Big 4 Ice Caves and Lake 22 date with Kevin!

Could not have asked for a better second date with Kevin. We met up for breakfast in Everett before heading out for some hiking. 

 Everyday is a great day to get out to the ice caves. Big 4 one of my favorite spots. But you must always remember how unstable and dangerous the caves are. 

I cringe as I watch ppl running around and yelling inside or yesterday the man who had climbed and was standing above on the mouth of the cave.. Two years ago I witnessed a major avalanche at the site . It really puts things in perspective . 

Listen to the constant dripping and melting, and cracking as the ice settles. Especially on these uncharacteristically warm days. 

LAKE 22

Again yesterday on lake 22 ... I am not sure if it is just the weather or what has caused the large influx of ppl out on the trails but I have never seen so many cars over flowing from the trail head and lining both sides of the road. SO MANY ppl unprepared. 

Know what you are getting into, and never underestimate the power of nature. Anything can happen. 

Tennis shoes are not the best option, and definitely not flip flops. Families with small children and carrying nothing more than a water bottle. Multiple people still midway up with less than two hours of daylight left. 

I had to use some basic EMT skills and assess a girl who fell and possibly blew out her knee. They had sent their dad down for help. I left them with a headlamp and hand warmers, wrapped her in a heavy duty space blanket and explained it would be awhile for search and rescue to make it up and even longer for them to cart her off the mountain. 

Know what you are getting into. 

oh and also: banana peels and orange rinds are litter! They don't quickly decompose in the water or on the side of the trail. Pick up after yourself ppl!!!! Ahhhg end rant.

lakeside hammock with kevin!

 After hiking we  checked in with the SAR dispatch and just my luck the man knew my aunt Janet and took down my information to get me reinstated and volunteering again!  We ventured across the road and shot Kevin's bow and arrows for awhile before calling it a day and heading home.