Mount Rainier: Round 2

So I had such an amazing time that I couldn't wait to go back to Mt. Rainier; I returned back to the mountain a mere four days after my first trip. I had some friends visiting from the midwest and the mountain was on their list of things to see. I now had the mindset that I was a pro in hiking (I am a very humble individual) and shared my experience with them so the only surprise on the trip would be the breathtaking views.

Thankfully, all the highways were open, so it only took us about 90 minutes to arrive to Paradise. We went on a Thursday, early in the morning (we left Seattle at 5:30am) so we were able to park at the Paradise Visitor Center; which was absolutely great not having to ride the shuttle.

We ended up doing a mini version of the hike I did before, and then we drove to Reflection Lake. Then we drove to Crystal Mountain to ride the gondolas. We encountered a lot of road construction on the way. After driving through all the road construction, we needed to find a gas station pronto. We then ate at the most delicious little diner called Peter's Inn Restaurant in Packwood, WA, I definitely recommend ordering anything with hash browns.

At Crystal Mountain they have ski lifts and gondolas, and the gondolas take you to about 7000 ft of elevation and you have a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier and additional mountain peaks and ranges. I particularly remember Mount Unicorn being visible. At 7000 ft elevation there is a gift shop, two restaurants and comfy lawn chairs to sit on. One gondola ticket is good for a round trip.

Crystal Mountain has an array of trails from easy-strenuous; however, we did not participate in any. From Crystal Mountain to Seattle was about another 90 minute drive. It was nice to see the Seattle skyline when returning. I do enjoy spending time away from my beloved city but I am always more than happy to return to its embrace and cell reception.

At approximately 7000 ft elevation, Mt. Rainier in the background

On a gondola and going up the mountain

The gondolas at Crystal Mountain

Mount Rainier Wisdoms

Have you ever gone on a trip and wished someone had shared with you the "sparknotes" version of what to expect; well, I recently had one of those experiences. The kind of experience that mades me noticed similarities that happened on my trip to that of the TV show, Gilligan's Island.

On my Seattle Bucket List, I had visit Mt. Rainier; so a friend and I embarked on the journey to the mountain. Typically this road trip would take approximately 1.5 hours but because we were such "lucky" travelers it took us almost four hours. The increase in time is due to the fact that we were traveling on the one weekend of the year where two of our needed highways were going to be closed. Therefore, we embarked on the journey of follow the orange DETOUR signs.

Once we got to Paradise Visitor Center we were definitely excited to get our hiking on. Now this is the important tidbit of information to realize: this was the first time either one of us had ever hiked anything besides a hill (one of us was from the midwest and the other one from Florida). Therefore, the following information can be classified as "Mount Rainier Hiking for Dummies."

Mount Rainier Hiking for Dummies:

1. Check the highways/interstates for closures (especially if you are going in the winter time) for your planned route to Mt. Rainier.
2. You are required to carry chains for your tires November 1st- May 1st when entering Mt. Rainier National Park.
3. Fill up on gas before you enter the park because if you are are near empty you will be scrambling to find a gas station. The nearest station at anyplace in the park will probably be 30-40 miles away from you and it will be expensive. 
4. You will not have cell reception once you enter the park; therefore, take the necessary medication to deal with your technology separation disorder.
5. It costs $15 for a one-day pass for entry to Mt. Rainier. Keep your receipt that the Ranger Station gives you and can come and go from park as you please. If you plan of visiting multiple times throughout the year, purchase the annual pass which is $30.
6. The map the Ranger Station gives you upon entry sucks. There's no eloquent way stating that; you must ask specifically for other maps of the park and trails. I would recommend visiting http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-of-mount-rainier.htm to explore the different trails that are available and the level of difficulty before your visit so you will know what map to ask for from the Rangers.
7. So you now have your sucky map in hand and then you begin driving to Paradise (or whatever parking lot you are choosing to park) and you may notice the scarcity of signage telling you where to go. Don't feel bad, because we totally felt like we were going the wrong way but it all ended out okay.
8. If you want to be able to park at Paradise Visitor Center parking make sure you arrive early, which we did but did not count on the increased traveling time. If you arrive at the park and the sign indicates that the Paradise Lot is full then you will need to park at an additional lot. I recommend Cougar Rock because there is a free shuttle that comes and picks up from Cougar Rock. The shuttle fills up really quickly, we had to wait for two of them before we were able to get on the shuttle and it stops ever 15-30 minutes.
9. Bring sunscreen. Then remember to put on sunscreen (very important step that I did not do).
10. Bring bug spray. Believe it or not this is not for ticks but rather for the persistent blood-sucking mosquitos that are everywhere (and not just by water). If you forgo this step then you will have red bumps all over your skin in about a day and half, and then about day three you will have unbearable itching. We sadly did not bring bug spray and suffered the consequences.
11. Bring lots of water. Think of how much water you think you should bring and then double  or triple that (depending on if you are a mouth-breather).
12. Bring some snack foods: fruits, granola bars, nuts, jerky, etc. Remember the saltier the food the more water you are going to want/need.
13. Bring a backpack (not a drawstring bag) to carry things in.
14. Wear some old tennis shoes or some hiking boots because you will encounter a variety of terrain: pavement, rocks, dirt, gravel, mud, grass, and snow
15. Prepare yourself for sucky signage on the trails as well. There was a point on our trail that was reflection lake was 1.1 miles and then it was 2.2 miles away and we "thought" we followed the right trail. Then there are paths that split and you have no idea which one you should take; so good luck, you have a 50/50 chance of being right.
16. I had a Mona Lisa comparison upon glancing upon Mt. Rainer from Paradise Visitor Center. Let me explain: From Seattle on a clear day you can see Mt. Rainier and it looks gigantic; however, at the base of the mountain (from Paradise) it didn't seem like it was big enough to be seen all the way in Seattle....hence my Mona Lisa comparison. 
17. If you want to see Reflection Lake you don't have to hike to it, because there is parking available right by the lake. The trail from Reflection Lake back to Paradise is nothing but incline, and even in one stop you come upon a road...do not take the road. You must cross the road to the other side and about 50 feet from the road there is a sign that lets you know that you are back on the right trail (remember sucky signage).
18. Remember when you are hiking to not just look ahead but look behind you as well because the view constantly changes.

Okay so it sounds like I may have been complaining a little in the above list, but truly these are just things I wished I knew; however, they hardly impacted the AMAZING experience I had hiking. I really do not think the pictures really capture the experience I had.

At the base of Mt. Rainier at Paradise Visitor Center

At the base of Mt. Rainier at Paradise Visitor Center

Our hiking adventure on Skyline Trail

Wildflowers were in bloom

One of our highest elevation points on the Skyline Trail looking down on an unknown lake

Reflection Lake: you can see the reflection of the peak of the mountain in the water

Bucket List Accomplishments

It's hard to believe that I have lived in Seattle for 3 months, time really does fly by when you are having fun and the city you live in is just absolutely awesome. This week I was able to cross off three things from my Seattle Bucket List: Riding the Giant Wheel, attending a play at the 5th Avenue Theatre, and visiting the Gum Wall.

Giant Wheel:
This ferris wheel just opened June 29th and has instantly become a Seattle favorite for observing amazing views that rival the space needle and is located at the waterfront. I had my first experience at sunset and I got to see the sun disappear behind the Olympic Mountains. The views were breathtaking and  the experience was unforgettable with friends. I encourage anyone visiting the Seattle area to give the ferris wheel a whirl because you won't be disappointed!

Above picture:After riding the ferris wheel and the sun was set I got to capture this picture from Alaskan Way



This is a picture of the sunsetting 

Gum Wall:
There's no better sticky situation that the Gum Wall located right under Pikes Marketplace. It seems like many people take advantage of getting their iconic picture with the most salvia-covered wall in Seattle and then bypass all the other gems in the alley. I got to have dinner at Alibi Room and had a Greek Pie and it was AMAZING, and it is right across from the wall! Don't forget to have a stick of gum in your purse so you can contribute to the artwork on the wall, and then definitely use hand sanitizer.

In front of one of the walls in the alley

5th Avenue Theatre:
I got to say I may be one of the few people that didn't really care for the movie Rent but I had the expectations that I would love the play....and I did. I mean you cannot watch Rent and be immune to humming "Seasons of Love" for the rest of the night. It was a great night for people watching and the theatre was even more pretty than the Orpheum theatre in Omaha. 

Seattle Bucket List

My Seattle Bucket List: Places I have been, places I want to explore!

·      Chihuly Garden and Glass

·      Kerry Park

·      Museum of Flight

·      Pike Place Market

·      Safeco Field

·      Washington Sate Ferries

·      Green Lake Park

·      Hiram M. Chittenden Locke

·      Seattle Public Library

·      Columbia Center Sky View

·      Giant Wheel

·      University of Washington (Suzzalo Library)

·      Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations Visitor Center

·      Volunteer Park Conservatory

·      Theo Chocolate

·      Woodland Park Zoo

·      Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

·      Seattle Art Museum

·      CenturyLink Field

·      Kubota Garden

·      Washington Park Arboretum

·      Alki Beach

·      Space Needle

·      Burke-Gilman Trial

·      Gas Works Park

·      Golden Gardens Park

·      Waterfall Garden Park

·      Smith Tower

·      Japanese Tea Garden

·      Fremont Troll

·      Lake Washington

·      EMP Museum

·      Fry Art Museum

·      Olympic Sculpture Park

·      Victoria Clipper

·      Lake Union

·      Seattle Aquarium

·      Seattle Center Monorail

·      The Center for Wooden Boats

·      Blake Island State Park

·      Original Starbucks

·      Pacific Science Center

·      Taproot Theater

·      Seattle Asian Art Museum

·      5^th Avenue Theatre

·      The Gum Wall

·      Myrtle Edwards park

·      Seward Park

·      Chinatown International District

·      Tillicum Village

·      Sand Point Magnuson Park

·      Key Arena

·      Occidental Park

·      Edmonds Underwater Park

·      Mount Rainier

·      Museum of Glass

·      Argosy cruises

·      Belvedere Viewpoint

·      Chateau Ste. Michelle

·      Underground Tour

·      Jimmy Hendrix Statue

·      Snowqualie water fall

·      NW African American Museum

·      St. Ignatius Chapel

·      Fishermans Terminal

·      Lenin, statue of Vladimir

·      Otter Falls

·      Fauntleroy Park

·      Golden Gardens Park

·      Kinnear Park

·      Lopez Island Vineyards

·      Madison Park Beach

·      Parsons Gardens

·      Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

·      Ride the Ducks

·      San Juan Safaris

·      Seattle By Foot

·      Tacoma Art Museum

I Like Killing Flies

I love exploring restaurants; it is one of my favorite things to do when I travel or move someplace new. Since moving to Seattle I now have cable for the first time in 7 years, and the only channel I watch is The Food Network channel. I am totally addicted to Drive-in Diners and Dives, and I make a conscious effort to check out the restaurants the host of the show, Guy Fieri, visits when I am traveling someplace new. I just love "Mom and Pop" restaurants, the food has character and so do the owners.

I just recently finished  watching the documentary "I Like Killing Flies." It's about the eccentric, witty, and funny owner (Kenny) of the restaurant, Shopsin's, in Greenwich Village.  Kenny has an interesting perspective in life and how he runs his business. This restaurant looks like a hole in the wall on it's best day; and for a restaurant that you would think anything and anyone is welcomed,  you will be shocked that "restaurant rules" are strictly enforced. Kenny is not above throwing out customers if they do not follow his restaurant rules. A restaurant with so much personality is on the brink of being shut down after 30 years of being opened.  You definitely want to see this documentary on your next rainy day, or the next time your stomach is growling. The movie is available instantly on Netflix.

Play: Leaving Iowa

The set of "Leaving Iowa"

It seems like no matter where you are living, if you look hard enough you can find midwest gems scattered anywhere. I recently found one of those gems, a play that was brought to life in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle's Taproot Theater. I went with a work friend who also grew up in Iowa. The synopsis of the play:

"Remember those family vacations you tried to forget?

Don's memories of family road trips come to life as he travels

cross-country to scatter his father's ashes. Packed with rollicking 

good humor, this celebration of family reminds us that sometimes

the journey is more important than the destination."

The theater is one of those that there isn't a bad seat in the entire theater. There was a simple set that allowed the script and acting to be the stars of the show. When we walked into the theater, the usher handed us our program and indicated that if we wanted to learn more about the state of the Iowa that information was on the wall behind her. We told her that we both are from Iowa; her eyes got so big and said "Really! Wow! That's amazing." It isn't what she said, but HOW she said it. She made it sound like we were some mythical creatures that she didn't know existed....ironic?...YES!

The play incorporated a lot of things from Iowa and neighboring states. Moments included Hy-vee shopping carts, farmers galore, tourist traps, corn, visiting Hannibal Missouri, tractors slowing down traffic, packing snacks, and so much more.

Don (the son) who has moved far away from his family in the Midwest, relives places and sights that he has long forgotten. Through this final road trip (finding the perfect place to spread his father's ashes), Don remembers his father, his family and what was important to all of them. We all have road trips that we cherished and those that we want to forget...but the relationship we have with our fathers are priceless. Therefore, not only was this play hilarious but it allowed me to be nostalgic towards times I have spent in the midwest with my dad.

Outside of the Taproot Theater

Christening My New Kitchen

Herbed Couscous and Crockpot Moroccan Chicken

In May I moved into a new apartment in Seattle. Today I christened my kitchen with a crockpot and a stovetop recipe. I have included the recipes in this posting but wanted to share my day of attempting these two recipes.

• Although I am half middle eastern I cannot cook rice to save my life; therefore, I live on Uncle Ben's 90 second rice. Therefore, today I thought I would attempt to bring pride to my middle eastern family if I could successfully prepare couscous. 
• I was successful  and wanted to share this accomplishment with my dad. Therefore, I called him up and told him I made couscous and below is the conversation with my father:
• Dad: "What is couscous?"
• Shaida: "It's sort of like rice, it goes good with chicken dishes." 
• Dad: "You know what goes good with chicken, rice." 
• Shaida: "Dad, have you not had couscous before? It's really good."
• Dad: "Why would I eat this couscous when I can have rice."
• I wanted to make moroccan chicken because I deeply miss a moroccan restaurant in Omaha that was in my neighborhood. This restaurant is the only thing that Omaha has that Seattle does not offer. Therefore, I felt a little nostalgic, so I got out my crockpot this morning and put all the ingredients in the crockpot. I decided I would leave it cooking and I would go to a park and read.
•  I come back about 4 hours later and excited to try my new recipe, and realize that I didn't plug in the crockpot....such a rookie mistake. 
• Therefore, I plugged it in. About an hour later I came to check on it and it still wasn't cooking. Therefore, I made sure I actually turned it on (after forgetting to plug it in, forgetting to turn it on wasn't too far of a stretch). It was turned on. Therefore, I began thinking maybe my crockpot got damaged in the move; which if it did I would have the proper funeral arrangements prepared for this beloved small kitchen appliance. But then I remembered there is a mystery light switch which I hadn't figured out what it did; therefore, I flipped it and VOLIA my crockpot is alive and well.
• I love cooking with my crockpot because its is nearly impossible for a person to screw up a recipe in a crockpot. Every time I use my crockpot, I am reminded of the amazing food it produces.....if only I can remember to plug it in.

Below are the recipes I used, changes and comments for the recipe are in red.

Herbed Couscous Pilaf

• 1 tsp garlic olive oil (I used one tsp of olive oil and then minced two garlic cloves)
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1/2 cup of whole wheat cousous
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp chicken broth
• Sea salt and freshly crack pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (I used about 1/8 cup)
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped  (I used about 1/8 cup)

Heat the garlic olive oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. Add the couscous and cook stirring often for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, sea salt, and pepper; bring to boil  ( I added the same amounts but there was no boiling because the couscous soaked up the broth almost instantly). Cover, removed from heat, and let stand for 5 minutes (I didn't do this step. I just kept the dish on medium heat and continued stirring often). Add the fresh parsley and chives then fluff with a fork (there was no fluffing of any kind...I just used a spoon for stirring the dish). Taste and add more seasoning if needed. 

The original recipe: http://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2012/03/herbed-couscous-pilaf.html

Crockpot Moroccan Chicken

• 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite size pieces (I only used 2)
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (I used regular paprika)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon mccormick's montreal steak grill seasoning (I used spicy version)
• 1 teaspoon ground tumeric (I love tumeric so I used 1/2 tablespoon)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I used a teaspoon)
• Olive oil (I used a teaspoon)
• 1/2 of a yellow onion
• 1 cup chicken stock (I used fat-free and low sodium)
• 1/2 cup raisin (I had never cooked raisins before so I wasn't sure how I would like them so I only put in a small handful. I wished I had put more in; I absolutely loved them)

Throw everything in the crockpot and cook for 4-10 hours. I cooked on high heat for 4 hours and after 2 hours I stirred the contents because comments left on the original recipe indicated that the chicken was getting too dry. Cooking it my way the chicken was so tender; my fork slid right through it. The original recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/moroccan-chicken-made-on-stove-top-crock-pot-or-tagine-375800