I both dayhike and backpack. I generally prefer to explore new trails, but do have a few to which I've returned for various reasons. I've hiked Mailbox Peak several times, for example, before the new trail even opened. My favorite time was 4th of July (2013) as the summit area was entirely in bloom with Indian Paintbrush ("red"), beargrass ("white") and lupine ("blue"). I've repeated several others along I-90 for various reasons including Kamikaze Falls, Snow Lake, Rattlesnake Ledge, Tiger Mountain, Gold Pond, and Twin Falls. I've hiked Twin Falls a few times, as it's a lovely and doably short and not too strenuous trail for my kiddos with big payoff waterfalls and shady. Twin Falls was excellent in the wintry months (February 2011, when my kids were 7 and 9) but also in the Spring and Summer months (April 2015, when my kids were 11 and 13.) I've also repeated: Mt. Pilchuck, without baby on icy trail, then with baby on a late summer afternoon when the huckleberries were amazing; Lake Valhalla, as a day hike then overnight with baby; Colchuck Lake with t(w)eenagers and another family just as a day hike, then as a day hike with baby from base camp at Lake Stuart; and some local spots like Yost Park, Pine Ridge Park, South Snohomish County Park, Meadowdale Beach County Park, Boeing Creek Park, Shoreview Park, Japanese Gulch, Carkeek Park, Discovery Park, Seward Park, Ardmore and Tam O'Shanter Trails, and Weona Park. I am sure there are more, but this gives a good list. I generally post trip reports from hikes I've done with my kids. I am rather passionate about getting kids into the great outdoors and letting them explore and learn about both their natural world around them as well as their personal spiritual, mental, and physical worlds. More about just me: I am adventurous. And ambitious. Strong-willed. Independent. A true Capricorn. I like to be outside. I like to be active. I run, bike, swim, hike, kayak, ski (all kinds), snowshoe, sail, travel, garden, read, work on my house and yard, and cook. I also have enjoyed SCUBA diving and rock climbing, but in a now far distant past that I affectionately refer to as my former life (aka, young / single / childless / minimal adult responsibilities and financially free). Often times my inside days involve plotting or daydreaming about my next adventure. I like to build snow forts, host sleepovers, explore science in nature, and take epic weekend trips with my kids. I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate. I enjoy coffee, tea, wine, and beer. My best days start with a run or bike ride or hike outside in the cool Seattle mist. Bliss ensues if sipping cappuccino while soaking in the hot tub follows (or sleeping under the stars in the middle of nowhere!) Music, a cozy fireplace, and a good book make me pretty happy, too. I am especially fond of enjoying a good book from the warmth of my sleeping bag inside a tent under the Northwest sky, after a solid day of hiking. Epic adventures are what inspire my otherwise life. I am very passionate about exploring - and taking care of - the natural world around me. I often refer to myself as a not-so-closet hippy. I aim to imbue my children with similar ideals.