uhhhh...where did Mount Rainier go?

Since this is my third blog posting about Mount Rainier, I have realized I am definitely a Rainier Enthusiast. Since I have an annual pass to the National Park, it is definitely one of the destinations I enjoy taking visitors to when they come and see me. Therefore, since my dad is visiting me, I thought he would thoroughly enjoy this majestic mountain.

We left early on Sunday morning and it was cloudy in Seattle and we couldn't see Mount Rainier (which to anyone else that might have meant that there would be poor visibility and to not go), but me, trying on the new pants of being an optimist (I still think my pessimistic pants fit better), I thought it would be crystal clear by the time we arrived to the mountain; since it is a well known fact how quickly the weather changes in Washington. This fact is very true, but the weather changed for the worse.

About five miles before the Paradise National Park Entrance, it was evident that we were probably not going to be able to see the mountain when we got to the Paradise Visitor Center. However, what I didn't count on was the thick fog that would be surrounding us while we drove around twisty roads to 5500 ft elevation. I know for a fact my dad's blood pressure was high during that entire drive; it wasn't just the nonverbal signs (holding onto things in the car and the cringing) but also the verbal signs "Shaida, slow down!" Additionally, after September 4th (right after Labor Day) all of the roads past Paradise are closed so plan your trip accordingly.

He and I survived the 20 minute drive in the park to Paradise. We step outside of the car and it started to rain.....and we did no have any rain gear. It was at this moment that I realized how useless weather.com is when one is checking the weather for travel plans (weather.com indicated that it would only be partly cloudy with 10% chance for rain). But we were here to hike and to see the scenery; unfortunately, that did not include viewing the mountain because it was covered by fog and more fog. And the icing on the cake was it was around 45 degrees with a constant cold breeze.

We hiked for about an hour and then between the rain and my dad not being accustomed to hiking it was time to get somewhere warm and dry, my car. Overall, we got to see some chipmunks, a deer, and different kinds of birds for wildlife sightings. My dad enjoyed just walking in nature (he is use to walking on a track back in Missouri), and was okay with not seeing the mountain; but I was definitely disappointed that missed out of seeing the mountain up close.

I was definitely spoiled my first two trips to the mountain, warm weather and great visibility. However, I got to see a different side of Mount Rainier. During our drive back through the park it began snowing. Yep snowing in September. Therefore, I think it is implied when I state that I was happy to once again see my beloved Seattle Skyline welcoming me home with 65 degree weather with just a slight overcast.

This is where Mount Rainier is at but the fog was too overwhelming to see anything :(

At Myrtle Falls

On the Skyline trail to go and see Myrtle Falls

Enjoying the hike

The wildflowers were still in bloom

Almost done with our hike

A stroll through the trees

The view of Sculpture Park upon our return from the mountain