Two Tickets to Paradise

Entering the park

A view of the mountain from just inside the gate

On the way up, a detailed view of the mountain
[Full Gigapan]

Pausing for a moment of reflection

Lunch at the Paradise Restaurant

Visiting the new Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is fortified against the heavy winter snows
The old one ... wasn't

The mountain looms over Paradise

Life abounds in the highlands
A bee services this Avalanche Lily

Looking back down toward the Visitor Center

Closer and closer

Trekking

Buttercup

Aerial view from about 25,000'MSL taken a few days later

Mt. Rainier in the Setting Sun

Mt. Rainier illuminated by the setting sun, a small lenticular cloud formation hovering over its peak.
Click on the image for a larger view.

Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier

Through 60 miles of atmosphere, the mountain displays its majesty.

Thunderbirds

Airshow, McChord AFB, July 20th, 2008

Mt. Rainier looms in the distance over McChord AFB. Thunderbirds and others performed in the shadow of this great mountain making for some spectacular images.


Thunderbirds aircraft lined up on the ramp in preparation for the show.


Mt. Rainier looms in the background.


An F-15 demonstrates shortfield take-off an rapid climb capability.


Lone thunderbird pierces between a pair of pairs.


Thunderbirds come around for another close pass. Mt. Rainier looks on in the distance.


Diamond formation.


Sweeping by the mountain.


Bizarre mating ritual?


Inverted.


Landing - the performance is concluded.

Seattle Sunrise - Another Travel Day

The plane taxis away from the gate. A magnificent sunrise illuminates the sky and reflects off the windows of the terminal building.


Mt. Rainier seen across the wing.


Seattle tower silhouette.


Freight aircraft.

A Clear View of the Mountain

Today is an extraordinarily clear day. Mt. Rainier looks over the highway, a cold mountain on a warm day.

Distance from this vantage point to the mountain peak is 57.5 miles.

Four Volcanos

Taken on approach into Seattle. Note the rainbow circle in the foreground is a reflection of sunlight off the clouds.