What a beautiful sight to see Mt. Rainier up close and personal. The closer you get, the more majestic it becomes and we were so blessed to see it on a good day with clear weather.
Most of these pics were with my new camera and I think you’ll agree that it’s doing a fabulous job and yes, I’m very happy with it. I am using PhotoFiltre for the most part to do a little bit of tweaking with contrast and giving the color a little shot, but other than that, they are right out of the camera on Auto or Program. Maybe one of these days, I’ll be a Manual girl too. 🙂
With views like these, the scenery really doesn’t need a lot of help. It was amazing to see the snow piled up there from lots of snowfall during the last year. It was hard and crunchy. 
I’ll just stop talking now and let you enjoy the views from the top. We did about a 4 hour drive through all these winding mountains, gasping all the way at the beauty before us. 
I did fall in love with the evergreen trees. It’s like having Christmas year round, with all those beautiful fir trees in abundance.
These ferns were so pretty and I picked fronds from 3 different kinds to bring home and dry. I hope to frame them.
The beauty out here is just spectacular, so if you’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest, I would definitely urge you to go. It’s a rugged and raw scenery that can’t be rivaled.
Hope you enjoyed the pics! I’ll be back with more from Bainbridge Island and the whale watching day.
Hello Rhoda;
What a fabulous trip! Thanks so much for sharing your great photographs, and the beauty …… America is an awesome country….. we are truly blessed with every kind of climate, and the unique flora and fauna of each that one could imagine….. and I love all of it. So glad it was a good time and you were able to get these shots to share with us….
Still hoping to get to B’HAm this summer and maybe have a chance to meet you in person! Meanwhile…. I enjoy your blog everyday….
Have a terrific Fourth!
.
I’m glad you enjoyed visiting the pnw so much. I lived there most of my life and still find fun [and new!] places to explore all the time.
FYI – your camera should have a “white balance” setting for those snow shots. It’s not a manual mode – you can use it with some of the presets. On the Canon there’s even an option to “sample” what is white, if you don’t like the options.
http://rubberducky26.blogspot.com/2010/07/things-i-like-road-trips.html
Those photos are just too gorgeous! Looks like you had a great time! 🙂
Simply Beautiful Rhoda!! You’re an amazing photographer! Great idea bringing home some fern leaves! 😉
~Terrell @ FrouFrouDecor~
Beautiful shots Rhoda….
Congrats to those 2 lucky winners those giveaways were amazing !!!
I hope you and Peter have a wonderful 4th….
All the best,
xo Kathy 🙂
My Goodness Rhoda! I would be framing some of those photos and putting them on my wall somehow! Gorgeous!! I bet you’re lovin’ that nice camera!
Have a GREAT 4th!!
Lovely, lovely pictures. I never can decide which I like more, the mountains or the beach. When I’m at either one I think, “Yep, THIS is the one I like most,” but I think it’s really a tie. After looking at these, I’m itching to run up to the mountains… and buy a new camera!
Rhoda!
I am so excited to know that you are in the state of Washington. Isn’t it an amazing place!?! I was born there and lived there I was 9 1/2 years old, but I have been back hundreds of times to enjoy again and again. My oldest daughter lives in the Pacific NW and so we holiday there every summer for a few weeks, now that we live in the middle of Canada.
Enjoy!!! It is definitely one of God’s great creations!
Hugs, Cindy S
Hi Rhoda-
Are you back from all of your travels? You have had an exciting June, that is for sure. What great photographs, you and your new camera have been busy taking lots of beautiful shots. I need a new camera so I am paying close attention to everything you say about camera. I lived in Seattle for about 6 months. It was the rainy season. After living there for a couple months I opened my window shade one moring just like I had every other morning since we arrived and I was SHOCKED! The sun was out for one, but Mt. Rainer filled up the huge window. It was always overcast – I had no idea I had such a great view. Lovely area – every way you look is stunning. I especially loved the crisp clean air and seeing the snow capped mountains. I would love to go back someday. Love reading about your time with Rhee, too. You lead such an exciting life.
My best- Diane