Series of Unfortunate Events

I know I’m just being tested, and I don’t know if the point of this test is to see what I can handle being thrown at me in life or if I’m meant to be a believer.

Today I interrupted an attempted break in of my car. The culprit had smashed in my passenger side window and was crouched behind my car hiding when I walked up. Ok, super inconvenient having my window broken but just plain scary to have that man hiding and waiting as I walked around my car to observe the damage. What would I have done if he was aggressive?!

This is not the first obstacle I have been faced in recent weeks. Even though it seems life is being a little rough with me I know I’m getting a soft blow. Things can always be worse and even with what I’ve been going through I am lucky with what I've experienced.

 

Getting towed

#1. First week of school, my car breaks down on my way home in a soon to be busy intersection. Great. Maybe I just need a jump? Well, there’s no safe way to get a car turned around to jump me (it wasn’t going to be such an easy fix like that anyways). That day I got to meet the friendly Tacoma Sherriff and another police officer who ended up pushing my car up the incline with his patrol vehicle and off into a side street, out of harm’s (and angry driver’s) way. This is my first experience in breaking down, first time to call a tow truck, and first time living away from every person I know. Time to grow up and deal with this. Ok, and call dad for advice. J Ended up needing $2k worth of work. No time to shop around so paid it and now I have a wonderfully running car! Took care of things that needed to be done and now I have a safe car. Positive outcome!

#2. Last weekend I was hanging out at my parents’ house while they are out of town. Relaxing night in just me, my dogs, a movie and a blazing fire. Oh yeah, the fire on the roof too. First experience in a house fire, thank God it was just the roof and wasn’t too bad. What is scary to me is that I was in the basement and the fire started from the fireplace up on the 3^rd floor. Thankfully my movie ended when it did and I decided to go up to bed. I walked into the room and instantly heard crackling noise. “That would be insane if the roof was on fire…nah, that couldn’t happen” is exactly what I thought. Then I looked out the window and all the trees and bushes were glowing brightly from the reflection of the flames. I run downstairs, outside and up the driveway a little and sure enough giant flames are coming out of the house!!! Officially the scariest moment of my life. I had to then run back inside, upstairs to the room in question and get the dogs! I am so grateful for the timing. If I had stayed in the basement I would have never knew the house was on fire until it was already to the second floor! Or unless smoke made it way low enough because I can’t hear a fire detector going off on the third floor from down there. Or if I was already asleep in that room I wouldn’t have heard the crackling warning me of the fire. It would have to already have gone through the roof before I would have known. Then I might have been trapped, having to jump and throw the dogs out the window. I cannot express how lucky I know I was. In firefighter eyes it was an “easy fire” but seeing those huge flames coming out of my house I thought for sure it was burning at least through the first floor. Turns out the damage is minor. Getting a complete new roof and new carpet. Nothing else was really damaged, I am so impressed with how well everything was taken care of! Positive outcome!

 

#3. After class today I walked up to where I’ve parked the last 3 weeks without any problems whatsoever. This time my luck had changed. As I approached my car I noticed that my front passenger side window had been shattered. Awesome! After everything in the last couple weeks (and $2k already fixing my car) the last thing I wanted was to deal with a broken window. That I was ready to deal with, what I wasn’t ready for was the creep hiding behind my car, crouched down and going around the car as I went to the other side. Was he going to attack?? I confronted him and he stood up denying he did it (why did I waste my breath...of course he did!) and ran off down the hill to the other road. Immediately I called 911 (I’m getting pretty good at that) and walked parallel of him so I could tell the dispatcher which way he was going. After all my years working at the credit union I’m grateful for not having to describe a suspect in a robbery, but remembering my training I was able to note specifics of this guy. Unfortunately there was nothing standout-ish about him but I was able to give a pretty good description, in my opinion. I’m sure he is long gone and that is that, but I do hope he decides to turn his life around after this. For all I know he really needed that granola bar or bottle of water in my car, or maybe a woman in his life needed a tampon (for those were the only noticeable things sitting out in my car). Getting a new window tomorrow while I’m in class, and I was able to meet the campus police. They were super friendly and helpful and very attentive as they could tell I was a little shook up after my encounter. I now have their number, know their office location and was also informed of some self-defense classes offered on campus. Positive outcome!

Campus Police helped tape it together

Popped it out anyway to prevent shattering on drive home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I’ve realized that it seems I have been super unlucky and the cards have been dealt against me, but I honestly believe I have been tested and positive things have become of all these events. A safe new car, housework for my parents, and a chance to become familiar with resources that will make me safer at school.

In spite of everything this has been a test of myself. How will I handle these situations? Yes, in each circumstance initially I was scared and overwhelmed but everything turned out all right and in each case no one was hurt. The results of every “bad” thing that has happened to me this past month resulted in a positive outcome. Yes there has been a price to pay for everything, but at what cost will you place your safety….your life?

Never take things for granted. There is always a lesson to be learned and be grateful for everything you get put through. I have a feeling this isn’t the end of my “crazy streak”, but these were all life experiences for me and have made me stronger and I’m ready to tackle the next obstacle put in my path.

Old Trail to Mount Si

Mt Si via the old trail, starting at Little Si TH. 10/26/13



Full Lot

Not letting the lack of company hold me back, I decided to head out to the mountains on my own. I don’t normally hike alone, especially in places I’ve never been before, so I decided on a short popular trail up to Little Si. I was a little skeptical from reading a few recent trip reports of bear sightings in the area, but the full parking lot and other hikers hitting the trail calmed my nerves.

Trail connecting parking lots

I had to park in the separate lot that is connected by a short trail. It was only .2 miles from my car to the TH that took only a few minutes. Started at 11:00.

Not even half a mile up the trail a couple gentleman stopped and chatted with me informing that there is an old trail up to Big Si this way. Great, now I want to go there! I don’t sway from my original plans that I leave behind with loved ones but the promise of breaking out of the clouds into the sun was too tempting to pass up. Here is my problem though, I have the WORST short term memory, and even though the gentlemen explained where to turn and what to look for to me I already forgot once I got onto the Boulder Garden Loop Trail. Maybe this is why I don’t hike alone? Don’t worry, there was no disaster to be had today.

Which way!?

I figure if I don’t find the unmarked turnoff for the old trail I can just do the Boulder Garden loop and then go up Little Si when I return around. As I climbed on the vacant trail it was a little spooky heading into the fog, a bright red headed woodpecker startled me as it noisily flew around the brush in front of me. Eventually I ran into a fellow hiker coming from a dead end while on the loop. Turns out we were both looking for the old Mt Si trail. “Microsoft” from Bothell kindly let me tag along for the journey up. Iffy choice #2….following a complete stranger into the mountains swallowed in fog on trails no one else went. >_< It was all good, the company was nice and I was happy to not be alone. I hope I wasn’t too bothersome though!
 

Between both our GPS’ we followed the old trail, obviously not used often as the trail itself was covered in moss. Although we could see tracks showing people have gone through there recently, maybe this was the way those gentlemen from the beginning went? I’m pretty sure we weren’t on the exact trail we wanted to be, but it was a nice walk and we eventually met up with the right trail. After verifying with some other hikers on their way down if this was the correct path we continued up to Mt Si on the old trail. Finally seeing other hikers alone probably proved we finally made it the right way!

The grade up until now was nice, but now we had to start climbing. Not as tough as Mailbox was a couple weeks ago but still very steep! So glad to have my poles with me this time. It was amazing when we broke through the fog, you could actually see the cloud line through the trees.

 

Leaving the fog behind

The rest of the hike was so sunny and warm, it was like a completely different day. It felt like summer! Just a little ways after you get above the fog we saw hikers on the regular trail, the two paths ran parallel for a bit, but you wouldn’t notice unless you saw hikers on them. Spreading out a bit from the other trail we continued up the old trail until met with the regular trail. Right away you can tell the difference, this trail is more maintained with the obvious trail work with gravel and steps…and a lot more people.

Merging of trails

There were only a handful of hikers on our trail, and in just the ¾ miles the trail was one there were dozens and large groups. This is more like what I was expecting, the crowds. Lots of people resting in the boulders that made up the last stretch of the trail. And what a view….of cloud ocean! We went around to the other side where the true summit (at the benches as some ladies on trail explained) and Haystack is.

You can scramble up Haystack although it looks dangerously high. If some friends decide to come hike with me over here we can try! There was a group at the base of Haystack, looked like they were getting ready to climb it, but soon packed up and headed down the mountain.

Rainier in the distance

Camp robber stalker

Here Microsoft and I went our own way. Thanks for the company! Relaxing in the warm sunshine made it so worth changing plans and coming up to Big Si. The view was surreal, you couldn’t tell there was city below, it was just a vast ocean of clouds with peaks of the surrounding mountains poking through.

Finally checking my GPS I had gone 3.77 miles in 2.21 hours with 1:56 hours moving time and the elevation noted at 3874’.

I hung out for another half hour around the summit, taking pictures from different sides. I couldn’t get enough of this view! I felt so far away from everything up here…besides all the people of course, but with all the nooks and crannies to hang out in it wasn’t like everyone was all sitting together anyways.

Glad to head down the trail on my own, I totally wiped out a couple times. Haha. Just a little scratch on my forearm, no battle wounds. Hitting the fog line at about 2600’ I started regretting being alone (it was creepy!) Not wanting to get lost going back the way we came I just stayed on the main trail, so my time/millage is a little different going back. The trail we came out of was at about 1900’ where it is blocked off with some branches from the main trail (oops). I didn’t pass anyone until I came up to the Boulder Garden Loop again. Two different ladies, both solo, heading up the mountain. I was jealous one lady had her dog with her…I miss Jasmine.  

You can see the fog line!

At 5.09 miles I came to the junction for the Boulder Garden Loop/Mt Si trail. There were two ways to go (three counting the trail I just came down) hmm…which way do I go!? Since it was the loop it didn’t really matter which way I chose, but I was ready to get out of this fog! I went right and headed down the Boulder Garden trail for 2 more miles, according to Garmin, to the trailhead. I stayed behind a family for quite a while until the end, declining their offer to pass not only to keep a nice slower pace….but I admit it was nice being near people. WOW, that fog must have creeped me out because usually I want to get away from the people!  

Bunny @ parking lot

Back at the TH the main parking lot had cleared out some so there were open spaces but the lot I parked in seemed to fill up some. 3:30 when I opened up my car. My stats below:

Total Miles 7.1

Total Time: 4:28

Moving Time: 3:22

Still Time: 1:05

Stopped by Snoqualmie Falls on the way home. Didn’t go on the newly finished path to the lower viewpoint, though. Also saw a herd of elk on the way.

Elk herd in field



Snoqualmie Falls

Mailbox Peak

     Mailbox Peak  10/12/13

 

 

 

 

This past weekend’s grand idea was to hike up to Mailbox Peak. At 6 miles RT it’s not a long hike, so perfect for a quick jaunt up the mountain.  HA! That was the longest it ever took me to hike 3 miles. Not that it was a surprise, I was well aware of the difficultness and steepness of this trail, but it was on my to-do list and I figured since I’ve started working out this will be good challenge. Oh boy was it. It was slow moving but not nearly as bad as I was preparing myself for! The trail was so fun, all root covered and unmaintained as it was.

First of all when you get to the trail head in the book/online it says there is a big parking lot…well when you FIRST drive up and see the other cars there is a dirt “lot” with giant cement blocks spraypainted NO PARKING. We thought this was the parking spot the book mention, but there was room for us to park with the other cars on the side with the sign. Obviously we didn’t drive up the road enough, the guide said you would be walking around a gate and up a road for half a mile. Well, so you know you can drive up onto the pavement and turn the corner and there is a beautifully paved parking lot for you complete with a bathroom. You walk a little bit back to a big yellow gate which you simply walk around and start your journey.

Right away you will see a sign for the new trail that was set to be open now. I wonder if the government shut down has anything to do with that. :/ A couple ladies we talked to at the beginning told us about the trail, I had read something a while back about it being made. Sounds like it will be a little less steep but a couple miles longer to the top. The sign posted said it was not a trail yet but you can tell people have been going that way anyways, the orange “gate tape” was pushed aside.

We opted for the legit route and walked the .5 miles up the dirt road to the main trail. Posted was a warning sign “Mailbox Peak Trail is a very steep, wet, unmaintained, difficult, challenging trail”.  Let’s go! Now that first half mile was basically flat, but once on the trail it doesn’t mess around for long. Soon enough you are going up, up and UP. There aren’t too many switchbacks, there were more in the first mile while the rest of the trail just went straight up with little to no flat breaks.

 

LOTS of roots and rocks cover this trail. If it wasn’t steep enough it sure was like using a stair climber! You might consider trees in the middle of the trail bothersome but these were great hand grips, helping you balance and pull yourself up in spots. I didn’t realize how much I gripped these trees until I washed my hands after the hike and the water turned brown!

Bailey waiting on us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were plenty of other hikers coming up and down, but not nearly as many as I would have expected out here. Maybe it had something to do with the abundance of fog, making any views impossible, or the fact that you’re climbing about 1500’/mile. There were many hikers I noticed with multi day packs filled to the brim, they must be training…they’re definitely getting a workout here! We actually talked to a gentleman on his way back down with a pack bigger than me, he’s training for a climb in S. America (if I remember correctly…or S. Africa?) Wherever he is going, he’s a trooper!

Mailbox! And Bailey!

It was such a relief when we spotted the mailbox through the fog! That last little stretch really makes you realize that this was not a walk in the park. First things first, check the mail! Umm…someone left a bottle of whiskey in there! The ladies already relaxing up there mentioned that some other hikers had taken a swig of it upon their arrival. Someone was willing to haul that up here (ok it was just a pint) and then leave it as a reward for those of us tough enough to make it all the way I had to take a victory sip! Well, I forgot I haven’t had liquor in a quite a while so enjoy the pictures of me having some. Haha! Definitely warmed me up, which was welcomed since it was freezing up there! No snow, but across the way you could spot a few snow patches.

 

We stayed up there just long enough to have some snacks and bundle up before heading back down. I’m not sure what was worse, coming up or going down! Shaky knees all the way down, and the loose rocks made it tricky where to step. Why did I leave my poles in the car?! Definitely bring them if you have them.

"Don't give up now!"

John Muir quote

About half way down the fog began lifting. I wonder if we started our day later maybe we would have gotten some views at the top. Next time, hopefully! We made down 1.5 hours faster than going up…stats below. The trail is supposed to be 6.0 miles, we were a little short according to my GPS. I think because the trail is hard to follow and unless you can spot the reflecting diamonds you don’t really know if you’re on the trail or not! With the fog we only saw the diamonds when we were almost upon them. Which by the way, every one was covered with graffiti! Mind you, they were mostly inspirational so it was a little encouraging reading “You can do it!” “You’re almost there!” But still…another reminder we’re in the city!

Round Trip:

5.54 miles

Total time- 5:23 

Time moving- 3:42

Time still- 1:41

Car to Mailbox

2.81 miles

Time- 3:24

Moving time- 2:12

Still time- 1:12

 

Mailbox to Car

2.73 miles

Time- 1:59

Moving time- 1:30

Still time- 0:29