally gorgeous! Here are a few from Sunrise.
Glad you all enjoyed them. Nothing like being there! These were shot with Nikon D90, 18-55 kit lens and a cheap Tiffen polarizer. Very little pp, whatever ViewNX-i offers.
My Wife & I took advantage of the spectacular weather last week and spent a day on Mt. Rainier. It was our first time up there and it was stunning! The wildflowers had mostly expired but those that were left were alive with bees & butterflies. Highly recommended!!
Nice shot, but I think it's a juvenile Cooper's. :) Always plenty of debate on identifying the two. Rounded tail. Legs are hard to see but appear to be too stout for Sharpie. Head shape and eye just say Cooper's to me.
Looks like a phidippus genus jumping spider.
"Unless you want it to be a lesson in broken humanity, I would NOT make it part of any vacation."
No doubt there is a problem, but this is ridiculous.
Seattle itself is worth at least one day. Pike st. market is a must and I'd recommend a trip up the Columbia Tower, the highest viewpoint in the City.
https://www.skyviewobservatory.com/Then take either the Bremerton,Bainbridge, or Kingston ferry(whichever you're nearer) across to the Kitsap Peninsula. From there make your way North stopping along the way where time permits. Poulsbo is a quaint little town on the water with lots of good eateries. A drive out to Point no Point lighthouse will offer views of Seattle & Mt. Rainier across the water on a clear day. Cross the Hood canal bridge, check out Port Gamble first if you have time, and I like to take the first right after the bridge and meander my way through Port Ludlow to Marrowstone Island and Fort Flagler. It's a bit of a detour but beautiful views across the water, better than Point no Point. From there you can decide to either explore the Peninsula to the West, or take the Port Townsend ferry to coupeville on Whidbey Island. To the West I'd recommend the Dundeness Spit in Sequim and farther out the beach at La Push is lovely. If you choose to continue across Whidbey You'll come to Deception Pass, a definite photo op. If time permits,(doubtful) head to Anacortes and take the ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. FridayHarbor itself is a bit of a tourist trap but if you have a car the island beautiful and a nice day trip to circumvent. The ferries offer the best views and I'd recommend as many as possible if the weather is nice. So there are a few ideas. Enjoy!
More likely a Say's Phoebe.
Consider raft/dory trip down the New River. I guided there 40 years ago and it's a great trip. Fall usually means low water and a slow, easy trip with no life threatening rapids. :) Get off of hwy 61 at Glen Jean and have a look around. It's been a long time but I know they cleaned it up and designated it a historical site. That's where the company I worked for, New River Dories, was stationed. You can follow 25 down to the put in in Thurmond, another historical site and the shooting location for the movie Matewan. Most companies put in here and take out just below the gorge bridge. This offers great views of the bridge from below. Writing this brings back some special memories! Have fun!
If you're going to Deception Pass you could continue through Whidbey Island to Coupeville. Take the 25 min ferry ride across to Port Townsend(do make reservations for this ferry). Port Townsend is a lovely little town, a ride out to Fort Worden from there is worth your time. From P.T. you can choose to go North to Sequim & the Dungeness Nat. Refuge, Port Angelis. If you want to spend the time you can drive around the entirety of the Olympic Peninsula and end up at Ocean Shores/Westport. Lapush is a beautiful rocky beach along the way and there are cabins there to stay. From Port Townsend you can also choose to go South, across the Hood Canal floating bridge to the Kitsap Peninsula. Fort Flagler is worth a stop along this route, as is Poulsbo. Make your way to Bremerton and take the ferry across to Seattle or continue driving South to Tacoma, Olympia. These are just a few things off the top of my head. As another poster said, you're going to need more weeks. :) Enjoy!
Don't let it scare you, there are many options from local guides to airbnbs, to high priced eco-resorts. Google Bosque del Cabo. I prefer to make my way to Puerto Jimenez, rent a car, and explore on my own. Just driving leisurely from Puerto Jimenez to Carate, the edge of the park, is an adventure. You never know what you'll see! There is also access from the North that I have not explored yet.
If I had 10 days in Costa Rica, and I have in the past, I would immediately hop a small plane to somewhere on the Osa.
They can't "ramp up the power" of the x-ray machine. Doesn't work that way. A lead bag will not be transparent on the screen and will be pulled for further screening.
TSA agents are humans, there are good & not so good. They are not allowed to ignore the rules. If you are ever denied a hand check, or any other courtesy, ask to speak with a supervisor. The only downside of a hand check is that if the ETD machine alarms, and there are many false positives, you will have to go through further screening. Likely a pat down. I worked for them for three years.