Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

Hiking

Point Defiance Park — the best day in Tacoma wilderness

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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

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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 … [Read more...] about Exploring Paradise at Mt. Rainier — National Park escape

How Mt. Rainier taught me a lesson in humility

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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

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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 up For 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 … [Read more...] about Circle of life of a volcano — visit Mount St. Helens