Washington State - USA

Mt.Rainier, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Washington - when it isn't clouded over.  My mom preferred the mountains over the ocean. She wasn't very fond of boats.    Her ashes were spread over Mt. Rainier via helicopter on May 11th, 2001 over the Emmons Glacier. The largest glacier on Mt. Rainier. While the spirit certainly is not confined to any one area, this was the final act of freedom from her physical body I felt necessary to complete. 

Our family moved to Washington State in 1985. Both mom and dad eventually worked for Boeing. Each for over 10+ years. Boeing was the last place my mother worked at before illness left her too weak to continue working.  My mom liked the Northwest. She wasn't fond of too much sun (Perhaps due to Asian perference for fair skin) or heat (No visiting California in the summer time). The cool weather suited her. 

Undated - Mom amongst the flowers in Skagit Valley

I remember hiking to Blue Lake in the 
Issaquah Alps several times with my parents

Undated - Parents with friends hiking (Probably around the Issaquah area)

Personal Notes about Washington

I moved to California in early 1997. The rain and overcast skies of Washington finally got the best of me. I miss the great bike rides around Lake Sammamish. I miss the friendly people. I miss the REI store in Seattle. I miss Mt. Rainier.  But I knew it was time to move on. Besides, I was tired of hearing so much about Boeing, Microsoft (HQ - 2 miles from home), and Starbucks.  I never did pick up the coffee habit either.