 |
| From the Deception Pass bridge |
I woke this morning to the familiar but hardly welcome sound of... rain. It rained all night long and the weather forecast gave us an 80% chance of rain today. Well, I figured, it's already a 100% chance, but maybe it won't rain all day. Eight Senior Trailblazers drove south to Deception Pass State Park for our annual trip up to the summit of Goose Rock. On the way, we noticed that the rain was beginning to lighten up.
 |
| Lots of moss |
The eight of us were quite surprised when we began our hike in dry conditions, but we were ready for anything, already in our raincoats expecting that the rain would pick up, but it didn't. In fact, we went the entire day without more than a hint of rain!
An eagle in a nearby tree stayed for quite awhile, giving me a chance to get several pictures. We heard eagle calls during the entire hike. We also saw a kingfisher on the water, but I wasn't able to capture it in a photo. The tide was on its way out when we began, and we walked along the beach before heading onto the Goose Rock trail.
Every once in awhile we thought we might actually see the sun, but it was not to be. We were quite happy just to have a sky that held back the rain. It had rained there all night, too, and the rocks were slippery in places. I fell and smacked my arm pretty hard, but now we all carry Ace bandages; I added compression and am now going to do the other parts of treatment for a sprain or bruise: RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation).
This area has some of the most beautiful madrone trees, as you can see here. The red bark peels away to reveal a smooth greenish-tinted wood. I have always been enamored with the way they look. Do you think they are pretty, too?
We had lunch at the top of Goose Rock, bundled up against the breeze. We didn't stay awfully long. The entire trip was a little more than seven miles, and we traveled up and down around 1,500 feet of elevation. Not a really hard day, but we were happy to have spent Valentine's Day together, high and dry.
 |
| Steve skipping a rock while Al and Mike look for more flat rocks |
Boys will be boys, no matter how old they get, right? Now I am home and quite happy to settle in and enjoy the rest of the day with my partner. It's still grey and overcast, but it's not raining. I missed my friends while I was in Florida, and now that my routine has completed a full week, it feels good to be home.
:-)
sounds like you got really lucky with the rain blowing through early! those madrone trees are unique. almost looks like bloody meat. eek! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful area and thought moss was only in the south.
ReplyDeleteHey, maybe you should come here and do the 8 mile walk with Kay. She's doing the Aloha Fun Run this weekend, I think, and needs a healthy partner. Love your pics!
ReplyDeletethose madrone trees are really cool...and great shot of the eagle...dont you love it when you are rewarded like that...going anyway...and no rain...smiles..
ReplyDeleteIf it was me and these conditions, I would probably stay hoe. Of course, if I was with a bunch of keeners I would go so that I wouldn't be called a whuss. so great that you go out in down weather. I hope that you don't suffer from the fall.
ReplyDeleteI love the looks of the Madrone trees..so very different than trees we have here in Minnesota. Lovely hike..hope your arm feels better tomorrow :)
ReplyDeleteWell, there are some similarities between our posts today! Like eagles, madrone trees, and Whidbey Island!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the weather held and you and the group had a good day. Sorry to hear you hurt your arm.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I saw Madrone trees was up the river from the southern Oregon. I fell in love with them.
The Madrone Trees are indeed beautiful - raw like nature intended - The Moss however, makes for a great movie setting. Don't you just love watching the Eagles. We go up to Greens Point Lighthouse to watch and it is just facinating to spend time there. Hope your arm is feeling better.
ReplyDeleteThat looks and sounds like great fun. The colorful parkas against the more dreary setting is an interesting juxtaposition. To hike with the eagles!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day for hiking & keeping warm..... ps I unnamed bird at Corkscrew as a Painted Bunting...:)
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to understand why you take those hikes, the scenery is spectacular. Eagles are such spectacular animals. We don't see them around here, but I think there are some, just not around my woods. We see hawks often. I think the names of your hiking trails are intriguing and I always wonder about their origins.
ReplyDeleteI love those photos you post each time you are out and about. Hope you arm heals quickly. Take it easy.
ReplyDeleteThat was an interesting walk. Hope your arm mends soon. The tree bark is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful scenes - thank you. The madrone trees are very special indeed and I loved the purple coat one of your fellow walkers was wearing - a wonderful splash of colour.
ReplyDeleteI hope your poor sore arm heals quickly. Very quickly.
The thought of rain would have put me off - but those fantastic trees make it all worthwhile!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, as always. That eagle looks quite at peace.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a hike I would like to do, not so high and not as difficult as some of the hikes you experience. I like the photos, very nice. And the eagle shot is great. Slippery conditions are a hazard especially for us older folks, so sorry you fell and have to nurse your arm now.
ReplyDeleteDidn't know about madrone trees; they are very graceful and appealing. Hope your arm feels better soon!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I have never seen nor heard of this tree before. Wow, you always have something new and different when you trail blazers hike to far reaches of great state of WA.
ReplyDeleteEagle...speaking of eagles, I did not know this either. In fact just last week I learned that the 'bald' part of the eagle's name is from the pied bald animals with white heads. Well, I'll be darned.
And R I C E...now I have a hankering for some Chinese food.
Dear DJan, yes, I think those madrone trees are lovely. I've never before heard of nor seen them.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy your postings about your hiking and the trails and the photographs of what you see. Thanks for this Valentine's journey with your friends. Peace.
Wow! What a nice picture of Deception Pass! I loved it there when we lived on Whidbey Island in the mid-80's....I thought after my husband got transfered we'd certainly make a trip back....not yet...but not out of the question either!! Yes...I so remember those sunless days!! You are so inspiring with your pictures and your hiking :D
ReplyDeleteLove the eagle shot... and the beach... and the hanging moss path!
ReplyDeleteAnd wanted to tell you that I checked out that *lose it* app and it's really pretty neat (especially the scan codes part).
Those madrone trees are truly beautiful. I think I would lag behind your group, taking macro photos all day. I hope your arm is one the mend.
ReplyDeleteAnd what happened to your arm?
ReplyDeleteWow! You got right back into your energetic schedule! I'm hoping I have a tenth of your energy when I try to finish the Aloha Walk tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThat photo of the eagle is fabulous! The bird is simply magnificent!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky that it didn't rain, but you guys sure look like you were ready for it! ;o)
I wish we could figure out a system to get part of that rain over here... Let's say 1 of your rainy days in 10 would help us out A LOT!!! Care for a sunny day in exchange? :p