Thursday, February 27, 2014

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.
:-)

24 comments:

  1. your area has SO much green, so much moss and ferns - beautiful! love those trees and the gbh, too. :)

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  2. What a great day. Weren't you JUST showing us snow? Sheesh! Love the pic of Mr. Blue. I know that exact GROK sound that they make. Cool birds.

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  3. Great photos. I still have not seen a heron in person. Spring does look like it's just around the corner.

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  4. Boy, nice signs of spring. Even I, who loves winter, feel ready for spring now!

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  5. This post has given me hope! Spring really is right around the corner! Thankfully...because honestly? I am SO over winter already.

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  6. That sounds like a WONDERFUL day. And a well deserved wine o'clock.

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  7. Those snowdrops are just so beautiful. I have a few in my yard, mixed in with the daffodils, and some years I actually see one or two, but nothing like this amount. I love it.

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  8. I love the trees in your photographs. The madrone tree is splendid...and I love the gnarled trunk in the photograph of another tree. Beauty is all around you....as is spring. It's in the air. For sure!!

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  9. This was a very good day when you find spring flowers. Old abandoned orchards are neat places to poke around.

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  10. Are you tempted to go back next week? Spring flowers already..how wonderful..and just so you know I am jealous:)

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  11. Sounds like a WONDERFUL day!

    We had a bitter cold high of nine below zero today.. I didn't bother looking at the temp, but heard we were in the -30 range in the morning. No flowers for us for quite a while yet - such a happy sight!

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  12. I love seeing all those signs of spring. The snowdrops are beautiful. What a wonderful day you had!

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  13. Yep, a great blue heron. I love the photo you got of it too. And purple...violets. Love those and a true sign of good warmer days ahead. I rarely see white crocus so that too was a treat. I'm not sure I'd trust that swing tho. Carol is mighty brave.

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  14. Snowdrops and violets! It warms me up just to see them. I love that twisted tree.

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  15. It's easy to see why you enjoy those walks through nature--so would I. The large bird is an awesome creature. How lucky that you caught it at just the right moment. I wish I could photograph the red fox that ran through my woods yesterday. He's always on a mission and doesn't slow for photos.

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  16. How sweet those first signs of Spring. Wow, it gives me hope.

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  17. Looks like it was a great walk ... seems almost primordial there!

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  18. I too love that pic with the ferns and moss. Does look primival... (like a T-rex should make his appearance any second).

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  19. Oh, I'll have to check my violets and see if they are near to blooming. They always make me think of my mother, who's name was Violet. We have loved the sunny, dry days!

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  20. This looks like a great place for a hike. I love to explore places like that old orchard. Love the shot of Carol in the swing.

    I can't believe you ran across sings of spring. Those snowdrops are so pretty. Not much to see here yet but you have given me hope. :)

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  21. Violets are a little spring gift. Here are three words that belong in a poem they sound so great- Bowman Bay, Fidalgo Island, madrone. Good hike!

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  22. What a great hike! Thanks for sharing the photos. I think I'd be wary of the swing. :) Thanks for your sweet comment.

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  23. Goodness! That second shot looks almost tropical! And flowers blooming! Fun to see when we have 40-55 below wind chills right now and it's 12 below. :)

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