It’s so lovely to start the day by water in my sweet little adventure van. I loitered, knowing this was the last morning I’d wake up to forest and river and fresh wild air.

It was time to head east on Hwy 12 toward home. I’ve taken Hwy 12 before, as far as the turnoff to Ohanapechosh and Mount Rainier. But I’ve never been further east over White Pass, so I saw new territory today.

Rimrock Lake is really vast and beautiful, and a gleaming blue. All I could think was, I’m coming back here with a kayak! I drove part way around the lake just to scout it out, since I’ll want to stay when I come back. There are so many dispersed sites! Many are occupied, and some see to have fairly long term residents, so I’d be picky about where I set up camp.

The pass is just one stunning view after another. It was a little hazy because, sadly, a fire recently started in the Goat Rocks area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

I stopped at the Clear Creek Falls Overlook, a massive canyon carved out of the mountain next to the road. You can see the falls from the overlook by the road, and there is a short trail that follows the ridge of the canyon for some different views.

There is a point in every journey when I am pointed toward home, and suddenly I am done and ready to be in my own house and my own bed and my own shower. I was done with all the stops, and I just coasted on through the beautiful mountains, enjoying every moment from behind my windshield.

One more peek at those old Cascades. They’re ok I guess.

I’m home. I unpacked, started the laundry, took the best shower ever. And I’m thinking about the next adventure! Thanks for following along, I love having you all with me to enjoy this beautiful world.