Northwest Timber Trail

I've done the Northwest Timber Trail on Tiger Mountain twice now. The first time I did it, I didn't really pay attention to much because it was misty and we couldn't see much.

This time around, it was sunny and clear so I was able to see the pretty views that make up for the crazy mountain bikers who almost run you over. (Well, not really. You can hear their brakes sqeaking BEFORE they get close to you, but still).

We started out on this after work hike by walking up one of the roads. The trail starts off the road and you walk through the forest, passing streams and lots of trees. We passed over a pretty waterfall with an awesome bridge across it. I wouldn't want to be on a bike going fast around the corners near the waterfall, because the drop off is rather far down!

After walking through the forest for a while, you come to a set of clear cuts. Normally clear cuts can leave you depressed, but this set of clear cuts gives you a beautiful view of Taylor Mountain and the backside of Rattlesnake Mountain. Isn't that pretty?

The end of the hike isn't all that interesting, but I see it as a way to enjoy the journey instead of the destination, kind of like life, huh? On our way back, we passed by a tree stump that had been cut into a chair. Somehow I had missed it the three previous times I had passed it and it took Tina pointing it out for me to see it!

The Northwest Timber Trail is a great trail to hike on after work during a hot summer day when you want to get away from the heat. Just watch out (and listen for) those crazy mountain bikers!

Total time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 5 miles
Passes: Discover Pass required
Location: Tiger Mountain Trailhead off HWY 18


Thanks for stopping by!

Stella Clone Pork Stew with Roasted Veggies

Let me just say one thing here. Beer is delicious. The darker the beer, the better.

However, I have about 15 bottles left of a Stella clone my brother made for me. Only problem is that I'm not drinking them fast enough because 1. there are so many and 2. see above (as in, I prefer darker beers).

So what did I do? I made a stew! A pork stew, nontheless. With roasted veggies.

And guess what! It was freakin delicious! I had never really cooked with beer before (just wine), but now I'm definitely going to experiment with more beer recipes. Guinness stew, anyone? (YES PLEASE!)

Stella Clone Pork Stew with Roasted Veggies

Serves 4

1 lb. pork stew meat

1 bunch carrots, peeled and chopped

4 yukon gold potatoes, diced

1 onion, sliced

1 bottle Stella

sprig of rosemary

olive oil

salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Put veggies on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly caramelized, but not falling apart. Remove from oven and set aside.

2. In a large dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Brown pork, then add 1/2 c. Stella plus 1/2 c. water. Add veggies and rosemary; top with enough Stella to just cover everything.

3. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until pork is cooked. Serve with quinoa or noodles.

Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy!

Day Trip to Gig Harbor

I'll admit it, I'm getting behind on my posts. I went to Gig Harbor with my meetup group a few weekends ago and had a blast, but just haven't felt inspired until now to write about it.

I decided to go to Gig Harbor after reading about it in Sunset Magazine. I love that magazine! oh my goodness! They always have delicious recipes and fun things to do! I look forward to reading it every month.

Anyways, back on to Gig Harbor. Other than that article, I didn't know much. I had been there maybe once or twice, but I don't really remember it. This trip will definitely be memorable!

We started out meeting in Federal Way and then carpool to Gig Harbor (via a detour to Starbucks to warm up!). We parked and walked along the waterfront, enjoying the view of the water. We ooohhd and ahhhd the houses across the water and the boats.

We got to the end of the shops on one side of the street and found the Tides Tavern, where we stopped for lunch. The food there was excellent! I had the steamed clams and a side salad. Some had clam chowder, others had sandwiches, and one gal had nachos!

After lunch, we walked on the other side of the street, stopping in stores and doing some window shopping. We also stopped at a bakery and got some sweets.

I had heard about an oyster farm just down the road, so we made our way to the Minterbrook Oyster Farm. The bridge near Purdy was so awesome! I was driving, so I couldn't take pictures, but the view was spectacular! We got to the farm and explored around. A few of us bought oysters to take home while others simply took in the views.

After the oysters were bought, I suggested we continue our day by going to the North End of Tacoma and walking along Proctor street. We stopped in more stores, had some free frozen yogurt and enjoyed a beautiful day.

Plus I got to stop in at Metropolitan Market, my favorite grocery store! What could get better than that?!?!

Thanks for stopping by!

Roasted Asparagus and Lemon-Wine Poached Salmon - 200th post!

Wow! Can you believe I have done 200 posts already? I can't. Well, sort of. I've been writing this blog since 2009, but it was rather sporadic for the first few years. This year was definitely a turning point for me. I've been cooking, creating and exploring more and I don't see me slowing down anytime soon! And now, back to your regular scheduled programming. :D

Ok, so I know the rest of the country is feeling this sweltering heat wave, but over here it's been pretty cool, cloudy and rainy. I'm so thankful for that because I just melt in the heat!

A few weeks ago, I came home from work and was tired. I didn't feel like cooking anything fancy, and I didn't feel like going out to eat. I didn't cook the night before, so I had some salmon and some asparagus, just waiting to be cooked.

I decided to roast the asparagus and then gently steam the salmon in a lemon-wine broth. The dinner turned out delicious! It took me literally 20 minutes to make. I suggest making this meal if you are crunched on time, but want something healthy and delicious!

Roasted Asparagus and Lemon-Wine Poached Salmon

Serves 4

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper

1 lb. salmon fillet

olive oil

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/2 c. white wine

thyme sprig

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. On a baking sheet, lay asparagus in a flat layer. Sprinkle garlic, salt and pepper over asparagus, then drizzle with olive oil. Roll spears around to get completely coated. Roast in oven for 7-10 minutes until tender and tips begin to get crispy! Remove from oven and let sit until salmon is done.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper over salmon fillet, then rub with 1 tbsp olive oil. Put fillet in pan, skin side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add lemon juice, white wine and thyme sprig. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until fish begins to flake. Remove from pan and let sit for 3 minutes before serving.

3. Serve with your choice of grain.

Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy!



Oh and:

 Happy Independence Day!  

Ardmore Trails

Ardmore Park is a 28-acre park off of Bel-Red Road in Bellevue. The park features a maze of trails  through a forest that makes you feel like you are out off of Snoqualmie Pass, not in the middle of a suburb.

The trail we took was roughly 1.5 miles round trip, with very little elevation gain. The trail meandered through the woods, crossing over a stream that runs through the park. There are some stairs but other than than it's fairly flat..

Ardmore Trails is a great place for an after work walk or trail run. There was hardly anyone on the trail (3 people!), excluding the parents and kids at the play area. It was quiet and peaceful, a great place to gather your thoughts.

Total time: 45 minutes
Distance: 1.5 miles
Passes: none required
Location: 16833 NE 30th Street Bellevue, WA

Enjoy!