Mt. Ranier, Washington

Having marked our map in a squiggly line, traveling south to north in Washington; we decided to go to Mt. Ranier after Mt. St. Helen's.

The drive in was white knuckled some times as the roads going in were tight.  No railings to save us from our mistakes and huge drop offs if we screwed up.  We were blessed tho to have clear skies and low humidity and clear blue skies.  The day before and the day after/actually just hours after our visit, the mountain was wrapped tightly in it's own cloud and not seen for days, even up close and personal, from it's visitor's parking lot.

Dorothy got to 'enjoy....' this portion of the drive and narrated to me, as I would not take my eyes off the road.  Below: a bed of rocks, some the size of an automobile, washed down from the Glacier (I'll add a shot later that shows it the next morning in the 'mountains weather'.  The mountain actually creates it's own weather and it often wraps itself in fog or snow.)

Once there, we were lucky enough to get a campsite within their park, late in the day and yet only a hundred yards from their shuttle bus that takes you around the park and up to the best views and the lodge. We have often been just plain lucky!  IT help tho to travel after prime season...you know/kids 'in' school?

In 15 minutes we were at the bus stop and on our way up to see the top of the mountain.

The view was fabulous.

It was possible to walk all the way to the glacier on it as well as hike up to the top I guess...  They did have guides working there.  However, we walked a half hour or so UP, then enjoyed the view.  90% of tourists viewed from below at the parking lot/lodge.

The bluish ice is the actual Glacier...the white is snow.

SPIRITS of IRON, by Dan Klennert

STEEL ART.  The sign came up fast as we drove down a highway, but we looked quickly and decided to turn around.  Pulling up to the driveway, our eyes opened wider.....THIS, was a "Find"!

We had just stumbled upon a wonderland of sculptures awaiting public view.

The Artist (and I must capitalize this) is Dan Klennert, of Elbe, Washington, 360-569-2280.                               This gents work is amazing.

The gate was open, allowing for public viewing, but he was not present on the property this day.  A well kept field of his work lay before us and later we found there was more in his acre or two of additional work behind his premises/workshop.

From elk and moose, to biker;

 tractor to guitarist, Christ to urinals etc. etc. etc. his art pieces never ceased to make us study them and smile with appreciation for his work.

Everywhere in view an artistic approach to life was evident.  Classy, thoughtful, playful.

Not just an old truck, but viewed as a 'glimpse of its life'

Hope you enjoy......and thanks Dan, Hope you are well and happy.  Your work is a blessing.
Dan's Website for more of this artists work!