This is me on a mini adventure in a tree!As of this past weekend, and it essentially being my last one here for a while, I decided to embark on an adventure of epic proportions. [I use epic knowing very well, thanks to Jack Downs, that the term is misused, but it serves my purposes well] This tale shall be told in a slightly photo journalistic manner, mostly due to the fact that I took almost 600 photos and want to share them. Since I was alone, I tried to include as many photos of myself that I had, taken by myself with and without timers, or by helpful strangers [God bless the people of the Northwest!].... and so it begins....
Once upon a time, there was a warrior girl christened with the name Kia, who knew when the weather would be good.
She set out early one morning for only semi-familiar lands. On her journey she met a group of people on a quest much like herself. In search of ocean tides. They were [L-R] Lauren, Linsey and [taking the photo] David. Linsey, having just moved over from Ohio was being shown the wonders of her new home by brave friends.
But upon reaching the opposite shores of a mildly, non-treacherous sailing endeavor, the new acquaintances had to part ways. But what our young female, and better looking, Columbus had in store were surprises galore. She knew of the local queen and paid her respects to her while visiting the castle.
Queen Lisa had once been a warrior much like Kia, but upon seeking new adventures and fields of study she temporarily relinquished her title to a younger, in age but not in spirit, generation. Their time together was rejuvenating and sweet, but could not contain the wild spirit of our younger warrior. So they bid adieu and Kia drifted into the crevices of mountains to seek realms yet unseen.
Upon beginning her journey, she had little idea of the mysteries and perils that lay ahead, she only knew the danger was worth the gain. When she entered the forest beside blue waters, Kia was met with ominous passings. A dark tunnel and a question, "What might the other side hold for me?" Alas, she found a wellspring of life and new acquaintances. Bethanne was a fearless wonderer of many voyages and she imparted wisdom to our young traveler. Behold, this feat was accomplished and Kia continued on toward mysterious waters.
And mysterious seas she found on the ocean beaches of a strange village called La Push, just south of the most Western part of this country. Our warrior Kia had stopped in the nearby township of Forks, and though finding no forks, she did find a bargained price travel cloak. With her cloak tight around her shoulders, she stopped at the village tavern Three Rivers for food then spent her day exploring the shores and searching out it's treasures, preparing for unwanted encounters of the unnatural kind. But the night was coming fast.
Despite the light of day, Kia could see that darkness was approaching and she would need to find shelter. She clambered into her wagon and sought a place to tie up for the night. her adventure had taken a frightening turn. With the night full on her, she found no inn willing to take her, or asking for outrageous payments. She reluctantly stopped to ask a helpful keep for advice. She was instructed to unsaddle behind a morning refreshment cart and did so. She was well at ease and upon pulling out her communication tablet, found that there was a ready messenger [internet] waiting to pack her messages to other kingdoms. Concluding that the messenger was bewitched [security protected] and required a magic code, proceeded to test her wit. Upon the word espresso, she had his full [hacked] attention. She rested easy having informed her King and Queen of her safety, and slumbered till dawn.
Morning sought our weary eyed, but well rested warrior and beckoned her forth to another epic day. She first thanked her unlikely stand owners with a generous donation and as a customer of their renowned white grinded brew. Then her path took an unplanned detour into the Hoh rain forest where untold creatures lurked in the shadows.
There was an array of beasts and fowl that met our traveler, but they met her with welcoming. Her adventures continued through woods and across waters, mostly on a well graveled trail.... but still. Our faithful warrior filled her time in wonder and worship of the creations she encountered.
The maintainers of this natural castle, Jon and Lisa helped Kia on her journey and the struggle of the peasants to protect the lands. They offered instructive information on where she might find her next quest. For it, she'd have to brave loosing the sun, and possibly leave behind her mind on the cliffs of insanity, for a few moments before finding the her place next to the open ocean.
Her joy was boundless, but alas, all was to end as she faced her greatest adversary yet- Finals week. She marked her landings and left behind friends with a farewell and promises to see them soon.
