Day 4 Mount Rainier National Park

with a three and a half hour drive under our belt we finally parked the vans in the parking lot of Mount Rainier National Park. After we further perfected how quickly all of us could pile into our respective bathrooms relieve ourselves a meet back at the van to discuss the area was soon underway. We learned about how the high altitude in the area coupled with the increase of acid rain is killing off large amounts of this alpine forest. We also learned about glaciers impact on the surrounding climate. They keep the earth much cooler because they do not absorb any ultraviolet radiation, but rather reflect all of it back out of the earths atmosphere and back into space. We went on a hike where the looming rain clouds over head decided to cut us a brake and hold up until our hike was over. During the hike we got to take in a lot of majestic views and get to know a lot of people; also go to make a few snow angels.

A view from the trail

We took a ride down and out of the park while it was raining and arrived at a very nice, but creepy lodge where we had the place to ourselves. There we spent the night talking about our next day at the nuclear Hanford site in Washington.  

A funky tree on the hike down

Things to Note:

• Rain is something that you can not control, you have to accept that fact you are going to be cold and west for most of the time your are in the northwest. Save yourself the trouble and invest in a good rain jacket, water resistant or quick drying pants wont hurt either. 
• While hiking in the group and talking is fun take some time to hike alone and take in the beauty that is all around you. It will all be gone before you know it.
• Take notes during lectures and use them when you do your reflections.
• Do your reflections each day, dont push them off. It only gets harder.