Camping it out on Icicle Creek Canyon (NF-7601) // Leavenworth, WA

With all the news about the wild fires growing between Leavenworth and Steven Pass, it blows me away that we were just there camping! No more than 4 days prior. We were probably about 10-15 miles south of the fires too. However, at the time we were there, it was extremely hot and we didn't do much but enjoy the landscape and take a dip in the water. Our campsite was just an unmarked area, pulled right off the side of the road. Enough to fit the cars, tent and couple chairs to relax in. We did take a hike up the mountain in search of some boulders to climb, but as we topped the hillside we found what appeared to be the remains of prior fires. We walked around of what looked to be the 1994 fire that engulfed Icicle Creek Canyon all over. Anyways, enjoy the photos and do hope that current flames can be put to rest before any more damage is taken. It sure is a beautiful landscape of the Northern Cascades.

Friends of the Ranch // Circle 8 Ranch | Cle Elum, WA

Every year in preparation of another season of camping, the Ranch as we call it, gathers help to clean up the campsites and buildings for future visitors. This weekend is called "Friends of the Ranch" and as like many years before, there was a great turnout of helpers. As I busy on my own tasks, I unfortunately didn't get around to everyone in the campground, but I could certainly see all the hard work by everyone. Earlier this year there was a wind storm that is know as a microburst wind storm. Basically the wind comes straight down at damaging forces and wipes out anything in its path. As you will see in the pictures below, that windstorm took down dozens of trees throughout the campground that had to be cut up and hauled away. Of course we like to have some fun after a long day of work. Take a look and enjoy!

Join us next year and mean while you can plan your trip by visiting the Circle 8 Ranch website and liking them on Facebook!