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Hiking

Point Defiance Park — the best day in Tacoma wilderness

January 4, 2023 by Matthew

Beautiful pink blooms of a rhododendron are pushing out getting ready to splash on the scene. In the background are various trees in Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

My mom and her siblings grew up on the edge of a vast green space, where old-growth timber hugged primitive deer trails, and a zoo served up elephants and bears in “old school” cages of concrete and iron. It was wilderness back then when Tacoma’s North End was largely undeveloped. Their log cabin overlooked the flowing lawns of Point Defiance Park and was just high enough in … [Read more...] about Point Defiance Park — the best day in Tacoma wilderness

Exploring Paradise at Mt. Rainier — National Park escape

October 13, 2021 by Matthew

A beautiful landscape of reds and oranges on the path leading up from Paradise on Mt. Rainier. The mountain is already covered with a dusting of snow which pops against the blue sky.

Paradise Mt. Rainier is the premier offering of beautiful Mt. Rainier National Park. The 14,411 feet peak towers above the Seattle-Tacoma metropolis in Washington State for all the world to see. At least, when she wants you to see her! Locals usually say something like, “When the mountain is out” to indicate clear viewing of what the Coast Salish call Tahoma or other names … [Read more...] about Exploring Paradise at Mt. Rainier — National Park escape

How Mt. Rainier taught me a lesson in humility

August 29, 2021 by Matthew

Matthew Kessi stands at the summit of Mt. Rainier

Travel provides me the gift of exposure to new things — especially opening my mind to all that is considered “different”.  When I make the choice to walk the road of discovery and face vulnerability that can come along, it usually leads to a deeper connection to nature, self, and humanity.Writing about travel is a joy because it allows me to relive the journey over again. … [Read more...] about How Mt. Rainier taught me a lesson in humility

Circle of life of a volcano — visit Mount St. Helens

May 18, 2020 by Matthew

The entrance sign to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The sign is housed on a rock wall and sits on the side of a steep hill facing the snow covered volcano in the distance. The grass near the sign is bright green with the blue sky.

In this article I'll provide a great day-trip itinerary to enjoy the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument from Portland, Seattle or points in between. Mother Nature wakes upFor most of the 20th century, Mount St. Helens was a quintessential icon of raw Pacific Northwest beauty. Climbers regularly summited her 9,360 foot peak and an assortment of recreation activities … [Read more...] about Circle of life of a volcano — visit Mount St. Helens

Photo Gallery: Three nature packed days in Sitka, Alaska

August 14, 2019 by Matthew

View of the Russian Church and Sitka Alaska with the mountains in the backdrop.

To read the blog post associated with this gallery go HERE. … [Read more...] about Photo Gallery: Three nature packed days in Sitka, Alaska

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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