Ascent to the Golden Bushie

Years ago -- I can't remember how many exactly -- my hubby and eldest son, who must have been quite little at the time, summited the hillside of our neighborhood to a particularly large shrub my son dubbed, "The Golden Bushie". If I recall, it was one of those days where father and son needed some time outside together and mommy needed some quiet time at home. It was pre-little brother. Or at least, pre-mobile little brother. The Golden Bushie is remarkable in that in Fall it stands out on the green hillside due to its golden, yellow shade. It is also, for some strange reason, flanked by several madrona trees. (One doesn't usually see too many madrona trees this far inland. Of course, we have a decent amount of seagulls around too. Go figure.)Anyhow, since that time we have walked the woods and hills behind --in front of?? It depends on where you're coming from... -- our neighborhood on numerous occasions, but have never again been able to reach this elusive location. Until two Saturdays ago....

After parking at the trailhead about a mile from our house, we trek down the trail and head into the woods...determined to reach our goal.

Little Brother isn't so sure about all this...

Big Brother is game for any adventure...

Emerging onto the grassy hillside, Mommy takes up the rear, with dog in tow...

Big Brother forges his own path...as usual

Snacks: Don't leave home without them.

The men break off from Mommy, whose still-weak ankle won't let her climb steep hills, leaving her with the dog, the camera, and a cell phone... Little Brother is actually riding baby-gorilla style on Daddy's back by this point.

Objects in this photo are FARTHER than they appear...but they are getting CLOSER to their goal!

Success! If you look closely to the left of THE Golden Bushie, you can see Hubby...

Zooming in, a shot of the happy climbers.

And we even made a friend...

The End!