Bowman Bay and the old orchard

Bowman Bay and madrone tree

Today nine Senior Trailblazers headed south to Bowman Bay on Fidalgo Island, and because of the recent snow, we learned that the other Trailblazer group (which starts an hour later) would also be doing the same hike. The area is far enough south that it didn't get hit by any snow, but there were plenty of boggy spots because they did get a fair amount of rain.

The trail, with lots of old leaves and moss everywhere

We walked around the trails above the bay and then took off on a trail above Pass Lake to an old orchard. We add this because if we just went to the few spots on the bay, it wouldn't really be long enough to justify the moderately long drive. It was a lovely day, with no precipitation and even a few sun breaks.

The old orchard, with a magnificent tree

At some time in the past, there was a farm house where this old orchard still stands. There is still a swing in this ancient tree that somebody manages to keep in working order. (I've taken pictures of other trips here when other Trailblazers have tried the swing.)

Carol on the swing

Today Carol was one of the two adventurers on the swing. As we looked around at the old orchard, there didn't seem to be any signs of spring in evidence, until we looked closer. I was having a nice snack when Diane motioned me to come up to where she was, indicating I should bring my camera. And what did I see?

Violets peeking up through the old leaves

Violets! Yes, definitely a sign of spring. Peggy said these are not native to the area, so we must have been right in the area where the garden was kept when the farmhouse still stood. And then, through the leaves we saw other signs of spring.

Snowdrops in the form of flowers

Yes, when these flowers begin to bloom, the crocus and other early spring flowers are not far behind. We figure that in another week or so, this entire area will be alive with flowers on the ground and in the nearby bushes. That all put a spring in our steps as we walked back to the bay, where we then took a nice two-mile trip over to Rosario Point. While there, someone thought they saw an eagle in the tree, but no, it was instead this wonderful creature.

Great blue heron, I think

Sitting there in the tree as I tried to get him into focus, it didn't even look like a bird until suddenly it turned its head so that the beak was visible. It was totally serendipitous that I was able to get this shot with my telephoto. Right after the shutter clicked, it flew off, squawking with that prehistoric sound it makes.

All in all, it was a really good day, and we covered more than eight miles and went up and down around 1,800 feet. The best part was the company of my fellow Trailblazers and the lack of wet stuff coming down out of the sky. Now I am home and sipping my well-deserved wine as I write this. Hope your day was a good one, too. I'll sleep well tonight, I suspect.
:-)