Mt. Rainier, a defining symbol of the Pacific Northwest

It is sixty miles from Seattle, closer yet to Tacoma and is the prominent feature on the horizon of this part of the State of Washington. Mount Rainier, also known as Tahoma, is an active volcano in the Cascade Range.

I took this pic from the highway near SeaTac Airport

Mt. Rainier is believed to have had some minor eruptions between 1820 and 1854, but these might have been merely rockslides or ash and pumice falls. Geologists think the most recent major eruption was in 1450 AD/CE.

Another view of Mt. Rainer (courtesy Alaska Airlines)

Mt. Rainier is 14,400 feet high and is is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous lower 48.  The threat of eruptions is real, and evacuation drills are in place for the immediate vicinity. The biggest threat is from lahars, volcanic mudflows that form when the glaciers melt. These volcano spawned mud slides destroy anything in their path.

A portion of the Quinault National Recreation Trail System

Part of the Olympic National Forest includes some interesting hiking trails designated the Quinault National Recreation Trail System. We turned off of Highway 101 and hit the South Shore Drive near Lake Quinault. We came across this information sign and decided to stop.

Easy walking on the gravel trail

The look of a Pacific Northwest rain forest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New growth on top of a very old stump

Ferns and other ground cover

Delicately curled fern leaves

 

 

 

 

 

 

The forest on the portion of the trail we walked was tagged a rain forest and had some amazing vegetation. The trail itself was an easy to traverse with a firm gravel base. We spent a good hour on this section of the trail appreciating the thick dense foliage including massive trees and delicate leaves.  “Nature at its awesome best” is a perfect description of this Forest.

Edmonds Washington Salish Sea Brewery and Taproom

After our ferry ride from Kingston to Edmonds, Washington we wanted to grab a bite to eat. After a short ride around the streets of the coast town, we spotted a busy and interesting establishment, The Salish Sea Brewery & Taproom.

We were very pleased with the ambiance of this pub. The service was quick and responsive. The menu was filled with selections that would satisfy any craving. We all enjoyed our meals, and it is easy for us to recommend this establishment for dining and drinking in Edmonds.

House Specialty “Driftwood Bread Sticks”

Fish and Chips

Soup and sandwich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edmonds is about 15 miles north of Seattle with a waterfront that faces west across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains. Whether you arrive by ferry or by car, this Seattle suburb is worth a visit.

Haunted Oxford Saloon

Of course we can’t be in Seattle without visiting the quaint little town of Snohomish. In Snohomish we find our favorite tavern The Oxford Saloon. It’s a haunted neighborhood bar, although everybody doesn’t know our names, everyone is so friendly we feel like they do.

The mannequin on the swing is depicting a lady who is said to haunt the saloon
This staircase is said to have the ghost of a man who was shot there.

They have live music in the evening.

Very entertaining

We like the food. We got appetizers on this visit but they have a full menu.

Loaded nachos
Onion rings
Pretzel bites with cheese dip
Blackberry gin smash, one of their specialty drinks and my favorite.

A great place to visit if you’re in the area. Tell them the Hoosier couple sent you.

Vegas Fun – 2025

We had a blast in Las Vegas! It was the first time either of us had been there.

We stayed at New York New York

We had a nice room, very clean and nicely decorated. A nice view from the window. We could see some of the roof top roller coaster. Lots of people were riding it and seemed to be having fun. Too scary for me and Maj.

Looking out the window.

We played some of the slot machines. We would win then lose. Had fun, but no big jackpot wins.

Frankenstein slot machine
Delicious food
The Hershey Shop

So many flavors of M&M’s. We didn’t buy candy because we couldn’t decide what we wanted. I did get a Reeces peanut butter milkshake, which was so good. It even had a real peanut butter cup in it. Maj and I got a baseball cap there.

Sites as we’re walking around.

I said walking around but really it was scootering around. Both of us have trouble walking long distances so we rented scooters. It was very easy getting around with them.

One of the highlights was seeing a Penn & Teller show. They are fantastic.

We had a fantastic time, our trip was full of laughs. And, the people were all so helpful and friendly.

Good eats in Madison Indiana at the Off Broadway Taproom

We looked this place up the day before we went on our day trip to Madison. We had several places on our list, including a place to eat. We found the Off Broadway Taproom downtown on Main Street not far from the Courthouse.

You have to look for the sign above the entrance foyer

The entrance door in the set back foyer

The menu listed on the website promised quite a large and varied list of culinary delights. Sher ordered and enjoyed the vegetarian Avocado Caprese:  Mozzarella, Avacado, Tomato, Basal oil, and Balsamic Glaze on a Ciabatta Bun

Sher’s Avocado Caprese

Maj’s Philly Cheesesteak

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maj loved the Philly Cheesesteak with Shaved Ribeye, Sautéed Peppers and Onions, Provolone, Horsey Sauce and a Hoagie Bun.  We also ordered Soft Pretzels with House Beer Cheese and Sweet and Spicy Mustard. Both sandwiches came with fresh made potato chips.

Plenty of brews on tap

We enjoyed having lunch at the Off Broadway Taproom. The atmosphere is friendly, the service was excellent and the food was great. We both agreed that this is a pub to return too. We definitely recommend the self labeled “Madison’s Living Room”. That tag fits.

Strawberry Blush at Lanthier Winery

We enjoy going to wine tastings, especially when one of our sons, who doesn’t drink, drives us. Then Maj and I can both sample the wines.

We went to visit Lanthier Winery and Distillery, in Madison, IN. They have beautiful gardens which I wanted to see and to do a wine tasting.

Maj and I had tasted some and were deciding which we wanted.

Then. . .the sommelier brought out a bottle

Strawberry Blush

It is delicious!! Maj and I like sweet wines that we pair with cheese and crackers. This wine is perfect for us. The label says “a far away feeling, close enough to taste”. Strawberry Blush is one we came home with. One I’m sure we’ll be back for.

The gardens were beautiful even after the Ohio River flooding.

Pretty tulips
Pretty yard decor