Mount Rainier National Park is approximately a 2 hour drive from Seattle. The weather is not especially cooperative and the mountain has been hiding behind the cloud cover. Unfortunately, it has been that way all week. Normally Mount Rainier is visible from downtown Seattle, but we are going for an adventure anyway! Very thankful we packed our rain gear. The rain alternated between a heavy mist and a more substantial rain and the temperatures cooled off. I really struggled to stay warm with the temperatures and tried to make the best of it. We decided to go for a combination of hiking and driving. Unfortunately, the wildfires somewhat thwarted our plans again due to road closures in the park but we were able to spot some deer and a grouse during our drive. The Paradise Visitor Center offers information, a gift shop, good toilet facilities, and a café with okay food. Honestly, the weather was a bit of a damper on the day and we opted to head back early to pack and rest. 

We made one final stop at Pike Place Market so I could pick up a couple last minute things to bring home including the biggest, juiciest, sweetest peaches I have ever eaten. Sosio’s Fruit and Produce in the market is one of my favorite stalls and they always deliver on the quality. We also stopped at Sur La Table to pick up a few new kitchen gadgets to continue our croissant and tart making at home. 

Once at the hotel again we packed everything and decided to have a pizza delivered for dinner. Tandoori Slice certainly delivered on the quality and flavor of their pizza and the price was great too! 

I feel like today was a little bit of a let down in terms of the adventure factor but it is always wonderful to spend time with Mom and make new memories. Overall, it’s been a great trip and we are already starting to plan our next one!