Mt. Rainer

 We only spent a day at Mt. Rainer National Park, but I can honestly say it is one of the most breathtaking places I've even been to.  We drove to the top, and even though it was 80 degrees outside there was still snow on the ground.  I've never experienced anything like it.  The air was warm, but there was SNOW.  The reflection from the snow was almost blinding, but it was such a neat experience. Snow plus warm temperatures are what dreams are made out of.  We didn't go very far because we were all wearing sandals, but it was an amazing experience.  The white snow covered mountains made an amazing backdrop to the green forests below. We also went on some hikes - one had a suspension bridge that towered over a light blue river.  My nature heart was so happy. I could have stayed on that hike all day.  Part of me wanted to run away into the forest to escape the world for a few days.  There is just something so peaceful, so calming, and so uplifting about nature.  It awakens my soul in ways no other experience can.