Thursday, December 16, 2010

Stimpson Nature Reserve

Today was the Senior Trailblazers' annual Christmas party and short morning hike. We usually do something to allow us to end around lunchtime, in order to get over to Amy's house and share a Christmas potluck. This year, we went to the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, which was a first for me, and made a quick five-plus miles so we could end around noon or so and get to Amy's before 1:00 pm.
Click to enlarge and see the map of the area
The area is a wetlands near Lake Whatcom in Bellingham. As you can see from the sign here, it is a very special place with about a quarter-mile of wheelchair-accessible trail before branching off on two separate loop trails. We did the short loop twice and the larger loop once before calling it a day. We were also very lucky with the weather, with nary a raindrop except for the heavy moisture dripping from the trees overhead. The trail is mostly wooded, with some up-and-down for variety within the 350-acre reserve.
A beaver pond was visible through the trees and, although the day was overcast, the mossy and very damp trail was nevertheless well kept and hardly even muddy after all the rain we have had lately. Feeling quite well satisfied with our morning outing, we headed over to Amy's, where several dozen Trailblazers and their spouses showed up to share a feast.
As you can plainly see from the spread, we had more food than people, and everyone managed to eat more than we needed. We felt a little bit righteous because of all our exertions over the past year, but frankly it was just fun to be with my friends and family. Amy could not resist the temptation to honor those of us who had a birthday in December, so she placed a candle in the middle of those cupcakes and made each of us blow it out while everyone sang happy birthday to us.
That is our famous and much appreciated Social Secretary, Amy, in the pink shirt, making sure we all knew without a doubt whose birthdays were being celebrated. She also has new beautiful hardwood floors that were installed this year, so you might notice that we are all in stocking feet (which is Amy's custom anyway). It was a lovely and festive way to celebrate the season. I leave you with a picture I like very much, of Karen, who is well over seventy but still looking like the picture of beauty, health and happiness.
There are more pictures on my Flickr site (over there on the sidebar of my blog) if you are wondering if I took any pictures of YOU at the party. There were so many I couldn't put them all on here. What a great day and such wonderful people I share my life with!
:-)

20 comments:

  1. Wonderful photos. I especially like the one of the beaver pond. It sounds like a lot of fun and the table of food makes me hungry just looking at it!

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  2. A wonderful tradition...and that first picture looks like a jungle almost...what an enchanting place to hike!

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  3. Looks like you all had a perfect day!! Karen does not look at all her age but much younger!

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  4. Yes, Karen looks very healthy and youthful. The food and fellowship were wonderful - love your photos! We remove our shoes in Hawaii homes, a custom followed by Asian immigrants and adopted by most people here. It's more sanitary!

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  5. That's quite a spread! Good looking group...you ALL look young! The hiking sure works wonders, and I suppose good friendship keeps you all young as well.

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  6. wow. looks like a lot of fun...and quite the spread...shared with good friends...

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  7. What a great way to spend the day. That look at the beaver pond shows a beautiful view, and that feast looks delicious. I must have missed my invitation. ;)

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  8. I love the mosses and ferns in the forest. In the winter you can really appreciate what's still green.
    The potluck food looks great. How fortunate you are to have found this city with all of the opportunities for you to be active with a group with similar interests.

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  9. Here you will find a cottage you are looking in nature or near the most beautiful natural regions in Europe. Do as you please on holiday and relax in a cottage nature. http://www.gitesetnature.fr/

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  10. Wonderful walk, fun with friends, birthday celebrations, good food. Wow. Karen doesn't look like she could possible be over seventy. No way.

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  11. I enjoy seeing the activities of your friendly circle of seniors. The stocking feet custom is a great idea. Many in my family like to do that too. Friends and family make a wonderful holiday season--the best to you and yours.

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  12. I think I could spend hours in this park taking pictures of the trees. Your pond picture is excellent. Your party is the type I would like to go to - it seems so friendly and fun. With all your walking I am surprised you still find places close by you have never explored, but it’s wonderful that you do.

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  13. Hi DJan, I am your newest follower and I enjoyed this blog very much. You all look young and healthy, I guess it's the hiking. Oh, yes, Karen is as young looking as she is beautiful, very. Gerry

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  14. What a pretty place with all those trees and the moss hanging off them. A fairytale place indeed. Your spread at Amy's looks delicious although I had a job identifying much of it. Very festive anyway. You all look so well, not tired out after all that walking.
    Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas D-Jan
    Blessings, Star

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  15. Pot lucks are the greatest! Neat idea to do this with a hiking group. If it's like here these groups are pretty tight . Very supportive of each other .

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  16. The beaver pond is beautiful. I thought of you yesterday, wondering what sort of hike you were having. It seems you had a wonderful hike and a happy feast. I see Smart Guy looked to be having fun!

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  17. Interesting to see the beautiful features of your hike so close to winter. Still beautiful and vibrant.

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  18. Your nature area reminds me a lot of the trails at the wetlands where I volunteer.

    Karen is amazing. I can only wish her more good health and happiness. She's good advertising.

    Retirement magazines should be writing about you and the life you've made in a new location. You've done a great job.

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  19. It still looks so green there..I read the sign..no dogs even on leash? There must be a fair amount of animals in the area. Looks like a great party..socks..that is our custom too..it really saves on cleanup:)

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