[Hikingqueen]

Today was first day of hike-a-thon, I've raised almost $750 (my second goal) YES! Thanks to those whom helped me out, very rewarding raising money for our trails! There's still time if you are interested..I'll put a link at the bottom. Here's what my pack looked like and i even had cards to hand out to people that seemed interested or that might donate...

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There were 2 groups of friends today Nancy, John & Jane car #1, car #2 which was a bit late but we caught up by frozen lake Deb (WTA poster girl), her daughter, Michelle and myself.

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Beautiful day at Sunrise, weather was nice, good breeze. There were 3 patches of lingering snow to cross going up to 1st burroug's from frozen lake approach. I found them all pretty easy compared to past years. But it's always a comfort level thing. We got to 2nd burrough's and Nancy busted out a crown! OMG I'm so excited to have a crown, i posed for a few shots..

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Then Deb pose by her pic

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Then we moved on and upward

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Had a nice lunch where Nancy surpised me again! With an early present at 3rd burrough's - this is a shocker but i suck at navigation and rely on her ALOT, so it was a compass and map of rainier! I will use it tomorrow! The chocolate was great too! Thank you NANCY! More summit shots

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that's Deb! Famous model

someone in our group is nappin

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Then 2 nice glissades

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Then we come across these folks who are about to get a photo shoot on, and need our help and then we get our turn...this was so COOL!

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check out this set up, you don't see this everyday!

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Turns out Nancy knew them from mountaineers, small world!

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me and my new crown

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loving life! Our little movie star moment on the mountain

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Back down

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We decided to look for bears around shadow lake...

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not far after lake going up trail around the corner... this guy was scratching...then eating and then just not really caring we were there..OMG best encounter, Heaven I tell you!

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Yogi with sunrays in his eyes, MRNP

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Amazing day in the park, one of the best, i feel so lucky! I'm still on my bear high as i pack to go back to the park tomorrow...stay tuned for more TR's to come... Here's the link to hike-a-thon sponorship http://www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1468&AID=2065&PID=298286

[silence]

YOU REALLY ARE A BEAR MAGNET!!!

[The Angry Hiker]

But did you see any bears?

[Snorting Elk]

Hey Queenie, I am one of your "donors" to WTA's 2012 hikathon. I work 60-80 hour weeks right now and wish I could devote the time to do Hikathon myself, but thought you were a worthy person to contribute to and I can live through your amazing photograhy! (I am getting a quick trip in this weekend - 3 days in the Mt Margaret back country though) I agree you are a bear, marmot, pika, deer, elk (and other small creatures of the forest) magnet. Do you wear some type of honey or other food perfume? haha Todd

[Hikingqueen]

Todd, Thank you so much! Enjoy your trip, i will look for TR, and no special scent but my sweat from hiking so much! Maybe the animals like that...I truly feel lucky to see what I do.

[Dani]

Awesome. Thank you for posting. I will have to get up there soon.

[Slugman]

Your reports and pictures always make me smile.

[jcocci]

Wow, great bear shots. You sure do have the luck with the bears.

[Ingunn]

Your best bear pics yet, Queen!

[the Zachster]

Every Queen must have her crown! It WAS a great day! Fun pics too. That whole photo shoot thing was just too funny. They look like the people were photoshopped in. I really like your photo #058. It really captures the essence and experience of Third Burroughs. And the bear. Oh my gosh. The cutest thing! So glad you had so much time to watch and shoot. I think he was tired of the paparazzi by the time I got there! I'll add some photos tomorrow. Looking forward to your next Rainier report.

[Hiker Mama]

Wow, another bear! I need to go with you sometime! You and your friends are too funny. But lovely photos. I look forward to watching your hikes this month.

[HitTheTrail]

Be careful, you may become as dedicated to a cause as Hulk! Nice looking pack, in Wenatchee they hang hundreds of bras on the Columbia River bridge to boost awareness (breast cancer I think). Sweet bear shots.

[the Zachster]

Here are some more photos from a fantastic day at the Park. Great weather. Great views. Great friends. First of all, Hail to the Queen!!!

I'm not sure panhandling is legal in the Park but it sure was fun to watch her work the crowds...

Shots along the way...

Third Burroughs views

Flora and fauna

The photo shoot...

Heading home

[bobbi]

i am queen struck.....awesome! what great photos of the bear! you ROCK! i hope the hikers you encountered along the trail know that you are the hikingqueen and that they should be so honored to be in your presence!!

[Hikingqueen]

Nancy, LOVE your additions! What a great day that was!