[Yet]

Wednesday, May 23rd (Lake Serene, AB Car Troubles, Tazz Comes To The Rescue): I knew it was going to be an interesting day when I woke up and realized I overslept. Of course this meant my son overslept, too, (and missed his bus) since apparently I am his alarm clock. My hopes for a quiet morning of getting ready flew out the window. But this is what mothers do; they go with the flow. It was not a quiet morning, but I still managed to pack everything I needed, get my son to school, and get coffee – you know, the important things in life. The farther away I drove from home and work (one and the same for me), the bigger my smile got. Throw in some sunshine, the beautiful Highway 2 (non)traffic, and the thought of seeing ActionBetty (AB) soon made me giddy. Listening to Madonna’s Borderline nearly sent me over the edge! Woohoo! It was going to be a wonderful day! I got to the trailhead with plenty of time to fill out the register and get ready before AB arrived. The poor thing had been driving for 4+ hours with Mr. Big and Ms. Poo cooped up in the car all that time. We took our time saying hello and gearing up. Some of us took our time saying hello to other dogs and and their humans.

AB and I jokingly called this hike a pre-NAB, since it is the TNAB destination the following day. Of note to those who will be hiking there tonight; the trail is completely snow-free! Only a couple of blow-downs which we had no trouble getting around. Well, except for this one huge tree; which I was not able to conquer (the first time) despite AB's excited screams of "Grab me! Grab me!" I tried, but failed. Unable to get on top, I got on my knees instead and crawled under. This trail is certainly not lacking in stairs and bridges!

I attempted some flower pics, trying to be like Quark and failing miserably. So we had to do the side trip to Bridal Veil Falls just so I can post these pics instead.

More falls along the way!

AB and I were very good girls. And what do good girls get? Views!

What else do good girls get? Tiaras and leis! Maybe for the next trip. We hung out at the lake for quite a bit - no rush, no hurries, no worries. Mr. Big and Ms. Poo loved playing in the partially frozen lake (or partially thawed out - depends on if you see the glass half full or half empty).

The hike back was just as pleasant and leisurely. Occasionally we would meet other hikers, some of them with shirts on, some without. No pics, though. Besides I really wasn't paying close enough attention to notice if they had shirts on or not. (Just say no to chesticles!) Getting back to the trailhead did not mean the day was over for us. We know how to pamper ourselves after all that hard work.

Thank you AB for driving such a long way to meet me. I had a wonderful time enjoying the outdoors in the company of a very good friend. Looking forward to our next adventure.

[wildernessed]

A nice destination, AB called me from wherever you guys had your posthike gorge . Her SUV wouldn't start, so our trip for today was cancelled. The bue skies hurt my eyes . I think she was rebuilding the engine in the parking lot.

[GeoTom]

Looks like fun. That trail is always crowded when we go, but we go back every April anyway. Any leftovers from the meal?

[Yet]

wildernessed, oh no! I sure hope she made it out okay. Silly girl, why didn't she call me? I'll give her a ring.

[Tazz]

It is the starter in her rig. I couldn't leave the girl on the side of the road to sleep in her truck. So I drove up after climbing and hooked her up in a hotel and we hung out all night. She will try to get it fixed today.

[wildernessed]

STONERS !

[Criminal]

[ActionBetty]

Im alive! ....Camping out at yets till the car is fixed..I seriously feel like trading it in at the moment. Thanks Yet for coming and getting me...LIFESAVER!! and huge thanks to Tazz for saving me from mass destruction last night..I owe ya sister Will post some pics and add to the TR when I decide to go back home.. hubby better start working on that dog house

[silly_traveler]

Dang! Sounds like a fun trip! Nice TR and pictures Is that phad thai I see in the picture? Hmmm.... looks yummy

[Yet]

Thanks Silly! Yes, that is tofu phad thai. It was good, but I've had better.

[ree]

Glad you ladies had fun!! Car trouble sucks!

[Yet]

Who knew that this one-day adventure would stretch out to 3 days? AB just left for home. I've been blessed with her company since Wednesday. I'm such a lucky girl. Thursday, May 24th (Yet Adopts AB, TNAB, The Rock): Once I found out that she was stuck in Monroe (thanks, Rob!), I came and got the girl. Fed her pancakes, after which she snoozed on the couch. That evening, we went back to Lake Serene with TNAB. Yes, we are silly. Details on that trip here, and here some photos from the post hike fun at The Rock.

The Rock

Friday, May 25th (Breakfast, Screen Door Episode, AB Goes Home): Leisurely breakfast at Patty's Eggnest in Mukilteo. Delicious food, friendly service! This morning's adventures included Mr. Big knocking out my screen door, AB frantically trying to fix it, and Mark finally lending a hand once he was able to stop laughing hysterically.

Three days with this girl and I think I am only beginning to appreciate what the "Action" in ActionBetty really means.

[Yana]

[wildernessed]

Glad she got that taken care of, unfortunately her husband will probably take the brunt of her wrath for not forseeing this mechanical failure, even though it looks like she had a mini respite.

[Randy]

Awesome. Love the story and pictures!