Chatter Creek

Our church has a few traditions on how to minister to the missionaries when they come to our missions conference. The first tradition is that on Thursday when they come in to town after a long drive we treat them to dinner at an area restaurant.  Since Leavenworth is a tourist town there are all kinds of one-of-a-kind restaurants especially German restaurants.  So we like to let them get a taste of Leavenworth on us. 

The second tradition is to take the missionaries on a hike in the Cascade mountains.  This year Todd chose to take the missionaries up to Chatter Creek.  If you are ever in the area, this is a nice hike to go on.  It is a really nice walk to go on in the woods.  No climbing involved.  In fact, we were able to pull little three year old Elijah in a wagon the whole way.

The kids were really excited to see a beaver dam off the side of the trail. 

Yellow caution tape lined most of the way of the trail due to the fact that loggers were working in the area falling trees or as one sign said "felling trees ahead."

Todd found this huge piece of timber. It would make a great mantle or bench.  On the way back to the trail head he picked it up and carried it all the way back.  If it is still there tomorrow he plans to bring it home.  We will find something creative to do with it.

In case you are lost, go THIS way.

Once we made it to Chatter Creek, the kids had fun skipping/throwing rocks and then we all settled down to eat lunch.

Yep, it really looks like rain is in the forecast.  Actually, if I had turned around the sky was a little grey towards the Seattle side of the mountains.  It did start spitting rain when we got to the trail head but the rain never came until late tonight.

I think the kids had a lot of fun.  After the hike the Hodgsons came over to our house so Elijah could take a nap and the rest of us had fun fellowshipping over cards and food.  I have really enjoyed our time together.