Welcome to woodsfamily.ws
2024
This was another quick day trip, this time to Snoquera Falls, just south of Greenwater on Hwy 410. It is a lollipop style trail with a very short 'stem' from the parking lot to the main loop. The falls itself has a very small drainage, and by July is pretty small.
This summer we took a trip to Springdale once again w/ the kids and a couple of their friends, Heidi and Elliot, to see the sites and visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. We were able to get in the water a few times, have some excellent hikes, and eat some great food!
2023
This was a trip we had been wanting to do for a bit, that being the Oregon Coast including the California Redwoods. This was a great trip, and we did not travel anywhere fast, often stopping anywhere we thought was curious, including various overlooks - which often included a snack and beverage.
This was a quick day trip to and hike around Tipsoo lake and the immediate surrounding area. We had originally planned on going to Sunrise at Mt.
Rainier National Park, but this was a great alternative.
A nice day hike with Kelsey and Rosalina to the Grand Park at Mt. Rainier via the Lake Eleanor trail. It was a longer than average hike for us probalby with some elevation gain, but beautiful, and the Grand
Park itself was stunning.
I had wanted to get the kids out on snowmobiles for quite some time, and we had never gotten around to it. This year though we finally (and almost at the last moment) made reservations for the last weekend of the season to rent some snowmobiles on Mt. Spokane.
2022
We took the girls and some friends down to Disneyland for Moiras 21st birthday, and had a fun time visiting and enjoying the sites and rides. Also included was one hysterical Uber ride.
2021
Kirsti and I had wanted to do a return trip to Kauai with just the two of us for a while, and finally found the time, just after dropping the kids off for school. We had such a great time on our prior visit we were wondering if it was going to live up to the memories, and it was awesome.
Another weekend trip, this time to a favorite, Fort Flagler. It was a low key weekend with Scott, Courtney, and both sets of kids (plus dogs).
This was a weekend trip to Fort Worden just out of Port Townsend with friends. We spent the majority of our time visiting and exploring the local area, and had a great weekend.
2020
After a false start, we were able to make a trip to Sunriver, Oregon with the girls and a couple of their friends.
Moira ran her first half-marathon at Fort Ebey State Park, a scenic but very hilly course. She came in 4th for the ladies!
2019
Moira and I had heard friends talk about a nice hike to Dege Peak near Sunrise, and we decided to try it. Our goal was to get there early enough to watch the sun rise from Dege Peak. We were too late for that, but we did have a great time otherwise watching the sun come up and seeing the sites.
For quite a while we've wanted to checkout the Lower Lewis River Falls campground and surrounding area. We didn't get to stay in the campground itself, but we did finally get to explore the area immediately around it.
This was a family trip down to San Diego in February of 2019 with Karen, Craig, Mom, Kirsti and I, and all of the kids. We did quite a bit of the tourist stuff, saw some fun sites, and had some surprisingly great food.<
We had the opportunity this year to visit Mission Ridge with some friends that have never been, and jumped at the chance. We had a great time,
and hope they did as well. The weather was a little *challenging* the first day, but opened up nicely the last day we were there. We cannot
wait to go back.
2018
We took a short trip this August down to St. George in Utah, and met Mom and Karen/Craig/Kids down there. As we only had a few days,
we tried to visit the highlights of previous trips to the area. These included Zion, Kanarra Creek Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and the
North Rim.
After leaving Yellowston National Park, we drove north through Helena to see Glacier National Park. We stayed on the east side for four nights,
and on the west for three. The park was beautiful, and we saw lots of very cool things. We do wish we had gotten to spend a little more time
at Many Glacier in the northeast. Another highlight was almost an afterthought at the time, and that was visiting the small town of Polebridge,
on the northwest side of the park.
Just after the end of the school year we drove out to Yellowstone with the trailer, and camped in the Fishing Bridge campground
for five nights. We spent four full days in the park exploring the sites with some friends, and had a great time.
This Memorial Day Weekend we visited Fort Flagler again, visited with friends, and saw the sites. The kids had some adventures in the kyak and canoe, some
successful, some hysterical (Did I just imply something?).
This year for Spring Break we took the kids down to Yosemite National Park in California. We flew into Sacremento, rented a car, and were on our way. The park
was actually closed the first day we were supposed to be there due to flooding, but the sun did come out, and we had a great time. The pictures do not do it
any justice.
This mid winter break we rented a VRBO house in East Wenatchee with Karen/Craig and Ben/Olya, with the idea of skiing at Mission Ridge
for a few days. We had a great time, and took a few pics. Moira and Delaney even found a place to run when not skiing - amazing!
2017
The girls wanted to do the Christmas Rush in Kent, and finally this year got to go down with a friend and run the race. Their cousin Chloe also ran it,
and had a PRd for a 5k. Despite the cold, everyone had a great time.
We went to Sun Lakes State Park on Labor Day Weekend this year. We followed Karen and Craig there, as they had been there last year. The weather
was nice, though the air was a bit smokey from nearby forest fires. We did enjoy the views and the water though.
Shortly after returning home from the east coast we headed to Fort Ebey State Park. We had a great time at a much slower pace than our
east coast trip, and also escaped some of the smokey air that was coming down from BC due to their fires.
Our big trip this year was to the east coast, specifically Boston and NYC. We had a great time seeing quite a few historical sites, especially
in Boston, and sampling some great restaurants.
We were camping earlier in the year at Salmon La Sac, but had not explored too much around there recently. Hoping to find another
place to go, the girls and I took a day trip over with one of their friends, and both dogs.
We spent the first weekend the girls were out of school at Salt Creek Recreation Area, just west of Port Angeles. The weather was off and on, but the
local scenery was beautiful, and there were some great tide pools to explore. We ended the weekend with a stop at Fort Flagler on our way home.
We spent Memorial Day weekend this year at Deception Pass State Park. The weather was almost perfect, sunny, but not too hot. The scenery was excellent, and
we had a great time in the park, and visiting some local sites.
As we normally do, we took our first camping trip of the year at Fort Flagler State Park. It was a great first trip of the year, fun, and relaxing.
At the start of the kids Spring Break we took a quick overnight trip to Orcas Island. We took Juneau with us, and criss-crossed the island
a few times enjoying the sites. Moran State Park was beautiful, and you almost forget you are on an island - it is pretty huge.
Most likely our favorite ski area, it had been 2013 since we had been back to ski at Mission Ridge. This time Delaney took a friend, and we
proceeded to have a great time over two days enjoying the mountain, weather, and ski area.
2016
It had been eleven years, but we finally managed to get back to this campground. It is a great little campground, in an area with lots of beautiful
places to explore. There used to be more to this campground, but unfortunately quite a bit of it was flooded out recently, and it doesn't appear it
will be coming back.
Moira had left for Colorado and Cross-Country camp, and we decided to see the Oregon Coast with Scott and Courtney. We had a great time, saw a few sites,
and visited a couple of new parks.
Having visited Hawaii once before, we had heard that Kauai was a much quieter island, and we've wanted to visit it for quite awhile. This June we finally did so
after the kids were out of school, and we had a great time.
2015
Our family has long had this in the works, but we finally made it on board and to Alaska. The scenery was phenomenal, and the weather
mostly cooperative. We saw quite a few awesome sites, and learned a bit of history as well.
The four of us plus Connor and Chloe took a two week trip this past July to the southwest, more specifically around Utah, to visit
and explore some of our National Parks. We had a great time, and got to see Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley,
the North Rim, Bryce, Zion, and kinda-sorty The Great Basin.
For Memorial Day this year we decided to try somewhere new, Salt Creek Recreation Area, just west of Port Angeles. The girls each
brought a friend, and a great time was had by all. We hope.
Delaney and Uncle Craig both visited the shark tank at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. They got to spend close to 30 minutes under
water inside the shark tank, and Delaney says she cannot wait to do it again.
We took Presidents Day weekend and traveled around the Olympic Peninsula seeing a few of the highlights. We had a great start with dinner on Saturday night
in Grayland, and continued having fun through the weekend seeing the sites.
2014
It had been awhile, so we spent a weekend down near Mt. St. Helens with some friends, seeing the sites, and spending time outside.
The kids were on a trip of their own, and Kirsti and I decided to take advantage and see some new sites, including the North Cascades
Highway and Chelan/Leavenworth.
The girls and I headed off to Deception Pass State Park with Karen and Craig, and Mike and Heather. We had a great weekend taking in the sites
and enjoying the scenery.
It had been awhile since our last family renion, so we planned one at Fort Stevens State Park. Scott and Courtney also came down with
us. The only downside? Mosquitoes. Lots and lots of mosquitoes.
2013
This was one of those rare trips where everyone involved gets to see something makes them go "wow". We started off at the south rim
of the Grand Canyon, visited some sites near Flagstaff, saw the north rim of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and parts in between.
We took our 2nd camping trip of the camping season, and for the most part had a great time. The weather was touch
and go a little bit, but not too bad. We did manage to go to the aquarium at Fort Warden, in addition to visiting
the requisite bunkers, canoeing, etc.
Our 1st camping trip of the season this year, and we once again visited Fort Flagler State Park near Port Hadlock. This year Dan and
Gabrielle and kids came camping with us, and we had a great time. Besides this being the 1st trip, and with good friends, the weather
was almost perfect. A great way to start the camping season.
Close to Moiras' birthday, we took a quick trip to Mission Ridge, by far our favorite place to ski with the family.
2012
We've had a trip to Yellowstone planned for awhile, and this summer we finally made it. We spent about a week travelling
around the park, and seeing the sites. Everyone enjoyed the different animals and geological features, many of the latter
only present in Yellowstone. The kids said it was better than Disneyland, and I'd have to agree!
On our 4th camping trip of the year we went to a park that was new to us, Ike Kinswa State Park. It is on Mayfield Lake, and we
decided to take the canoe with us. We had a great time exploring the park and the lake, and will probably go back again. The park
would be nicer in drier weather, as the trees around it tend to be wet anyways. Both canoe trips on the lake were probably the best
we've had all year.
Our 3rd trip of the camping season was again to Fort Flagler State Park. Delaney brought a friend on this trip, and we had
a great time exloring the sites and the park.
Our 2nd camping trip this year was to Fort Ebey on Whidbey Island, a spot we hadn't been to for a couple of years. Fort Ebey
is always fun though, with lots of areas to explore outside of the park as well.
Our 1st trip of 2012, and we continued the tradition of making it to Fort Flagler. The weather cooperated, the kids had a great time,
and we got to share the park with some friends and family. It couldn't have been better.
For Spring Break this year we travelled through Oregon, and drove down the Easten Sierras to Indio California. On the trip south we hit some
snow, and also travelled a short bit on Route 66. Aside from lots of time in the water, we did find a cool little air museum we spent some time at
in Palm Springs.
2011
These are pictures found but not previously posted, from a trip to Lake Wenatchee State Park in August of 2011.
These are pictures found but not previously posted, from a trip to Fort Ebey State Park in July of 2011.
We visited Mission Ridge this year with some family friends, and as always, had a great time. The weather was beautiful, and the skiing excellent.
2010
These are pictures found but not previously posted, from a trip to Fort Ebey State Park in June of 2010.
These are pictures found but not previously posted, from a trip to Grayland Beach State Park in May of 2010.
Our first camping trip of 2010, once again to Fort Flagler. We spent quite a bit of time on the beach, and also drove to Fort Warden and
saw their on-dock aquarium, which was super cool.
2009
We returned to Bumping Lake with the Thomas' and friends, and had a great time in the sun and water. A fun place that we have to get back
to.
This July we visited Fort Flagler for a second time, but this time with the rest of the family. We had a great time visiting with everyone,
and it was one of those trips that has been too long since repeating.
This was our 1st trip to Alder Lake State Park, and we had a great time. The lake is awesome, though the rest of the park was somewhat
busy. Busy wasn't too bad at one point though, as the kids had a lemonade stand one afternoon to raise donations for their moms walking
the 3-day breast cancer walk.
A good, though interesting trip. One visit to the ER, a dog that tore her nylon colar in half and bowled over a
few kids, a great beach, and better local seafood.
Once again we started our camping year at Fort Flagler, again in late May. The park hasn't changed much, except
for the addition of hookups to almost all of the sites. The kids had a great time, despite a larger than average number of bumps
and bruises. We also had a few new additions this year, one in the form of an energetic yellow lab named Bailey, and a couple of
canoes that the kids seemed to have extreme emotions about (good and bad).
We spent the 1st two weeks of April in Maui this year, and had a great time enjoying the sites, beaches, and warmer
weather. The kids had fun on the beaches, and in the pool. We enjoyed ourselves snorkling, and visiting some of the different places
on Maui. Pictures behind the link.
We traveled to Mission Ridge (S. Wenatchee, actually) for our second year in a row, and spent a few days
skiing with friends and family. We had a lot of fun on the mountain, but didn't get the camera out as much as we would have liked,
so there aren't as many pictures.
2008
Kirsti had to go to Orlando this fall, and we decided to go with the girls and both Grandmas. In the end,
I am not sure which pair had more fun, the girls, or the Grandmas. We visited the parks during the day, swam in the pool at
night, and ate in between.
We spent Labor Day weekend this year at Fort Ebey State Park, on Whidbey Island. It didn't seem to have a
lot that would make it a nice park to stay at, but we all seemed to enjoy ourselves quite a bit. Lots of beautiful scenery,
quite a few trails to hike or ride bikes on, and some great places locally to go visit. It didn't hurt that the weather was
almost perfect the entire weekend, as well.
This weekend we headed to Bumping Lake, just over Chinook Pass. The weather was in the 90's most of the weekend,
the water was nice, and the campsites we had were off by themselves, and quiet. On Saturday, we also took a small hike with the
kids to see Boulder Cave.
We spent a long weekend at Cape Disappointment State Park, enjoying our second family reunion in two years
with the Carlsons. The theme this year was halloween, and that included a costume contest, trick or treating, and a treasure
hunt for the kids. It was a great time catching up with those that we've been out of contact with over the last year.
Chris, Jeff, and I took our younger daughters out this weekend for their turn at a father daughter camping trip.
We had planned on camping at a campground closer to home, but it was full by the time we arrived on Friday morning, so we ended up
at Lake Cle Elum. Fun was had by all, and everything was great except for the mosquitos.
We spent a long weekend with family and friends at Fort Flagler State Park this past week, the second year we have
done a trip like this. It was great seeing some faces we don't get to see that often, and I think everyone had a great time.
We spent the weekend at Lake Cushman (formerly Lake Cushman State Park) with Karen & Craig with Connor and Chloe,
and Scott. Uncle Craig just returned from over seas deployment, and this was his first trip of the summer. We had a great time,
enjoyed the sun, and played with the kids. The water was a bit of a ride/walk from the campground, and the lake was low, with a
somewhat steep bank. Other than that, a great time was had by all.
Maple Valley Days this year was held on the weekend of June 14th, and as Moira was in the parade with her
Girl Scouts troop, we decided to attend. We had a great time watching the parade move by (in fits and starts), and later enjoyed the fair.
It was time again for our father daughter trip, and this year we went to Fort Casey State Park on Whidbey
Island. The scenery was beatiful, and the weather even cooperated despite the rain in Seattle.
We started the camping season at Fort Flagler again this year, joined by the Mahoney's, Karen with Connor and
Chloe, the Jonas's, and Scott.
Chris found a fishing spot complete with guides, poles, and bait. We dads sat back and enjoyed the sites
as the girls went fishing. Afterwards, Nate drove us to a nice place to have breakfast, and we then called it a successful morning.
Delaney had a play date at Auntie Karens house, and we then returned later in the evening after the water toys and
neighborhood kids had already come out.
Scott found some cabins for us to rent just below Mission Ridge this January, and a group of us stayed there
through the weekend, enjoying the mountain. The kids were able to ski a bit, and sled a lot more. A fun time was had by all.
2007
The Moms were preparing for Christmas, so Craig and I took Moira, Delaney, and Connor to the Museum Of Flight for the day.
We took the girls to Disneyland in early October, and had a great time with the kids. They enjoyed the rides,
meeting the characters, and generally wearing their parents out.
Nate, Chris and I took our oldest daughters (all six at the time) out for a weekend of hot dogs, bicycles,
and fun. We stayed at Lake Easton, saw Franklin Falls, and visited a natural water slide of sorts.
Another trip at Flagler, this one with a larger group of friends and family. Besides visiting with everyone,
we generally spent our time relaxing, eating, exploring, or eating.
We stayed at a new park this weekend, Deception Pass State Park. We had never been, but had heard great things
about it. This time along we invited Daver and Adra with their kids. Karen also brough Connor and Chloe up for a day, and Scott
spent a night as well.
Our first official camping trip of the year was at Fort Flagler from June 1st-3rd, with the Mahoneys'. The weather
was sunny, the wind a bit random at times, and everyone had a good time.
Moira had a Princess Party for her sixth birthday, here at home. Her and a number of other princesses
celebrated her birthday in a veyr princess like fashion.
2006
Both Moms were gone this weekend, and Daver and I thought it would be fun to take the kids on a couple of day
trips to keep both them and ourselves occupied. Day 1 was at Franklin Falls on Snoqualmie Pass, and Day 2 was at Flaming Geyser State
Park.
These are pictures not previously posted from a second trip in 2006 to Fort Flagler State Park, in late
mid August of 2006.
These are pictures not previously posted from a 2006 trip to Grayland Beach State Park, in late July of 2006.
We have never been to Lake Wenatchee State Park, and thought this was a good opportunity to do so.
Lake Wenatchee is actually west of Leavenworth, which provides a nice distraction if so inclined. The temperature was over
100 degrees on Friday, and in the 90's with clouds on Saturday - so we spent a lot of time at the lake in the water. We also
figured out that Juneau isn't a fan of the water, but making her swim a bit wears her out and she sleeps through the night
(and most of the evening).
Moira, Dad, and two other friends with their daughters drove over Chinook Pass (stopping to play in the snow),
and camped overnight at Bumping Lake. We also explored Boulder Cave, which was a bit of a small hike, but the girls did great.
Back at camp we made dinner, the girls rode their bikes, we found the lake, and had s'mores (in no particular order). On Saturday
we woke up and had breakfast, and drove back home (stopping again to play in the snow). A fun time was had by all.
Our 2nd trip to Iron Creek, we again had good weather, and a great time. We drove up to Windy Ridge to look at
Mt St. Helens crater, and on the way back stoped at a small water fall to relax and have some fun.
This was our first trip here, we had found it
in one of our camping books, and it had a good write up. Scott came along with his new tent, and Mom and Dad brought their
motorhome with Cousin Connor. The sites were nice and private, with lots of room to play in. The beach was also pretty nice,
with a beautiful view across the canal to the Olympics.
This was the 2nd trip for us this summer, but this time to a new place. The Mahoney's went with us, and we had a great
time visiting, relaxing, and playing with the kids. The Cispus river runs around the campground on two sides, but we didn't get too
close as it was running pretty good. Hopefully it will have subsided a bit on our next trip later in the summer.
A consistent favorite, we decided to start the summer camping season off with a trip to Fort Flagler. Early June can
be risky as far as weather is concerned, but we lucked out (and continued to do so for the next three weeks), and had a great time. The
girls loved playing on the beach, roasting marshmallows, and 'exploring'. This was only the 2nd trip with Juneau, but I think she even
had a good time as well.
2005
We tried a new/old campground this weekend, a bit rustic, but only an hour and a half from home. Ed, Juneau
(our dog), the two girls and I drove over early on Thursday to claim a spot as we hadn't made a reservation. Kirsti and Karen
came over later that evening w/ Connor. Uncle Scott showed up on Friday, and while Karen and Ed had to go home on Saturday, some
other family friends arrived to enjoy the weekend as well. Some notes - the bees were out in force, though not very aggressive.
There was also a burn ban in effect, so no campfires.
We arrived at Fort Flagler on Friday the 24th, and after setting up camp, walked around the area a bit reaquanting ourselves
with the campground. Saturday was mostly consumed with a slow 3.3 mile hike around the old fort and surrounding country side. We had a nice
dinner that night, and the girls ate their share of smores. Sunday we packed up and went home, stopping for breakfast/lunch at the
local cafe before heading out of town.
We had planned a day trip to checkout some camping spots at Lake Kachess, but as the campground was closed, our
plans changed a little bit. Moira saw a deer though, and we all got to play in a little bit of snow, so the day was a success.
2004
A day trip to Remlinger Farms on October 16th, with some friends and their own kids. All had fun, and the
weather wasn't actually as bad as it could have been. A very good time.
Ed, Rob, and I went up to Greenwater again, and stayed on the Naches Jeep trail most of the way
down onto 941 on the east side, and into the valley. We took some detours, saw some scenery, changed a flat, and mostly
had fun. We didn't have any rain until the very end of the ride, and just a little, coming back over the Naches Pass.
We visited the Leavenworth area this last weekend, staying close to Lake Wenatchee. We mostly
relaxed and enjoyed our new (to us) housetrailer.
Geoff and I rode Rd 70 to the Naches Trail and Government Meadows, and then to Ravens Roost before
being scared off by the weather. We came back a different route across Green Pass.
2003
There were five of us this time, riding from Greenwater to Easton and back. Doug played tour
guide, pointing out one train tunnel, and the off limits roads to some others. We also road on the NE side of I-90,
skirting the west side of Lake Kachees into Easton.
Three of us left Greenwater, and visited a different part of the map on this trip. We rode to
Easton and back, enjoying some new scenery, and covering almost 130 miles.
We stayed at Kaner Flats campground this weekend, with Doug (
http://www.dualsport.info/),
his friends (very nice people) Rob and Shannon, my Sister and Brother-in-Law, Mike, Scott and his Cousin Jennie, Brian/Cody/Devin (cousins from Oregon),
and Kirsti and the girls. The weather was quite hot all weekend, and very dry. We were not allowed to have campfires, but Doug came to the rescue
(checkout his site for a unique solution).
This was supposed to be a short day trip while camping at Kaner Flats in Naches. I rode with Brian and
his two sons, and we had a great time despite a few mishaps on my part.
A larger group of us went riding in Greenwater, and we met for the first time Rob and Brian. We left Greenwater
on road 70 headed towards Naches Pass, then visited Ravens Roost, and made a circular (i.e. we got lost) route home. It was fun!
Karen and Craig became Mr. and Mrs. Thomas on July 5th, 2003. They were married at the Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie
Falls, and these pictures are of the preceeding rehearsal dinner, the wedding, and the gift opening on the 6th.
Near the end of June we were able to get out to Greenwater again. Another friend, Ted, was
able to come with us on this trip. Again, saw few riders anywhere, except for the requisite group on top of Ravens
Roost. The weather was pretty comfortable most of the day, though we were threatened in the afternoon by some rain.
We packed the girls up in the motorhome, and followed Oma and Papa Woods to Yellowstone. We stayed in a park that was
approximately forty miles north of Yellowstone, and had a pretty good time. The girls did great in the motorhome, watching scenery,
talking/laughing/singing, and doing their share of sleeping.
Another attempt at Greenwater, with near 90 degree temperatures, and nothing but sunshine
and scenery. There were suprisingly few riders out, we saw only one group of three other dual sport riders.
Spring was here, and we took our first trip with Delaney. We started by driving down to Vancouver, WA, and visited
with Brian, Jodi, and Brians parents and Sister for the night. The next day we drove to Depo Bay, where we spent the remainder of our
time. The weather and scenery were very nice.
A ride on Saturday, May 18th, up Forest Road 70 in Greenwater. We made it maybe
1/4 mile farther than the week prior.
On Saturday May 10th we went for a ride up Forest Road 70, with Doug
(http://www.dualsport.info). We didn't get far before being stopped by snow.
2002
Looking on some old backups, I came across these older pages of Moira from long ago.
2001
Looking on some old backups, I came across these older pages of Moira from long ago.
Found on some old backups, Moira from 14 to 18 weeks.
Kelsey, Mike, and I took the bikes over to Manastash Ridge for a ride. Had a
fun time, though the name on the sign "Frost Mountain" sounded a lot more sedate than it turned out to be.
Found on some old backups, Moira from 9 to 13 weeks.
Found on some old backups, Moira from 7 to 8 weeks.
Found on some old backups, Moira from 5 to 6 weeks.
Found on some old backups, Moira at 4 weeks.
Found on some old backups, Moira to 3 weeks.