Hiking with the Family

Hiking is the newest adventure we at the Miller house like to do each weekend. Often times it is Kevin and I and every other weekend we bring Trenton along with us. Most of this month has been busy and I have spent every weekend out in Graham visiting with family from out of town. Last weekend, my sister and her family, my mom and dad, and Brian and Andrada all came out to our house in Woodinville for dinner and a slumber party. My parents, Christi and the kids all left early on Sunday morning to go watch Dave in his Iron Man competition. Brian and Andrada decided to hang out with us and go on a short hike.


We decided to hike Twin Falls and show them the waterfalls. There is one part of the hike where you can go down by the water and climb on the rocks to get a really close view of the waterfall. The hike is only 2 miles and is a relatively short hike, compared to a few we have been on before. There are only a few areas that make you lose your breath up the hills, but it’s a great hike for kids and if you like waterfalls.



It is always fun to get out of the house and get a bit of a workout. We have gone on many hikes around the area and enjoy trying out new areas. A few weeks ago we went out to Cougar Mountain, the Licorice Fern trail. This was an interesting hike because the entrance is right next to someone’s house. There were barely any people on the hike because it is tricky to find. There are a few large hills, but nothing really difficult. Somewhere along the trail is a waterfall, but we failed to find it.


This weekend we have Trenton and who knows where we will end up?

Rattlesnake Ridge Hike

It’s getting nice outside and the urge to be one with nature is strong. I’m not one of those girls who likes to lay out in the sun doing nothing. I’m becoming more and more adventurous and looking to get out and be more active. If nothing else a good hike feels good, whether you feel beat up at the end or not.

Last weekend, May 9th, Kevin, Phil (our newest roommate), and I went on a day hike to Rattlesnake Ridge. We got off to a late start due to other work conflicts and stuff in the morning. I packed us up some lunch, sandwiches, apples, carrots, and almonds. Then we took off, arriving at the trail about 1pm.



The hike was pretty nice, the first half hour or so is relatively easy, just a slight incline with plenty of flat ground to recharge. As we got closer to the top, the incline increased rapidly and I found myself huffing and puffing a bit. Keep in mind that I am out of shape, which is part of the reason for hiking in the first place.



After struggling for the second half of the hike, we made it to the top. I might have been the only one really struggling, but I powered through it and made it to the top.



The view was absolutely gorgeous from the top. I got as close to the edge as I could without freaking out, I have a small fear of heights.





The hike was good for me. Once we got to the top, I had such a great feeling of accomplishment and it felt really good.

Guns and Hiking

Anyone who knows me, knows I love adventure and trying new things. I was shy when I was younger and never really tried things because I was scared. Now, I want to do everything and see everything and I'll try almost anything at least once.

Yesterday, Martin (Kev's roommate), went to the Gun show at the Puyallup Fair and bought himself a nice .45. Kev decided we needed to break his gun in down at the shooting range. I had never been to a shooting range, nor have I ever shot a gun. So, we loaded up and went to Redmond and the shooting range and it was quite an experience. The boys had a really good time, we went through 2 boxes of ammo. By we, I mean the boys. I shot the gun twice. The first time Kevin held the gun with me, to show me how it was done and to show me that you have to hold it tight because of the recoil. Then I shot it solo, it was loud and the recoil pulls the gun up. It was only a little scary, it would have been more scary had Kevin not helped me the first time. He is a good teacher. I only took two shots and then I gave it back to the boys. They were way more into it and I didn't want to take their joy away. I had a good time, it was a fun, new experience. They told me next time they will bring the smaller .22 for me to use as it is lighter and would be easier for me to handle.

Today, Kevin and I decided we needed to get out of the house for awhile and get some fresh air. We wanted to take a hike somewhere and Martin suggested we go to Rattlesnake Ridge in the Central Cascades. We drove out there, it took about 30-45 mins, and went to Rattlesnake Lake. The lake was absolutely gorgeous and surprisingly peaceful, not many people were out there when we first got there. We walked out by the lake for a bit and then found the hiking trail. We made it about half-way up, then my knee started acting up and Kev's hip was hurting him. I know we are such an old, broken, couple...its cute. We came back down before getting to the top, but we did at least a good two miles or so. It was very refreshing and we talked about a lot of stuff. Then, we walked along the river again for awhile, climbed on some rocks and talked some more. I was really thirsty from the walk, so I drank so water from the lake..it was really good tasting. After that, we headed home, making a pit stop in North Bend for some food and gas.



Overall, the weekend has been good. I got to get outside a little and spend some quality time with the boyfriend. Each time we hang out, we get to know a little more about each other. We have really good communication which leads to a really good relationship.