Thursday, May 23, 2019

Start of Summer party

Both groups who hiked today
Twenty Senior Trailblazers from the first group, the Half Fast one which I usually hike with, met the slightly smaller group, the Relaxed hikers, on the horse trails behind Lake Padden today just by chance, before our potluck starting at 11:00. Melanie took this picture, which is why I am in it (thank you, Mel). It was wonderful to see several hikers who don't come much any more, like Jonelle, standing next to me in the front row. She travels a lot and just arrived in Bellingham yesterday. It was such a delight to see everybody!
Stopping to gather the group together
We hiked around some hills and dales that Al knows well, making sure we could get in around six miles before heading back down to the pavilion that we rented for the occasion.
Our trails and lots of green
The weather could not have been better, really. It was a little cool with a light breeze, which makes for perfect hiking. I wore my low boots rather than those I usually hike in with ankle protection, so I chose to use my trekking poles, which most hikers left behind on this easy hike. And then we headed down to our cars to get our goodies to share for the potluck.
Salads galore
And lo and behold, a true potluck with no rules, we ended up with a massive number of fabulous salads. One after another showed up on the table, along with nuts, deviled eggs, and some bread and muffins. And no meat anywhere in sight. Our dessert table also had a homemade rhubarb pie (delicious!), two kinds of brownies, watermelon, and Melanie's special raspberry crumble made gluten free just for Joy, although many of the rest of us snarfed them down, too.
Meredith, Linda, Joy
The reason these three ladies are standing while eating their lunch is that under the shaded pavilion, the breeze made us feel a little on the cool side. Those who didn't mind standing were happy to pose for a picture for me.
More hikers soaking up the rays
Their technique caught on, and more went outside to warm up a little. I like this picture because Luena, my guest, is in the foreground talking with Al. It was simply a wonderful day, potluck, as well as hike for our welcome-to-summer event. We must have had well over 40 people, as some people showed up just for the eating part of the day, and another marvelous season of camaraderie and enjoyment ahead has been kicked off in style!
:-)

17 comments:

  1. It looks absolutely wonderful. And delicious.

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  2. What a great combination - hike in the forest and great food!

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  3. Your group always has a lot of fun by the look of it!

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  4. Potlucks and socials with groups like hikers are the best. Our skaters picnic is June 8!

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  5. I would be one who showed up for the food!

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  6. I hope you have a great summer filled with plentiful hikes and food. Refueling is important for someone who hikes for miles and miles like you. Happy trails!

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  7. What a huge group and I always crack up at the name of your group though the Relaxed ones sounds more my speed.
    What a healthy spread and see--meat isn't necessary.

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  8. What a great group!! Sounds like almost everyone showed up from both groups, too! Nice!

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  9. No meat! I cannot imagine a potluck with no meat! Perhaps your friend would share her recipe for Gluten Free Crumble?
    Looks like a great bunch of hikers...relaxed and half fast! :)

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  10. It sounds like you enjoyed yourselves.

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  11. Such a great dsy for hiking & having fun at the luncheon

    A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE.

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  12. That looks like a wonderful potluck. I really should improve on making all kinds of salads. That is not my particular skill right now. I will start looking for salad recipes on the internet.

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  13. I like your potluck. We don't have that here but what a great idea for a social occasion.

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  14. Looks like you had a good turnout for your hike ... the potluck have anything to do with it?

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  15. What fun! And everything looks delicious!

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  16. Wow! There's 20 of you! What a fun, awesome group. I love salad pot lucks. I'm so glad you can have a little warmer weather for your hikes now.

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