We busted out of the hot city last weekend and retreated to the thin air of Mount Wanier, as I tend to call it. The initial plan was for dad to put me on my back and head for the summit:

But after a few miles, it became apparent that as a matter of pride, I needed to do this on foot. So with some help from mom, we trekked through the snow fields...

I've been told to enjoy the snow while I still can...

...and up to the top. Sadly, our camera broke at 13,000 feet, so I can't provide the kind of visual proof that some of my more skeptical readers might demand. But trust me. It was spectacular.

My favorite part of being on the trail is regaling random strangers with stories of my summer in Seattle. Here's someone I've never met before, listening raptly as I give her a Socratic colloquium:

Me: And, and, and, did you know we went on a boat? Yes, we went on a boat. And we went through the locks. And there was this green stuff growing on the sides. On the sides of the locks. And it was green, and it was growing on the sides of the locks. And what was it called?
Random stranger: Uh... algae?
Me: Very good! You got it! Algae!

I think these people really appreciate the knowledge I impart on them, as evidenced by the fact that they are a completely captive audience.

After our descent (and several more tutorials to unsuspecting outdoor enthusiasts), we all had a well-deserved weenie roast:

Mom has instructed me not to accompany this picture with any commentary about my present obsession with weiners.

After dinner, daddy took me to a junior ranger talk where a nice lady told us stories about the native people who lived around Mount Wanier before the wheels of global warming were set in motion. At one point, the ranger was asking everyone what animals (whales, bears, etc) were represented in pieces of native art that she was displaying. Sensing another teachable moment, I volunteered. The conversation went like this:

Ranger: Let's call on the little one. What do you see in this picture?
Me: A totem pole! (laughter)
Ranger: Well, yes, but what animal do you see?
Me: A monkey! (more laughter)

I guess the masses aren't quite ready for my cutting-edge theories about the biodiversity in the Pacific Northwest.
The next day, we scaled back our hiking, taking an easier trial to a waterfall where we soaked our feet in a mountain stream:

Just after this picture was taken, I took off all of my clothes and was about to jump into said stream before mom and dad dissuaded me.

Speaking of water, I spent every morning last two weeks at swim lessons... generally a pretty sweet way to start the day:

I know several of my adult male readers are thinking, "How can I also pretend I don't know how to swim?" I'll be happy to teach you when I get back east.

Grandma Lisa and Grandpa Paul just got into town a few days ago-- more soon about their visit... and everything I'm teaching them while they're out here.