I Won't Snow You If yesterday’s hike was “the ugly,” today’s was “the good.” The day started off with lunch at Salumi, a small hole-in-the-wall at the edge of Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic district. The reviews were great for this little restaurant, but I hesitated to go because of their limited hours and even more limited tables (2 large ones). I’m glad I went. Salumi is known for their home-made Tuscan-style Italian sausages and meats. To try a sample, I ordered the hot plate (meatballs, lamb, beef, cold cuts, etc.) and a side order of white beans and prosciutto, accompanied by a hearty Italian red wine (you pour it yourself from the bottle on the table). Although I normally can’t get very excited about meatballs and sliced meats, I have to say that Salumi’s were exceptional. With Salumi’s excellent food and quaint, low-key atmosphere, I can see why there’s such a positive buzz about this place.

After lunch, under mixed sun and clouds, I headed east on the freeway from Seattle. This time my destination was much closer to Seattle—about a one-hour drive, trailhead located right off the freeway at Snoqualmie Pass. On the way to the trailhead, mountain peaks covered with green trees growing right down to the edge of the freeway made a beautiful scene. The trail to Snow Lake (6 miles round trip) was a gradual uphill climb through the forest and over a rock ridge. When Snow Lake finally came into view, I was surprised at its huge size and beautiful, deep blue color. As the sun dipped lower on the jagged, snow-tipped peaks above the lake, I evidently was the only one at the lake. After resting in the peaceful quiet, I returned to my car for the drive back to Seattle. Back at the hotel, I had dinner in my room with some leftovers and extra meatballs from Salumi.  ¶ 11:00 PM