Thursday, April 14, 2011

Bowman Bay

I almost decided not to go hiking with the Senior Trailblazers today, since I woke to heavy rain that had turned to heavy SNOW by 6:30am. But once I checked out the weather forecast, I decided that it would not last and that if I didn't go, I'd be really grumpy if the sun actually came out. So, I set out for the Senior Center after taking some pictures of the tulips in the snow. Twelve of us showed up, and by the time we got in our cars to head down to Whidbey Island and Bowman Bay, there was more sun than clouds in the sky. As we headed southwest, it looked like the day would certainly be better than it had started. And I was right.
We began our hike up the trail above Pass Lake and, as you can see here, the moss has proliferated from all the rain we've been having. It was a little chilly, but by the time we had hiked uphill a bit, we shed our coats and gloves. Linda decided, when she saw this swing as we reached an old abandoned orchard, that she would like to give it a try. We all got out of the way as she swung out and... down. That old rope had a lot of stretch in it.
After playing in the orchard and taking pictures of flowers coming out, we headed back down to visit both Lighthouse Point and Rosario Bay. The skies gradually began to be more clouds than sun, but the flowers were everywhere. Here's a picture of some flowering currants with the sunlight shining through.
After we had hiked to Lighthouse Point overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, we decided to have some lunch and rest a while. Still no rain, but as you can see here the skies are a sort of mellow grey. This picture almost looks like a monochrome, especially in comparison with the others I took.
However, after I had satisfied my growling stomach, I walked around looking at the sights. So many kinds of flowers! I think there are two or three kinds of moss and the kinnikinnick flowers (I think) are what you see in bloom. The waters of the strait are below, with the shadow of a promontory only visible by its reflection. I fell in love with this picture and had to show it to you.
We kept seeing this lovely little orchid-type flower, and nobody could identify it for sure. We thought perhaps it's called a shooting star, but this picture shows that once it raises its head up to the sunlight, it's got the little "beard" you see on orchids. Anyone who might know what this flower is, I'd love to identify it by name.
Fairyslipper or Deer's Head Orchid (thanks, Catbird Scout!)
Just as we were walking back to the cars, after hiking nine miles and a little more than 2,000 feet up and down, it began to rain. Up until that moment, we had had a sprinkle or two, but the rain never materialized until then, so I knew I had made the right decision, to spend the day in the beautiful outdoors with my Senior Trailblazers. Now it's time for a bit of wine before dinner. Until next time...
:-)

21 comments:

  1. Another successful hike. I'm sure Linda Reeder can identify your flower. Sounds like it turned out to be nice and I do love looking at all that moss, on of the good things rain brings.

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  2. Lovely pics as usual, DJan! I am glad you had such an enjoyable hike with compatible friends. Maybe, Linda Reeder knows the name of that orchid-like flower, as she is very knowledgable about plants.

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  3. nice. i know you are glad you went now too..its those times i dont want to that i am usually awarded for doing it...nice pics...

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  4. Really interesting to see the green an flowers that are in bloom. Must really smell great with the precipitation and high humidity

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  5. I'm glad you followed your instincts and went anyway. Just think what you would have missed out on. The purple/pink flowers throughout the post were really pretty.

    I was telling someone about your blog today. I told how you hike every Thursday and how there should be a post today. I'm glad you went.

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  6. You are just amazing! Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos of that fabulous hike.

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  7. I'm surprised you had snow there. At least is was short lived and you were able to get out for a hike. Lovely photos.

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  8. I'm playing catchup again D-Jan. It's so hard to read all the Blogs and get the housework done!! I loved looking at your flowers today. Coincidentally, I took a picture of my own flowering currant today, ready for a future post. I didn't plant it the birds did. It almost feels like I make your walks with you, almost! I don't know if I could eat enough food to keep me going all day though. I've said that before and asked you what you ate. I seem to need feeding every two hours if I do anything energetic like you do.
    Hope you enjoyed your wine.

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  9. http://sharonrwagner.blogspot.comApril 15, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Another mysterious mossy hike. You don't let the moss grow underneath your feet for long!

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  10. Thanks for showing us the gifts to be had when you don't let a little cold and rain get in your way. Great photos. The mystery flowers are Calypso bulbosa or Fairyslipper - also known as deer's-head orchid - according to my Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest. Great find!

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  11. Many times, it's when I feel like I'm forcing myself to do something that it turns out to be a great time. Your photos, especially that one of the slope, are great. Old orchards always make me happy. It sounds so nice. I'm afraid, though, that after nine miles and 2,000 ft. It would be a lot of whine for me. Wine sounds so much better.

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  12. I'd love to do a weekly hike. Nine miles would be a bit long for me, though.

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  13. Great photos, as always. Love that orchid. I always enjoy it when you say, "After hiking XX miles..." Usually many more miles than I might hike...

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  14. You live in such a lovely landscape. I understand why you like to go outdoors – great sights and many pretty flowers. I enjoyed the hike, virtually.

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  15. That shot of snowy tulips is quite a surprise!!!

    But looks like you did good in resisting the urge to avoid snowy weather, seems like a gorgeous day in the end! Lovely flowers!!!

    I'm living vicariously through your hikes since my knee has me out of action for the moment... so keep 'em coming!!! ;o)

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  16. How wonderful to see some wildflowers in their splendour along with the exhilarating scenery!

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  17. I'd say you made the right choice-it looks like it was a gorgeous day at times. You definitely got a variety of pictures. It's nice to see all the blooms after the brown and grey of winter. It feels like spring really has sprung.

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  18. What a beautiful Orchid..I am so glad someone identified it! Great hike! The snow on the tulips is very pretty:)

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  19. Looks like it was a fun hike. The old swing in the orchard would have been hard to resist, glad that rope wasn't all worn out. The flowers are gorgeous, I'm glad Catbird Scout could ID that last one.

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