Spring Break!

This year for Spring Break we're spending a few days at one of our favorite places:  Lake Sutherland.  The kids are with us for the first two days, then Nate will drive them back home (actually to friend's houses for sleep-overs since that's the only time we let them) and Brad and I will stay for two more days to celebrate our anniversary (18 years!) 

It was supposed to be a wet week; according to the weather blog I read, an atmospheric river of moisture was coming from a more westerly direction than normal, thus causing the rain shadow that usually protects this area to shift more towards central Puget Sound (ironically, where we live!) but so far the weather has been good.  I think it's because I didn't bring my kayak.  If I would have, it would be pouring rain for sure! 

We went on a great hike this afternoon along Lake Mills. The lake was formed by the Glines Canyon Dam, which is scheduled to be removed later this year.  I thought it would be interesting to see the dam and the lake now, and then come back during  and after the removal to see the differences.  I was disappointed we weren't able to walk out on the dam like you can at the Ross Lake Dam, and there wasn't a good spot to take a picture of the whole thing, but you can click on the link above and see a great shot of it. 

The West Lake Mills trail is about two miles long and runs along the west side of Lake Mills (hence the name West Lake Mills trail). It was a great hike, just challenging enough to feel like a real hike, but not too hard for any of us.  We've gotten to the happy stage in life where we can all hike four miles without complaining.  The views of the lake were fabulous.  The trail ends at Boulder Creek, which at this time of the year is more like a raging river.  We trail-blazed down to the creek and sat on some warm rocks in the sun to eat our lunch and relax before heading back. 

Before we got to Lake Mills, we stopped at Madsion Falls, a short jaunt from Olympic Hot Springs Road.

Lake Mills, which is formed by the Glines Canyon Dam.  In a few years, this lake will be non-existent...hard to imagine!

The falls at Glines Canyon Dam

The Glines Canyon Dam, not a very good picture, but there wasn't anywhere to get a good shot.

A nice view of the lake.  We could see the lake most of the time from the trail.

Crossing a stream...there were several that ran across the trail, and some that even ran through the trail.

Boulder Creek

Lunch break!

View of the south end of the lake, near Boulder Creek

A lakeside view of the dam

Granny's Cafe was the perfect spot to stop for some delicious ice cream cones on the way back to the lakehouse.  The rest of the afternoon we've spent hanging out at the house, playing games, watching TV, reading, blogging; a nice blend of activity and relaxing which keeps everyone happy.