Today marked the third year in a row that I've visited the
Stimpson Family Nature Reserve in Bellingham with the Senior Trailblazers. It's a beautiful pristine park on the outskirts of the city that is maintained by the Whatcom Land Trust. The core of the park was donated to Bellingham in 2000 by the seven children of Edward and Catherine Stimpson. Bikes and dogs are not allowed in the park; it's a nature reserve and they would disrupt the ecology of the area.
Fifteen of us set out on a cloudy but, thankfully, dry morning. We hiked over six miles, going around the main loop twice as well as taking the 1.8-mile trail around Geneva Pond.
This picture shows what the winter Pacific Northwest lowland hikes epitomize to me: a mossy log, wet fern leaves surrounding it, an old growth tree in the background, and a well-maintained trail to enjoy the environment. When we came upon this wet olivine rock bench, it was an opportunity to hear our knowledgeable leaders tell tall tales to the unsuspecting newcomers. Nobody sat down on it, since it was very wet, but I really don't think that smooth surface was caused by glaciers.
We finished our hike a bit after noon and noticed that it was beginning to rain. By the time we returned to the Senior Center, it was pouring! We were certainly being looked after, if you ask me. It was a fine way to spend our Thursday close to home, but I'm looking forward to a day when we don't have any measurable rain in our forecast. According to Al, today marks 29 in a row! I guess that explains why I'm beginning to look forward to a few sun breaks.
:-)
Hi DJan! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Sounds like you are creating new traditions for yourself. I need to do that as well.
ReplyDeleteLove your photo w/ shades in the masthead.
DJan, I simply couldn't live out there - all that rain would just shrivel my soul. We've had a few gray days here (luckily today was sunny) and I was on the verge of tears. The fact that the forecast is calling for more gray/rain has set me on edge. All that to say, you do live in beautiful part of the world - I LOVE your pictures.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and lush spot. That rock looks as smooth as ice and the mossy surfaces make me crave greenery. We've only had our first snowfall overnight and I'm already longing for spring. You sure have an abundance of wonderful areas to explore.
ReplyDelete29 days of rain in a row? A poor little old prairie boy like me would be completely bent out of shape.
ReplyDeleteHere we would be layered up for cold. You're layered up for precipitation.
love the moss and fern! and i'd love to take some of that rain from you (although we did get some on christmas day!) i REALLY want that smooth rock for alongside my pond. i'm guessing shipping might be a bit cost prohibitive, however. :)
ReplyDeleteha sounds like a cool trip...and a neat place....and the tall tales tot he newcomers made me chuckle...cool scenery by your pics...
ReplyDeleteI'm getting tired of the rain too. At least the days are getting longer now!
ReplyDeleteThe mossy log, wet fern, leaves and old growth trees are what I think of when someone mentions your side of the Cascades. It's been raining almost that long here but not as intense.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you and the group had a great day.
Twenty-nine days of rain in a row!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't like that, but then, there's nothing one can do except deal with it....
I love the ferns growing abundantly in the reserve...so pretty!
That looks like such a lush place to hike. Looking out my window at the snow and it's 12 degrees--that looks almost tropical to me. Wow! The stone is amazingly flat and shiny wet. No idea why. Glaciers? Whatever. It's cool! 29 days of rain--you guys really do need some sun. I hope you get some soon!! :)
ReplyDeleteI would find all that rain depressing. Talk about doom and gloom! Lol. Glad you had good exercise though.
ReplyDeleteI hope you got the present you closed your eyes and wished for? Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteDJan, I love the pics from this hike... all that moss and fern. It made me think of Jurassic Park (half expected to see a T-Rex appear). What a beautiful place to live!
ReplyDeleteWow, 29 days in a row of rain! No wonder everything in those photos is so green!
ReplyDeleteThe green and lush landscape make up for all the rain. What a beautiful way to spend a day!
ReplyDelete29 days of rain..yuck. We have snow in the air..fine dry flakes. What beautiful green moss..you know me I love the green. That rock bench is beautiful:)
ReplyDeleteIt was dry here yesterday afternoon, and again all day today. I got out for four mile walks both days. I have lots of holiday eating to walk off. It felt great to have the time, freedom and weather to be outside again.
ReplyDeleteYa gotta have rain to get green.
ReplyDeleteHowever, 29 days in a row is a long, long time.
We're the same, rain, rain and more rain. Today we had blustery winds too. Really need some sunshine now! Love the ferns though and the mossy log. Is that stone really wet or just polished to a high gloss>
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a lot of rainy days. But things do seem to be wonderfully lush.
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly wonderful gesture by the Stimpson Family. And it looks to be a truly beautiful spot. Thank you, yet again, for taking me hiking with you.
ReplyDeleteHow I wish the rain could be shared more equitably. I would love, love, love some of yours to come my way.
Enjoyed viewing the hike through your eyes. What I think is better rain than snow. (which we have - LOL)
ReplyDeleteWell.... we're getting a whole lot of rain over here too now. It keeps the plants green. Have a terrific new year, DJan.
ReplyDelete