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John
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John

We’re John & Kristie. Here we share our adventures in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, along with the places, projects, and experiences we’ve enjoyed together since 2001. Between 2010 and 2026, this website became quiet while we focused on the greatest adventure of all: raising our kids. We never stopped exploring or taking photographs, but during those years we shared most of our stories and everyday moments on social media instead. To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we brought the website back to life. We’re now gathering those missing years in one place, adding the posts and photographs we previously shared elsewhere and rebuilding this site as a lasting record of our family’s adventures. Thanks for visiting and exploring our story with us. We hope you enjoy looking through the photographs and memories – and we’d love to hear from you in the comments.

1272 Articles
A person stands on a snowy mountain trail, surrounded by rugged peaks and clear blue skies. The image captures a close-up selfie with a scenic backdrop.
A person stands on a snowy mountain trail, surrounded by rugged peaks and clear blue skies. The image captures a close-up selfie with a scenic backdrop.

Three Fingers

August 20, 2004
3 Comments

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Wow! This is the hike to which all others will be compared! The weekend forecast predicted overcast skies and rain, so I decided to...

Hikes
9.3K Views
3 Min Read
A tranquil mountain lake flanked by dense pine forests. The calm water mirrors the surrounding greenery and blue sky.
A tranquil mountain lake flanked by dense pine forests. The calm water mirrors the surrounding greenery and blue sky.

Lake Lillian & Rampart Ridge

August 14, 2004
No Comment

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: If you want to get to beautiful Lake Lillian in a hurry, there’s a steep trail accessible from a sharp bend in a forest...

Hikes
3.8K Views
2 Min Read
Three friends posing on a mountain top with their dog against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and blue sky.
Three friends posing on a mountain top with their dog against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and blue sky.

Green Mountain

August 8, 2004
One Comment

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I joined the McIvors and their energetic Weimaraners for a hike up Green Mountain, one of the most scenic trails along the Mountain...

Hikes
3.1K Views
2 Min Read
A silhouetted seagull stands atop a piece of driftwood against a glowing, overcast sky. The bird faces right, with the sun creating a halo effect behind its head.
A silhouetted seagull stands atop a piece of driftwood against a glowing, overcast sky. The bird faces right, with the sun creating a halo effect behind its head.

Heather & Seth’s Wedding

August 7, 2004
No Comment

BELLINGHAM, WA :: Heather and Seth couldn’t have chosen a better day for their wedding reception in beautiful Bellingham. The weather was gorgeous, and the scenery from...

Events
3.3K Views
1 Min Read
A forest setting with a green SUV parked among the trees, symbolizing an adventurous outdoor expedition.
A forest setting with a green SUV parked among the trees, symbolizing an adventurous outdoor expedition.

The Pathfinder

August 1, 2004
No Comment

FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Check out my new ride! I had finally had enough of my old Intrepid. After it died on me again last weekend, I decided I needed...

Misc
2.4K Views
1 Min Read
Kristie smiles while posing in front of vibrant orange and yellow tulips.
Kristie smiles while posing in front of vibrant orange and yellow tulips.

Washington Park Arboretum

July 25, 2004
No Comment

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGON, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I usually devote our Sundays to relaxation and reading. She’ll work her way through a pile of books as I look through...

Misc
3.8K Views
1 Min Read

Gothic Basin

July 24, 2004
One Comment

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The trail statistics for Gothic Basin are very deceiving. According to the Forest Service website, the trail climbs 2700′ over...

Hikes
3.1K Views
2 Min Read
Elvis Presley performing on stage in a white jumpsuit, holding a microphone.
Elvis Presley performing on stage in a white jumpsuit, holding a microphone.

Mt. Forgotten Meadows

July 17, 2004
No Comment

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: As I type this entry, I must pause after every sentence to scratch at a mosquito bite. I know I shouldn’t, but I’m bitten...

Hikes
1.4K Views
2 Min Read

Pearrygin Lake

July 10, 2004
No Comment

PEARRYGIN LAKE STATE PARK, WA :: This weekend we car-camped at Pearrygin Lake State Park with a large group of friends, including Kristie’s brother and his buddy, Justin....

Hikes
4.5K Views
2 Min Read
A panoramic view of rugged, rocky terrain under a dramatic sky filled with clouds. The sun breaks through, casting light over the landscape.
A panoramic view of rugged, rocky terrain under a dramatic sky filled with clouds. The sun breaks through, casting light over the landscape.

Lake Union Fireworks

July 4, 2004
No Comment

LAKE UNION, SEATTLE, WA :: To celebrate the 4th of July, Kristie and I watched the fireworks show over Lake Union. We grabbed a couple lawn chairs, walked down the...

Events
3K Views
2 Min Read
A misty mountain trail winds through jagged rocks, creating a mysterious and serene atmosphere.
A misty mountain trail winds through jagged rocks, creating a mysterious and serene atmosphere.

Kendall Katwalk

July 3, 2004
No Comment

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I started this hike from the Snoqualmie Pass trailhead at 7:00 AM. I’ve been trying to hit the trails much earlier this year....

Hikes
2.6K Views
2 Min Read
A view from inside a rock formation looking up towards the sky, with a ladder leading out.
A view from inside a rock formation looking up towards the sky, with a ladder leading out.

Night of the Bunnies

June 27, 2004
No Comment

WOODLAND PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I enjoy going on walks together around town. I like to bring my camera along, just in case something strikes me as photoworthy....

Misc
2.4K Views
2 Min Read
A scenic mountain overlook with two benches under a vast, partly cloudy sky.
A scenic mountain overlook with two benches under a vast, partly cloudy sky.

Sauk River Whitewater

June 19, 2004
No Comment

SAUK RIVER, DARRINGTON, WA :: Kristie finally succeeded in rounding up a group of eight fearless friends for a day of whitewater rafting in the Cascades. The Sauk River runs...

Misc
3.1K Views
2 Min Read
A serene view of Rainy Lake with Cascade Mountain in the background, featuring clear waters and a rugged mountain peak.
A serene view of Rainy Lake with Cascade Mountain in the background, featuring clear waters and a rugged mountain peak.

Panda Cake

June 12, 2004
6 Comments

FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Wow, lucky me! On this weekend, Kristie once again possessed a powerful urge to exercise her creativity in the form of baked goods. Usually this results...

Projects
18.7K Views
1 Min Read
A serene sunset over the iconic sea stacks at Cannon Beach, Oregon, casting a warm glow across the Pacific Ocean and rocky shoreline.
A serene sunset over the iconic sea stacks at Cannon Beach, Oregon, casting a warm glow across the Pacific Ocean and rocky shoreline.

Point of Arches

May 22, 2004
No Comment

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Chances are you’ve heard of Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches. The Travel Channel recently included the two-mile stretch of pristine sand on...

Hikes
4K Views
2 Min Read
A tabby cat sits on a wooden floor next to a window, looking outside with a purple toy nearby.
A tabby cat sits on a wooden floor next to a window, looking outside with a purple toy nearby.

Burke-Gilman Beer Mile

May 15, 2004
No Comment

BURKE-GILMAN TRAIL, SEATTLE, WA :: Official Beer Mile Rules: 1. Each competitor drinks four cans of beer and completes four laps (Start – beer/lap, beer/lap, beer/lap,...

Events
4.3K Views
2 Min Read
A tabby cat with striking green eyes peers through vibrant lush foliage in a serene outdoor setting.
A tabby cat with striking green eyes peers through vibrant lush foliage in a serene outdoor setting.

Susan’s WSU Graduation

May 8, 2004
No Comment

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY, PULLMAN, WA :: Mom, Dad, Kristie and I made the trip across the state to visit WSU and celebrate my sister’s graduation. Five years ago, I had...

Events
2.9K Views
2 Min Read
Deer silhouetted against a bright sunset sky.
Deer silhouetted against a bright sunset sky.

Mailbox Peak

May 1, 2004
9 Comments

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The horror stories about Mailbox Peak are true. This is the steepest trail I’ve ever hiked. So steep, that when I tried to...

Hikes
28.1K Views
1 Min Read
A group of deer standing on a hill against a bright sunset.
A group of deer standing on a hill against a bright sunset.

Umtanum Ridge

April 24, 2004
No Comment

UMTANUM CREEK RECREATION AREA, YAKIMA, WA :: I decided I needed a change of scenery this weekend, so I headed east towards Yakima for a hike up Umtanum Ridge. The...

Hikes
4.4K Views
2 Min Read
A panoramic view from a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Northwest landscape with benches in the foreground.
A panoramic view from a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Northwest landscape with benches in the foreground.

Poo Poo Point

April 17, 2004
No Comment

TIGER MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST, ISSAQUAH, WA :: The trailhead for Poo Poo Point is located behind Issaquah High School’s stadium and is only 30 minutes away from Seattle. The...

Hikes
1.8K Views
2 Min Read
Three smiling individuals posing in front of a stunning snow-covered mountain landscape.
Three smiling individuals posing in front of a stunning snow-covered mountain landscape.

Lake 22

April 3, 2004
No Comment

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Kristie’s dad was visiting this weekend, and he wanted to go on a hike. I suggested Lake 22, a fairly easy trail with a...

Hikes
2.1K Views
2 Min Read
A group of people snowshoe along a snowy trail through a winter forest, with snow-laden trees on both sides under an overcast sky. The scene captures the serene beauty of a Pacific Northwest winter day as friends hike together.
A group of people snowshoe along a snowy trail through a winter forest, with snow-laden trees on both sides under an overcast sky. The scene captures the serene beauty of a Pacific Northwest winter day as friends hike together.

White Salmon Ridge

January 31, 2004
No Comment

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Pat and Cheri had reserved a spacious cabin near the town of Glacier for a wintery getaway in the mountains. Matt, Becky, Kristie and...

Hikes
2.5K Views
2 Min Read
A vast desert scene with rocky hills, sparse vegetation, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
A vast desert scene with rocky hills, sparse vegetation, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

The Centipede

December 17, 2003
9 Comments

FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: An arcade machine. Every boy dreams of having one. I guess I never stopped dreaming. I built one! The idea for the project started when I...

Projects
28.1K Views
3 Min Read
A tree-lined pedestrian street bustling with people walking and sitting on benches, featuring decorative banners hanging between the trees.
A tree-lined pedestrian street bustling with people walking and sitting on benches, featuring decorative banners hanging between the trees.

San Juan Island

October 25, 2003
No Comment

SAN JUAN ISLAND, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: To celebrate the second anniversary of our merry coupledom, Kristie and I chose to stay the weekend on scenic San Juan Island. Our...

Misc
1.2K Views
2 Min Read
Kristie walks alone on a wet, sandy beach on an overcast day. Misty sea stacks are visible in the distance across the ocean.
Kristie walks alone on a wet, sandy beach on an overcast day. Misty sea stacks are visible in the distance across the ocean.

La Push

October 4, 2003
5 Comments

QUILEUTE INDIAN RESERVATION, LA PUSH, WA :: We were in La Push this weekend with more than a dozen friends. Marin had reserved three cabins that sat on the edge...

Misc
15.6K Views
1 Min Read
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Family Photo at Cirque du Soleil Corteo
A sunny day at a resort with a pool and palm trees overlooking the ocean.
A serene estuarine scene featuring exposed tree stumps and logs near water's edge, with mountains in the background.
Kristie smiling in front of a flamingo exhibit with tropical trees in the background.
A serene river winding through a rugged landscape with tall cliffs and vibrant greenery.
Group and individual shots of travelers in front of Windsor Castle's historic stone architecture.
Children playing on an inflatable slip and slide in a backyard sprinkler setup.
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A street view of the Casa Blanca hotel with vintage Coca-Cola signage.
Beef Wellington is served on a white plate with a rich red sauce. A table setting with wine glasses and flowers is visible.
A group of dancers in traditional red and white costumes performing with pink fans on stage.
Handcrafted purple and pink pony figures made from Perler beads.
Vintage Lighthouse Keeper's House
Children playing with colorful toys in a plant tray in a garden and a woman in the background.
A brick building with red shutters set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop and partly cloudy sky.
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A visitor poses next to a large cobra statue and sign for The Reptile Zoo in Monroe, Washington.
A group of three people wearing masks sits in a hospital waiting area. Nearby, others wait in a busy corridor.
Three people paddleboard down a lush canal in vibrant life jackets, surrounded by tropical foliage. This serene scene captures a family-friendly outdoor adventure.
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