This month I moved from Seahawks territory to the mash-up of teams on the East Coast (Washington mainly, I suppose). Before I left and during my drive, I claimed some of the most beautiful parts of the nation as Broncos Country. It was the best way I could think of to honor the National Park Service's 100th birthday.
Mount Pilchuck, Granite Falls, WA
Glacier National Park, Glacier, MT. Along the hidden lake hike hiking trail- Bearhat Mountain
Granite Mountain, North Bend, WA. Usually there is an awesome view of the Cascade mountains on this 4,000 ft elevation gain hike, but on this morning we were in the clouds
Mount Baker, WA, North Cascades National Park. Glacier travel on my first mountaineering trip up the Easton Glacier. I managed not to fall in any crevasses.
Hurricane Ridge, Port Angeles, WA, Olympic National Park. There wasn't anyone here to take a picture of me with the flag, so here it is with my water bottle and the Olympic mountains in the background.
Mount Rainier National Park, WA. View from the Panoramic Point at Paradise. Views of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams in the background. Hard to see due to crappy camera resolution.
Mount Scott, Crater Lake National Park, OR. The top of the tallest peak in the park, looking down on Crater Lake
Bumpass' Hell, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lassen, CA. A hike down into the bubbling hot springs, it's like a miniature Yellowstone. I couldn't find anyone to take my picture here either, so I perfected the one-handed flag selfie.
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Moab, UT. Hike up to Delicate Arch in the 99 degree (F) sweltering heat.
Washington Monument, National Mall, Washington, DC. The end of my destination, and my new home in the Nation's Capitol on the National Park Service's 100th birthday. Broncos Country!
I have to admit that I didn't stop anywhere between Denver and Washington, DC to take pictures. But fear not - I will claim the smaller peaks out here in no time. If you have any suggestions for hikes in the East to ease my mountain withdrawal, or if you have claimed some awesome places in the name of John Elway, please share!
Happy centennial to the National Park Service, and GO BRONCOS!