Hiking Providence Canyon State Park Trails

Known as one of the "Seven Wonders of Georgia" and Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," hiking the Providence Canyon trails proved to be an exhilarating afternoon experience for my boys, mom, and myself—in spite of the cold, light rainfall.

Back in January, we decided to set out to visit Providence Canyon State Park because we wanted to do something outdoors and fun. Well, actually, the truth is that I often develop cabin fever when I've sat inside for too long. It's almost like an itch that needs to be scratched. I tend to prefer hiking because it's good for my kids, plus it wears out some of their energy. Not only that but I enjoy hiking the outdoors. 

Plus, my mom mentioned she wanted to visit all the "Seven Wonders of Georgia." I've never been to any of them so it was a great idea to me. To be honest, I never even knew these "wonders" existed until she mentioned them so it naturally piqued my interest.

History of Providence Canyon State Park

It was identified as one of the "Seven Wonders of Georgia" by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and is protected by Providence Canyon State Park, which contains 1,003 acres. It's one of 60 parks in the state of Georgia. The formation of the canyons is attributed to years of poor farming methods in the 1800s. Instead of being formed by rivers, these gullies were formed from rainwater runoff from nearby farming fields. 

Its striking similarities to the canyons in the western region of the U.S. earned it the nickname, "Little Grand Canyon." The 16 canyons, some as deep as 150 feet, consist of up to 43 colorful soils that are popular among hikers, photographers, and visitors from all over. The soils that make up the unique landscape are expected to continue to erode as time goes by. 

You have the option of hiking down to the creek bed and following one of two hiking trails. Hike the Backcountry Trail, which is about seven miles long and clearly marked in red. This hike is estimated to take about six hours to complete. It's rated for being a more difficult and rugged hike than the shorter trail, the Canyon Loop.

Because of time constraints and since I wasn't certain if my seven-year-old could handle the hike, we chose the Canyon Loop Trail, which was about two and a half miles in length. This trail was marked in white. It took about two hours to complete, I believe. The creek beds and some of the trails were wet and muddy. It rained lightly off and on while we were out on the trail.

Along the way, we found a lot of rusted cars that have been sitting out there since the homestead. Animals use them for shelter and/or dwelling. Local officials determined it would be too detrimental to remove the old vehicles and have left them where they sit.

There were several picture-perfect spots but unfortunately on the day we went, as I mentioned, it was lightly raining. I don't have anything to protect the lens of my camera from the rain so I left it in the car. I took some pictures with my phone but they pale in comparison to the scenery I saw with my own eyes. 

Providence Methodist Church & Graveyard

To replace an older church building, a new one was built on the grounds in 1859 that is apparently only used occasionally for special services. We also explored the graveyard sitting next to it. The graves dated pretty far back and even included soldiers laid to rest there, which I thought was really neat. 

Personally, I enjoyed looking around the graveyard because it seemed extremely peaceful but my boys thought it was creepy that we were walking around (respectfully) and examining the graves. It's not everyone's cup of tea, apparently. 😏

Safety & Pertinent Info

It's extremely important that when you hike these trails, you stay away from the edge. Don't go around the overlooks or over the fences. The soil is highly susceptible to collapse due to erosion. This means: Don't do something stupid like a handstand on the edge of these cliffs because you could very well plummet to your death. The fences are there to protect you. Follow the rules.

You might want to wear clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting a little muddy or wet. Hiking clothes are encouraged for the simple fact that nobody cares if they get dirty or ruined. FYI: The orange-colored clay absolutely can stain your clothes. 

Also, some of the hills are quite steep. Wear shoes that have an adequate grip on the soles. If you have any type of health issues that might be aggravated from these slightly moderate to above moderate hiking conditions, then I would consider speaking with your doctor before heading out on these trails.

You'll find the park located about 150 miles SW of Atlanta. If you're coming from the Opelika/Auburn area, then you'll want to come in from Hwy 280 and head south on Hwy 27. If you're somewhat familiar with the area, then you'll know it's not too far from Columbus, GA:

Providence Canyon State Park 
8930 Canyon Road
Lumpkin, GA 31815

It's open daily. Hours are as follows:
Sept 15 to April 14 - 7am to 6pm
April 15 to Sept 14 - 7am to 9pm

Parking
Sorry, parking is not free. The ParkPass is valid at all Georgia state parks. The ParkPass is not valid at any state historic sites. 

The ParkPass fees are as follows:
1-12 passenger vehicles - $5/day or $50 for an annual pass
13-30 passenger vehicles - $30/day or $75 for an annual pass
31+ passenger vehicles - $70/day or $250 for an annual pass
Georgia active duty military/veterans - $3.75/day or $37.50 for an annual pass



You can reach them for more information by calling (229) 838-6870 or you can visit their website. For reservations, call (800) 864-7275.

They have a museum, bathroom facilities, overnight camping and some programs for the public to enjoy. They also have an area for picnics and a children's playground when you're ready for a break from hiking or looking around. 

It's an absolutely wonderful place to explore and the exercise is really great for you too! We had an amazing time hiking and looking around at the beautiful colors of the canyon walls. If hiking and nature mixed in with a bit of history is your thing then you should put hiking Providence Canyon State Park trails on your bucket list.

Beaches in Boca Raton, Florida

Boca Raton South Beach

South Florida is a popular destination during the "winter" months for people trying to escape the cold north. If you're planning to be in the Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, or Miami area the next few months, we have many unique venues, events, and parks to visit in your leisure time.

Don't forget to check out the beaches. Our beaches are some of the most popular around. If cold (cold to me, maybe not to you!) water doesn't deter you, then throw on a swimsuit and sunblock, then head on over to one of the beaches below!

Boca Raton Beaches

This set of beaches is found in east Boca and consist of three parks:

Spanish River

Located just south of Spanish River Blvd on A1A, Spanish River Park is a very long stretch of sand. You'll find parking on the west side of A1A in Spanish River Park or along Spanish River Blvd. One negative to parking inside of the park is that it's only open from 8 to sunset. The other is the fee: $16 during the week and $18 on the weekends/holidays—for most vehicles except trucks, buses, and other larger vehicles. These vehicles will cost $33/$61. However, the fee covers the entire day, so there's that. If you choose to park at a meter between 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., then you'll pay $2/hour during the week, $3/hour on the weekends. There's a 4-hour maximum limit.

Spanish River Beach

Other than that, it's a lovely place to spend the day visiting both the beach and the park. To cross over onto the beach, they have two convenient tunnels that take you under A1A. You can picnic at the large picnic tables, host parties, and grill food in the park. They have bathrooms and a playground. There are hiking trails within the park under the shade of lots of trees.

It's a beautiful place to watch the sun rise over the horizon or go running/biking. If you hike north on this beach, you will find a cluster of rock formations called Yamato "Jap" Rock. It's a popular fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming spot for the locals. It's also great for a shore dive. You can see a variety of marine life in this region. Before heading out, always check the water conditions since this spot is known for its rip currents. I wouldn't worry about it getting too crowded. I've never seen it crowded here—ever.

South Beach

Boca Raton's South Beach is a nice, relatively clean beach with an oversized shaded pavilion overlooking the ocean. It's very popular for its remarkable sunrises. I come here often for sunrise more than anything else. It's quiet, littered with many people there to see the sunrise also. Lots of people come for yoga at sunrise or some other form of exercise. There's another smaller pavilion located near the bathrooms and showers. It has a playground and picnic tables. If you want to rent chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, or other beach accessories, Oceanside Beach Services has you covered. If you're feeling hungry, there are several restaurants along Palmetto Park Rd.

Boca Raton South Beach "Romantic Sunrise"

Speaking of, it's easy to find. Off of I95, head east off on Palmetto Park Road until you cross the bridge over the Intracoastal and come up to A1A. You'll find limited parking along the road and right at the beach at the pavilion. If you get lucky with a spot at the pavilion, it's $2/hour during the week and $3/hour on the weekend.

Unfortunately, there is a one-hour time limit when you've parked in that section. It's better to find parking elsewhere, like at Red Reef Park. It's approximately a 15-minute walk from there, plus there's plenty of parking.

Red Reef

Red Reef Park is within walking distance of the above beaches. It's a 67-acre park that is situated on both sides of A1A. Feel free to swim, snorkel, picknick, fish, or spread out for a lazy day on the sand. Other popular activities, like bird watching, kayaking, and paddleboarding are done from here as well. You'll find a huge assortment of fish and other marine animals located near the reef. Prices for parking are the same as Spanish River's parking fees. It opens daily at 8, closing at 10 at night.

While the beaches listed below are not in Boca Raton, they're still worth a visit:

Ocean Reef Park
This stretch of beach is 700 feet long. A lifeguard is on duty during open hours, which are from sunrise to sunset. Frolick in the water or take a shallow dive to explore the reef that can be seen even at low tide. 

Palm Beach - Easy access and lots of parking! Of course, you have to pay to park but you'll find a lot of places charge for parking in South Florida. There's a lifeguard on duty. Enjoy plenty of beautiful scenery, making it an ideal spot for nature photography.

Pompano Beach & Pompano Beach Pier - This place is a great spot for grilling out with friends or enjoy sunning on the beach, plus everything is within walking distance! You'll also find plenty of metered parking. 

Fort Lauderdale Beach & Anglin's Fishing Pier - Restaurants, small shops, and fishing right off of the beach! Parking is slightly tight at Anglin's and limited valet services are available. However, parking is plentiful off of Ft. Lauderdale Beach. You'll find yoga classes, volleyball games, and lots more going on at all different times of the day. This beach is a must-see when you visit Florida.

Here's a shot I captured of Anglin's Fishing Pier a few years ago:

Hollywood North Beach Park - Secluded, calm, and has lots of wildlife! Plus, this is a gorgeous beach. You have to go and see it for yourself because pictures don't do it justice.

The Dog Beach of Hollywood - Yes! If you're looking for a place to take your beloved pooch, look no further. This is a great beach for your little four-legged child! There is an entrance fee and parking is metered.

South Beach - You didn't think I would leave out the infamous South Beach, now did you?? This is a really nice beach with beautiful views. Some areas are more crowded than others but it's definitely worth a visit.

Is there a beach not listed that you would like to share? Leave your comments and questions below!

Tips for Holiday Road Travel

According to the United States Department of Transportation, during the holidays approximately 91 percent of long-distance holiday travel is done with a personal vehicle, which isn't far off from 89 percent of long-distance travel throughout the rest of the year. The majority of those traveling are headed to visit family while others are setting out for their favorite vacation destination. Whether you're headed for your in-laws or to your favorite cabin in the mountains, check out these tips for holiday road travel to ensure you arrive safely at your destination.

Prior to Hitting the Road

• Before you even begin your trip, if you are driving your vehicle, make sure you maintain it. Change the oil, check the tires, and have it checked out for any other issues that might make your trip less than pleasurable. 
• If you're driving a rental, most rental places charge an additional fee if you are under the age of 25. Check your current car insurance because most insurance companies will cover the cost of your rental in the event of an accident. Getting the additional insurance is up to you, but I typically get it just because it gives me peace of mind.
• Shop around at different rental companies and book your vehicle early. I've used Enterprise and Hertz for years now. Enterprise always has the cheapest prices, but there might be other companies out there that have decent deals. Both have always been solid companies for me. 
• MAP your route and check the weather prior to starting your trip. Be aware of toll roads that you may encounter. Keep extra cash in the car just in case. 
• Do you have a first aid kit in the car? It's good to have things like flares and jumper cables—you know your basics. When I drove across the country from one side of the states to the other, I made sure to have those items, along with disposable hand warmers, extra water, and snacks. I didn't need them, but I wanted to be prepared because I drove during the winter and through lots of snow and ice. So, you probably won't need them, but bring them just in case.
• Don't forget to bring things to keep your children entertained. Road trips are pretty boring when you're sitting there for extended periods of time. Even looking at the sights whipping by can become dull after a while.  
• Organize the vehicle so that anything you might need while on the road is easily accessed. For example, put a spare change of clothing in a backpack or bag instead of packing it away in your suitcase. This way if you happen to need a set of clothes immediately, then you're not stuck pulling everything out of the car to get into your suitcase—for example when your kids accidentally spill a drink on their clothing. 
• On that note, I'm a HUGE fan of cups with lids. The YETI Rambler Tumbler doesn't sweat, keeps your drinks cold, and comes with a lid. These types of cups are perfect for traveling. They also fit in most cup holders. 
• Pack snacks and other drinks for the trip. Gas stations carry snacks and drinks at insanely inflated prices. They count on the unprepared traveler to come in and purchase snacks while they're on the go. Yes, I'm guilty of this one, but not as much anymore. Typically it's because I find something appealing that I don't already have in my snack bag. Seriously, you'll save a lot of money if you simply buy them ahead of time.
• Don't forget to pack a plastic bag for trash. Kids will toss their trash all over the car if you do not insist they place it into a bag. Admittedly, many adults are just as guilty as children for stuffing their trash into the small space in the door instead of using a plastic bag. If you're on the road for a nine-hour day—it adds up! 

When to Travel

• Plan to travel during non-peak hours. Obviously, you want to avoid rush hour if you decide to take off during a regular business day. Some people travel overnight, but you have to be extra vigilant at night for drunk drivers and wildlife. Nothing will ruin a vehicle worse than slamming into Bambi while cruising down the road. 
• When are the non-peak days/hours? This really depends on the days of the week that the holidays fall on. For example, this year Christmas falls on a Monday. Most people are out of work for Christmas Eve or only have to work half of the day. If you can, try to leave on Christmas because it has been found that it has the least amount of traffic. 
• Most people will travel during the days leading up to Christmas. In fact, Dec 21 to Dec 26th has been found to be the most dangerous period to travel during Christmastime. Obviously, this is mainly due to last minute shoppers, a higher number of impaired drivers because of the holiday parties, etc. However, Christmas Eve has lighter traffic, but again, Christmas Day has the least amount of traffic because most people are at home or have already reached their destinations. Often, I do my traveling on the day of Christmas to avoid the craziness on the roads. 

Hotels

• If you need to crash at a hotel while on the road, shop around to find a deal. Seriously, you can even pick your own price on websites like Priceline or Hotwire. Personally, I've never had any issues booking through them. However, I don't use them as often as I used to use them. I try to go directly through the company instead, especially if I book ahead of time by about two weeks. You can also find deals that way. I will admit that you really can't beat the deals on those websites and others like it. 
• Typically if you choose a hotel that is located outside of a large city instead of in the city, you can land a much better deal.
• As far as hotels are concerned—don't always trust the reviews!!! Take them with a grain of salt. Many people simply need something to complain about. I will admit that I write reviews on occasion, but I've never outright lied about something. Shame on those of you who lie about your experience. 
• When you do get to your hotel, make sure that you take your valuables inside and hide things like spare cash from people who may peer inside your car with the intention of breaking into it. It happens. Don't set yourself up to be a victim. 
• Also, when staying in your hotel, set the deadbolt and extra lock. Those are there for your safety. Your door locks after you close it, but that doesn't mean that someone cannot gain access to your room. 

During Your Drive

• Stay vigilant and don't become distracted while driving. You shouldn't text or surf the internet while you're driving either. If you feel that you need to text someone, pull off at the next rest stop. By texting and driving, you're essentially driving drunk and putting everyone around you at risk. It's irresponsible. 
• Be patient. Honking at the cars in front of you when traffic has come to a dead stop is NOT going to make them move. What is it really doing for you? Nothing? Yeah, I thought so.
• Wear your seatbelt because it can literally save your life. Make sure your kids are buckled in too!
• If you're traveling through an area that is known to have ice on the bridges or road, driving slower is always better. It is better to wish that you could go faster than to be driving faster and wish that you had gone slower. 
• Also, if it's snowing or raining heavily, be extra cautious. The occurrence of accidents rises during inclement weather.
• Never drink and drive. It's pretty simple actually. 

After 15 years of making TONS of long-distance road trips, I'm at the point where I consider myself to be an expert on the subject. I don't believe I've left anything out. Feel free to point out something if I've missed it. If I happen to see something, I'll come back and add it.

If you need some quick tips for flying, check out this post: Reduce Stress When Flying.

Thanks for reading!!

Reduce Stress When Flying

I'm always looking for ways to make life simpler, especially since the holidays have arrived. Many of you will be hopping on a plane somewhere to visit family and friends. About nine years ago, I flew in a commercial jet for the very first time. It was extremely overwhelming and I hated the airports. The parking, crowds of people, security, and a bouncy three-year-old made me want to just quit that day. I'm certain other parents can relate to my initial experience. Fast forward, with many flights under my belt, I have figured out how to minimize the hassles of flying.

I've even flown several with an infant in first class (it was that or buy two seats for comfort, which I've seen other mothers with infants do). He was amazingly quiet and slept pretty much the entire time. I've received many compliments because he wasn't fussy. I honestly believe it was a combination of being prepared and luck. Actually, I tend to receive compliments about my children's behavior when we're traveling, but I digress; this post is not about my children's behavior. I will point out that they're amazing little travelers, though.

Flying can be extremely stressful for someone who is not a seasoned traveler. At this point, I'm seasoned enough that when traveling by plane, I whip through security and long halls, filled with massive quantities of people, like an amazing race car driver. Flying takes the least amount of time to get across the country, but traveling by car is more convenient if you have a lot of luggage. Usually, the associated costs when traveling by car are more than flying, unless you're flying internationally. Obviously, flying across the country is normally completed in a single day of travel but it's a rushed experience. 

Maybe if someone had passed along some traveling advice related to flying, I wouldn't have been as frustrated, which is why I've compiled this list for others who are going to jumping on a plane. Check it out:

When to Fly

Pick a day and time that fits your needs. Typically, consultants depart the airport early on Mondays or Tuesdays. If you don't feel like waking up at 4 a.m. to catch a flight, then select a time closer to lunch. It is less to fly on Wednesday or Thursday. Sundays and Mondays are often the most expensive days for flying.

If you're not flying direct and have to land at another airport for a connection, allow about one to two hours between flights. It's a precaution if you haven't researched the flight for the frequency of delays. You can find out if the flight has a pattern of being late or is mostly on schedule. Plan accordingly.

You can find an assortment of travel deals from companies offering discounted airline tickets from different airlines. You never know what you'll find if you choose your first option. In my book, cheap airfare is an added bonus to any trip because then I'll have more to spend when I arrive at my destination.

Checking In

You can typically check in up to 24 hours prior to departing. If you check in prior to arriving, then you remove the need to stand in a long, time-consuming line to check-in and print your boarding pass. Speaking of, print your boarding pass before arriving or save the trees and download it to your mobile device. 

Most often, you can check your luggage in if you decide to check-in online. Just drop it off once you get inside the airport. Another convenience that I like utilizing is curbside check-in. If the airline you travel with offers curbside check-in, take advantage of it. There may be an additional fee for it, check with your airline for additional details.

Getting to the Airport

Try to get a ride or a cab to the airport. There are companies that will quote a set fare to pick you up and drop you off at the airport. If you're planning on being out of town for several weeks, the fare for a cab will be much less than if you park in the garage. Of course, a family member or friend is an even better idea. If you're going to park in the garage, give yourself at least 30 minutes to unload your luggage, the family, and walk over to the airport.

Security

Here's the thing: nobody likes going through security because it's a pain in the ass, but it's a necessary pain to keep everyone safe. You want to make it through as quickly as possible. Have your passport, ID, and boarding pass ready. If you're carrying on liquids, keep them in a container no larger than 3.4 oz. Some, not all, security workers make you either throw away or check in anything larger. You don't want to have to throw away that brand new bottle of expensive face wash. Just play it safe and keep carry-on liquids under 3.4 oz.

If you're traveling alone or with family, stick with simple shoes and comfortable clothing. Put your shoes in the tub along with your belt, if you're wearing one. As far as electronics are concerned, when you're going through security, the only thing they really care about is your laptop. You can keep your iPad, iPod, camera, phone, etc, tucked away in their bags. 

Also, keep your jewelry in your carry-on luggage. A few years ago, I accidentally left my jewelry in my checked-in luggage and it was stolen by someone handling the luggage. It actually made me sad instead of angry because I don't wear a lot of jewelry and the items held sentimental value. Take it from me, bring your precious items on the plane.

Also, pay attention and work with those traveling with you. There is an opportunity for theft while you're going through security—if you're not paying attention. When traveling alone, watch your belongings as they go down the belt as you're going through the scanner. Check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before traveling for updated information on the items you can bring on board.

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Snacks, Drinks, etc... 

In the past, if you brought an empty water bottle with you to fill up after passing through security, it was difficult because the fountains were not optimally designed. Water would spill out of your water bottle, with it hardly halfway filled! However, now, they have water bottle filling stations. I know they've been around for a little while now, but I wanted to mention them in case you've never flown or ever noticed. I love these stations. Large amounts of plastic waste are reduced because they've added these.

Bring snacks, blanket, headphones, and whatever else you might want. If you're flying first class or business class, it's free. Although, I never actually use the blanket because I bring a cardigan or a fleece for when I feel cold. I typically put the blanket behind my back with the pillow. I never use the headphones either.

Distractions such as books, iPads/iPods, or coloring books will be your savior if you're flying with children. Believe me, you won't be getting any rest or relaxation, so you should be armed with as many distractions as you can manage. Flying is boring! Children can't even sit still for five minutes, yet people expect them to simply "deal" when stuck on a plane for four hours. Distractions work like a charm. Snacks do too!

Have you ever experienced motion sickness? Commercial flights are relatively mild when compared to smaller planes. If you're extremely prone to motion sickness, take something for it, like an over the counter medication or ginger pills. Everyone's sensitivity is at different levels. It's better to be prepared than wishing for something to make the room stop swaying.

These are just some of the things I've learned throughout the years. If you have any suggestions or comments that you would like to add, please feel free to do so by leaving a comment below!

Thanks for reading and happy travels!

Greater Seattle Area - Tectonics, Mountains, Shields and Platforms

Juan de Fuca Plate is a part of the Ring of Fire. It used to be part of a much larger plate known as the Farallon Plate. (Farallon Plate) This plate has nearly subducted underneath the North American Plate. The Juan de Fuca Plate is much smaller and is actively subducting underneath the North American Plate. 

If you look at the pictures below, you will notice the volcanism and mountain range being created as a result of these convergent plates coming together with the oceanic crust subducting underneath the continental crust. As a result, the GSA experiences several earthquakes each year. In the past month, two earthquakes have been recorded. You can track these at: http://earthquaketrack.com/r/seattle-tacoma-area-washington/recent


Columbia Plateau and Cascade Range Volcanism

Juan de Fuca Plate

Cascade Range

To the east lies the Cascade Range, a result of the Juan de Fuca subduction (Cascade Volcano Observatory). As the plate is subducted, a chain of volcanoes formed from the rising flow of magma, erupting along the subduction area. Some of these famous volcanoes include Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and Glacier Peak. Tourists travel year-round to get a glimpse of the magnificent, yet deadly volcanoes. After you have reached the heart of parks and glance around at the beauty surrounding the volcano, it is difficult to imagine the actual result if it were to erupt. The beauty makes you forget for a short period of time. Mount Rainier reaches 14,410 ft at it's highest.

In the pictures below, located in the Paradise Jackson Visitor area of Mount Rainier, is Myrtle Falls. The lush greenery is also filled with many wildflowers. The beauty is extremely elusive to the danger that lurks beneath the surface of the earth. These were taken in September 2012.        

Olympic Mountains

To the west lies the Olympic Peninsula. It contains several ecosystems over a relatively small region. For this post, I am going to concentrate on the Olympic Mountains located within Olympic National Park. The park contains a little over 1400 square miles right in the middle of the peninsula. Mount Olympus sits at the highest point just short of 8,000 ft. The formation of the mountains is still under debate. Most agree that a sudden uprising of the crust formed the mountains as chunk of the crust broke off. It folded and smashed into the continent forming the Olympic Mountains. It is mainly composed of basalt, shale, and sandstone; and also contains marine fossils, National Geographic: Olympic National Park.  The mountains were separated from the continent during the glacial period of the Pleistocene, Olympic National Park, and were jaggedly carved by the many glaciers and rivers that whittle down the landscape. Glaciers still sit atop these mountains. Even the coastline is full of twisted, jagged terrain.

The pictures below are from Ruby Beach in March 2013. As you can see, there are sharp, large rock formations on the coastline of the peninsula. My son is standing on the boulder to demonstrate how massive these rocks really are, and well, also to show he wasn't afraid to climb them.

   

The pictures below are from Kalaloch Beach in September 2012. The terrain along the coast is extremely steep, with columnar formations jutting out of the crust in different areas. They are extremely large, as you compare them to the tiny person (again, my son - who tends to be my assistant on many of these trips) climbing on them.

   

Again, I tried to stick with just covering the plate tectonics and the results (mountains, volcanoes, etc) of the subduction of those plates. There is so much more to these areas, but that information doesn't really fall under this particular subject. Hope you enjoy the pictures and are able to take away some information about the tectonics in this region. Also, please do not use my pictures without permission first.

Until next time!

~ Crystal ~

Greater Seattle Area - Climate, Weathering and Mass Wasting

The climate of a particular area is dependent upon where it is located. As you can see, the United States has many climate zones. In South Florida, we are located in the Tropical Wet/Dry Season climate zone. Well, if you live in Florida, then you already know how the weather is and don't require an explanation. Besides, I am not going to focus on South Florida at this moment. I am focusing on the Greater Seattle Area (GSA).

This map can be found on the following page: Summary of the Museum Preservation Environment Summit

In the Greater Seattle Area (GSA), we tend to find the climate is a combination of Marine and Highland  (alpine). What does that mean though?

Marine

A marine climate consists of humid weather with lots of rain and is never too hot or cold. It is also cloudy for much of the year. 

As you can see from the picture below, taken in September 2012, the cloud coverage can be very dense. It sits on top of the area like a blanket. I took this picture as we were driving, so it isn't the best, but you get the point.

This next picture (again, while we were driving), shows the area about to receive a nice amount of rain. This type of rainfall is not typical. Usually, when it rains, it is a very light, misty sort of rain. The misty rain can last all day. These heavier rainstorms do occur, but not as frequently as the lighter rainfall.

Highland

Highland is exactly what the name suggests. It is an area found in mountains and/or high plateaus. Summers range from June to September. The temperatures go from cool to cold. The higher you ascent, the colder it becomes. The summers are mild, while the winters are quite cold. Most of the precipitation is in the form of snow.

As you can see from the pictures below, taken in March 2013, there is a LOT of snow! The pictures below were taken while we hiked along a HUGE embankment of snow in the Paradise section of Mount Rainier. It must have been at least 10' high.  However, I digress, it was just as beautiful as it is in September! 

The Pacific Ocean has a lot of influence over Mount Rainier, the west coast of the Cascades and also over Olympic National Park. Maritime air masses bring the mild weather, humidity and rain. However, if the Olympic Mountains block the polar masses coming off of the Pacific Ocean, then why isn't the weather in the GSA (Greater Seattle Area) more arid, like the east side of the Rocky Mountains? The reason for this is something known as the Puget Sound Convergence Zone.

Basically, the polar air masses coming off of the Pacific Ocean are split, one follows along the south side of the Olympic Mountains, while the other runs along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. They continue east until they hit the Cascades. The one coming from the north, heads south. The mass from the south heads north and then they both collide or converge. Since there is nowhere else for them to go, they push back up into the atmosphere.

They settle approximately over the Snohomish county area, which is located between the Cascades and Seattle. I always wondered why at Snoqualmie Falls it would be snowing, but when we made the drive back to Bellevue, as soon as we passed over a certain point - it just disappeared. Of course, since I am from Florida, seeing snow any chance I can get is certainly a treat.

As I began to do my research for this portion of the blog post, I began to understand.  Also, the convergence zone can actually be pushed further west or fall further east, depending upon the strength of the wind. You can read more about this phenomenon in this informative article: "What is the Puget Sound Convergence Zone?"     

Weathering

Weathering is a process by which rocks are chemically altered or physically broken down as a result of atmospheric agents and the pressures/temperatures at or near the Earth's surface.

Some of the physical weathering processes in the GSA are frost action (at higher altitudes in the Cascades, Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier), talus and abrasion (wind, rivers, waterfalls and glaciers). Some examples of biological weathering are root wedging and lichens.

Below are some pictures of Snoqualmie Falls taken September 2012. Take note of the weathering as a result of the rushing water (also a form of water erosion) of the waterfall:

   

Rock fragments are a product of the weathering process in these areas as well. Notice the boulders in the picture below (Deception Pass - March 2013). Over time, those huge boulders break down into smaller rocks, cobbles and pebbles like the ones in the next picture on the beach. The waves toss and smooth the rough edges of the rocks. See how some pebbles have a rounder shape than other pebbles? This is known as spheroidal weathering.

Spheroidal weathering also occurs on the banks of rivers and streams. (Mount Rainier - 2013)

Mass wasting:

Mass wasting is the down slope movement of earthen materials under the force of gravity. There are many types such as soil creep, rockslides, rock falls, landslides and mudflows. Considering the GSA has many volcanoes and mountains in the region, it is only logical to assume that many of these occur in the region.

The current peak of Mount Rainier was formed by an event known as the Osceola Mudflow about 5,600 years ago. The east and northeast slopes collapsed and flowed down as far as Puget Sound. Then subsequent mudflows and lahars followed. Much of the Cascades are subject to mudflows or landslides especially because the area receives a high amount of precipitation. 

You can read more about these events here: 

Significant Lahars at Mount Rainier 

The picture below and more information can be found here: 

Huge rockslides at Mount Rainier

It's extremely frightening to think that there is a possibility you may get caught in one of these mass movements of earth. However, I enjoy the area and will continue to take that chance every time I visit. Anyway, you take a chance every single day, even just by taking a shower, walking out the door or getting behind the wheel of a car. I want to live life to the fullest and not worry about something that *might* take my life. The area is too majestic to avoid. :-)

Thanks for reading!

~ Crystal ~