Hops. Drops & Berry Picking.

  

     With the sun barely peeking out of the sky this morning - I was ready for a wonderful adventure. I didn't care if it was shopping, hiking or just sitting and riding. I wanted to go someplace. Anyplace. The grayish clouds of a far away Autumn seemed to scream my name as dawn was breaking. My thoughts were upon Big Foot. Harry actually. 
     *Fun fact: Harry and The Henderson's had been filmed up by Index, Washington in the 80s. Fact checking: I think it was around '86-'87 and somehow one of our favorite off the "beaten path" coffee stands focuses around that glorious time. The Big Foot statue that stands there has got to be a least 14 feet tall if not more. (Selling T-shirts on the side of the road)

     We love taking "family" trips up there if nothing more for a recent photo shoot and when we fancy, a (year round) Egg Nog. Yup! They have Egg Nog Year Around! Sounds crazy huh? Kind of but nothing does beat the delicious 1st Egg Nog Latte of the Season, a Season earlier.
     Since the moment Summer hits all my mind can think of is Autumn. The cold, the warm, the spices and the colors. I love it. I have always loved it the most. Because today was just one of those - pull your boots on and wrap your scarves around you neck type of days - Caramel Apple dipping, Egg Nog sipping days .. I was ready to buckle up, adjust the radio dial and cruise on up that way. It is a drive for sure but always a plus living just at the foothills of The Cascades. *Snapping fingers - still no snow yet.

     Shailah seemed to have different plans for this day though. I guess we are going for a walk. Most times our walks aren't far. From the car to the playground - swinging and back but today she kind of reach deep doing a little better.
     We started out only after trying to get all the kids inside the car with the more then enough - to many toys they had in tow. I was still tasting my Chalet Latte as we pulled into a different stand we frequent often. Still watching carbs - I ended up getting a Sugar Free Iced Coffee made with Almond Milk - Chocolate and Salted Caramel.  Much to my shocker it was delightfully good. I was very reluctant to take the first sip as I am used to more sweet then that of the oozing nougat from a covered cherry but this was really a nice change - something I felt good about indulging on.

     We then headed out to one of our old stomping spots - Narbeck. It is a loop around trail that is about a mile long each way. Over the top you get to skip through tall trees and broken sticks. Down the bottom takes you over a bridge where it is never hard to spot turtles basking on logs or random ponds around each corner. This was also the place we would frequent while out searching for painted rocks a Summer or two ago. 
     The breeze was on the calm side but there was plenty of shade to keep us sheltered from the now turn around in weather. Imagine that - being in Washington. Oakley was living his best life picking up fallen leaves and throwing them as hard as he could only to have them land at his feet again. Lucee' and Saphiere giggling in the distance - for a moment it felt as if there was Peace On Earth. 

     My main focus was on looking for rocks - finding one so that Oakley could "find one." That was pretty short lived since we just reached the road that took us straight to the car. I was about 20 steps behind, still searching, looking, enjoying being out for awhile when there I seen it -this flash of blue peeking out from under a pile of yellow leaves. It had to be a rock, I thought. I hollered for Muff Muff to hurry back. Running towards me - the skid happened when he seen me pointing at the ground. He looked down when I asked him "What was it?" Hurry and grab it. He leaded over to get it - I am sure he still didn't have a clue. I was excited though. These little gems are hard to come by anymore. After picking it up and letting us know "Rainbow" off he went again.
     Reaching the pavement we were greeted with an abundance of ripped blackberries. The girls started to pick filling their shirts. They each had about 10 - they wanted to make a pie. Oakley wasn't to concerned with baking as he was with eating so none were gained on his behalf though I am sure his tummy was rather full.

     At the car the girls emptied their finds into a small container while proclaiming they had enough to make a pie now. I informed them while looking at their sad 20-22 berries that they would need 2 cups for a pie. They in turn informed me that next time maybe I best bring a cup measuring container. 2 of them since "that is what they needed."
     Driving away it felt good to have a little burn running through my legs. It had been awhile. Not that I enjoy the pain but sometimes it is a nice reminder that you are still alive.

     Hops and Drops. There we were. I guess "everyone" was hungry. Being on Keto, I don't much think about eating anymore. Fact is: I don't think about it at all. It is just something I have to do at some point after getting up and before returning back to bed each day. I had never been here and sure didn't know what I was going to order. Deep Fried Fish? Teriyaki Burgers .... French Fries? Onion Rings? My mouth was watering - I think. I was able to have anything my heart desired and funny thing is ... my heart desired a Taco Salad. I went for that because of the obvious - it was a Salad but it also had meat and meat is something I rarely eat. I also figured in the back of my mind that this is about as Keto as I am going to get at this place that sells - Huckleberry Lemonade by the gallon full. When the salad arrived it was Muy Bueno. The thing was so big that I could only eat about 3/4ths of it but that was okay because it was a little treat that I often don't indulge myself in. Now - it is Bang to drink for the rest of the night and with that thought - I bid you Adieu for now as there is one chilling in the fridge calling my name.

                                                                                                                                                     Kazz 💋