Another trip around town

Our coffee shop this morning

 We are still unable to sit inside our coffee shop, but since I knew I'd be making a short solo trip around town today, I thought I'd share my morning routine with you. Once I place my order with the barista, I await my turn, socially distanced, until the previous customers are served. Usually these days, she knows what I'm getting, and by the time I'm ready to pay, she's got my drink ready and waiting for me. You can't see it all that well, but there is a plexiglass shield between the barista and the customers.

My comfy seat in John's truck

You can see I had to put my coffee on the floor while I took the picture, since I don't have any cup holder inside John's cab. John parks his large coffee on the dashboard, but there's nothing similar on the passenger side. Once we've spent some time chatting and finished our drinks, it's time for us to go our separate ways. This morning, I drove down to Boulevard Park on Bellingham Bay, since it was just me and I could do whatever I wanted.

Lummi Island in the distance

It was very chilly, with a brisk wind and overcast, as you can see here. Nevertheless, there were plenty of people out, either in small groups or walking their dogs. Everyone without exception was wearing a mask. I love my community! I decided to walk to Fairhaven and take the Interurban trail, which meant I could take a long or short walk from the park.

Interurban trail

It's a lovely trail that follows Chuckanut Creek, where we watched salmon swim upstream last year. There are places that have fish ladders, but at this time of the year, it's just fresh green shoots everywhere. I walked south along the trail, and then I saw this sign:

Explanation about the Labyrinth

Since it was just me and I could go exploring, I found the labyrinth and followed its path. Birds were singing, and I was quite alone. A short distance away I could hear people playing tennis in the park, and I heard a white-crowned sparrow's song for the first time this year. Another sign of spring.

The labyrinth itself

I followed the path in the labyrinth, enjoying the twists and turns as I approached the center. It was quite enjoyable, and not really challenging; I didn't get lost once!

The star in the middle of the labyrinth

When you reach the center, this six-pointed star is adorned with stones all around its perimeter, with arcane symbols inside. It's really quite a wonderful addition to the city's mystique, I think. Thanks to those who created such a lovely place to meditate on the mystery of life.

A gathering of gulls

These gulls were coming and going as a couple fed them bits of dried bread from the bridge. I watched for awhile, noticing the gulls dip and swoop. Some birds really like to fly and performed some aerial acrobats, and these gulls were no exception. As someone who spent quite a bit of time learning how to fly her skydiving canopy, I was taken back to those days as I watched their antics with interest.

And then it was back to my car, having gone some five miles in total, including the meditation at the labyrinth. It was enough, and I missed my usual companion, but she was busy getting her second Covid shot. We'll be back to our new normal next week.

:-)