Wy'east Woman

09/06/2026

Witchy things in progress!

As I am sure a couple of you have noticed, I have been in full blown gypsy mode all summer. Yesterday's trip to the Hoodland Farmers Market inspired me to create something tasty.

I picked up these beautiful (and giant) Liberty blackberries and fresh tulsi (holy basil) from my favorite farmers.

While the majority of the herbs went in my dryer for tea (and the berries straight into my mouth), I kept some aside to make a glycerite.

Tulsi is renowned for its ability to help the body process stress, and just give you a overall good feeling. It can also help boost the immune system and help with digestion. Plus, it just tastes lovely.

I added the blackberries mostly for the flavor profile, but they do add some antioxidants as well.

I can't wait to taste how this turns out!

It's so nice to have little bottles of extracts when I am on the road and feel like my body needs a little boost, and takes up a lot less room than carrying all my tea ingredients.

Thank you to my friends at Hood Hills Farm for providing such beautiful ingredients.

09/05/2026

I have been eating biscuits and gravy all over the PNW this summer, and these are HANDS DOWN the BEST that I have eaten all summer.

The cold brew creations are always tasty. Had people stop me asking "Where did you get that?!?"

What they say is true, it's good to be home.

Thank you The Northwest Kitchen for the treats for my taste buds at Hoodland Farmers Market this morning.

09/04/2026

Washington Pass, sitting at 5,477 feet, is one of the highest elevation drivable roads in Washington State.

This stretch of Highway 20 is closed in the winter. I'm sure you can imagine why.

Liberty Bell Mountain is pictured at the end.

I got really lucky with my timing, once again. The ranger at the visitor center had warned me the parking lot for the viewpoint was closed for paving and I would have to pull off to the shoulder. It must have just reopened and she didn't get the memo.

This is one of those spots I would like to go back and see with a little blue sky, but was still stunning on a rainy day.

(Right now with the fires every rain drop is a beautiful sight.)

Hart Pass near Mazama is the highest for those wondering, but that's a job for a Bronco, not a Snowflake ❄️.

09/03/2026

Been trying really hard to pick one picture to summarize my experience in the North Cascades. It's pretty close to impossible.

I have experienced both rain and sun showers. Sat on the shores of lakes and high atop mountain passes. Shivered in the wind and stripped down a couple layers to cool down.

One thing that's been a constant is that time is the most precious commodity, and I have never felt more wealthy than slowing down and just enjoying the view.

So many places I have always wanted to see, and now I have gotten the chance to. My bank account is a little emptier, but I am richer for these experiences.

09/03/2026

Just want to add that Bob is CLEARLY an overachiever!

09/03/2026

How to tell I watched Looney Tunes when I was a kid? Saw a sign that said Acme and had to stop.

Zero coyote or roadrunner sightings.

Biscuits and gravy is my go to cheap breakfast when I am on the road, if you haven't been able to tell yet. On the occasions I treat myself that is.

This one was pretty good. Definitely homemade gravy, but could have used a little more sausage in it. Slight hint of fennel in it. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

General Store was very cute too!

This was my very last stop before heading back to civilization. Its been a beautiful week in the North Cascades.

More to come.

09/01/2026

This one is for my friend Lisa!

Thanks for making sure I came here!

08/30/2026

08/30/2026

When your hair matches the lake.

08/29/2026

Same spot....three months apart.

Ranger said he expects it to be gone before the snow comes. That's never happened before.

I also accidentally wore the EXACT same clothes.

I guess it's my ice cave hiking outfit now.