Hike in Anacortes

This last weekend we took our dog, Abby, and went on a hike with Curt and Emily, and their dogs, Jasper, and Ruby. We went to the Anacortes Community Forest. It's a good size chunk of forest full of lakes right outside of town, with trails all through out. It's a great place for dogs to have a lot of fun, especially dogs that love water!

Recent Flooding (and an iffy crossing)

About a week or so ago our valley, and much of western Washington, experienced flooding when the temperatures increased, melting snow in the low lands, as well as the mountains, up to 7,000 ft. Along with the warm weather we had rain for several days, raining up to 12 inches in many locations. Xica and I took a little drive around the valley to take a look at some of the flooding. We couldn't get near any of the worst damage, since most of the roads were closed.

On Friday night, as most of the flooding was subsiding, the water rose higher out on the flats around Samish Island. This was mostly due to all the extra water up river making its way down the Samish River. My Brother-in-law, Chet, was unable to get back home on the Island with his car, so Xica and I offered to take him home in my Tahoe, since I've got a lot more clearance. Unfortunately it was dark, so i didn't get any pictures to prove just how bad it was, but it had to be one of the most sketchy drives I've done. (the road wasn't even closed yet!) The water was close to a couple feet deep, flowing across the road with debris like fence posts, and was a crossing of almost 1/2 mile. I couldn't see the road, but it was a straight section, so i just kept the wheel steady and went for it. We made it through just fine, and also on the return trip, which wasn't any better. I love my truck!!! It's always up for the challenges I give it. We found out the next day that a small truck had washed into the ditch and gone completely under the water, along that same stretch of road, and that very evening, just before we drove through!

New Years Eve 2008

On New Years Eve, Xica and I stayed at the Westin in Seattle. Some friends, Ryan and Adriane, and their 6 month old, Hunter, also joined us. It was a nice to have a little trip away, even if it was just for one night. Our plan was to watch the fireworks at the Needle, possible taking the monorail from Westlake, which was next to our hotel, down to the Seattle Center.The weather was really cold, windy, and rainy, and we all agreed to just stay in the hotel rooms, enjoying the city view from there, and watching the fireworks on T.V. (and in the reflection of near-by buildings).

Getting ready for dinner

At the Italian Resteraunt we ate at

Ryan, Hunter, Adriane, and Xica


City skyscrape

More snow pictures

Ok, i found more pictures of the snow, when it was even deeper, so I had to put some up here.



Abby loved the snow. This was the only ball left that wasn't burried somewhere under the snow.

This is some deep snow for Western Washington!

I don't think our picnic table can stand much more weight!

Sledding

Chad, Josh, Xica.

I think i'm about to get hit by some snow!

Between headlights, and a spot light, we lit the whole sledding run!

Now that the snow is melting away, and some of us which it'd return... I thought i'd post our snow pictures.
Why make a normal snow man, when you can make a giant one!

Our house looks better with snow!