Driveway lilacs |
Thursday, April 25, 2024
They went out but I stayed home
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Chanterelle Trail, first part
Familiar viewpoint |
Today's trillium treats |
On the trail |
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Oyster Dome from Samish Overlook
A gorgeous day at Samish Overlook |
Our three new hikers and Cindy, our leader |
The view from Oyster Dome |
It was a simply wonderful view from Oyster Dome. We stopped here, and although it was early for a leisurely lunch, we spent a bit of time enjoying not only the view, but the company, and learning about our new members.
Heading back on Max's Shortcut |
My favorite trillium from today's hike |
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Tulips on Tuesday
Fields of tulips |
People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us. —Iris Murdoch
Planting them must have been fun |
Although I couldn't quite get high enough to see the design, several people told me that this was a hearts-and-flowers picture. I believe them, but I wouldn't have known it if someone didn't tell me.
The pink ones are just opening |
Looking at the intricate designs and colors that these tulips and hyacinths make, I wonder if those people who were planting them in the fields a few months ago were also having fun. There are so many tulips that have not yet begun to show their colors, and others that are fully on their way to the petals falling onto the ground, ready to be carried back into the earth.
Aflame with sunlight |
I had such a good time on Saturday, when after filling our eyes with as much beauty as they could hold, Lily and I went off to our reservation in La Conner for lunch. And now that our wonderful tulip adventure is over for another year, I am already looking forward to our summer adventures to come.
Dreaming of our next time together |
I went on a walk in Hovander Park this morning with the Senior Trailblazers, but I didn't take any pictures, as the wind was blowing and then it began to rain. I caught a ride home with two friends who were leaving early, so now I am back home, gazing at the mostly clear skies and looking at the chilly temperatures outside, and I'm just glad to be home, warm and toasty. And dry.
:-)
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Burnout once again
Our small but mighty group today |
The Burnout Road |
The view is a great payoff |
Beth and me |
Our lunch spot |
Mt Baker and the Sisters |
Lovely trillium |
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Mud Bay and Woodstock Farm
Happy Wanderers at Inspiration Point |
Mud Bay at low tide |
Checking out the estuary |
First trillium of the season! |
Pretty star-shaped daffodils |
Our lunch spot |
Familiar waterfall |
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Chanterelle Trail
Viewpoint on Chanterelle |
Lake Whatcom peeking through the trees |
Me and Ina at our turnaround spot |
Today's hikers, plus me taking the picture |
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Whistle Lake in Anacortes
Senior Trailblazers at Whistle Lake |
Our first view of the lake |
In the heart of Fidalgo Island lies a natural gem of a forest with wetlands, lakes, and rocky bald meadows with great views. This nice little hike will take you around the lake on a hiker only trail. Take this hike in spring for the fresh new leaves and the dainty spring flowers, or hike on a rainy day in winter and watch the mist float above the lake among the trees. The lake is very popular on hot summer days.
Peaceful and scenic Whistle Lake |
I took this picture because of the cormorant sunning itself on that log sticking up from the middle of the lake, but when I saw it, I also noticed all the beauty of the area. Most of us were smiling most of the day as we hiked, it was so pleasant.
Barb checking out where we were on the map |
This lovely wooden sign was fun to see and use to orient ourselves, although many already had paper maps to help us get through the maze that is the ACFL. I have been lost in this area more than once in past years. Today, however, we went around the lake and took a few side trips but nothing that made us feel lost.
Me at Whistle Lake |
This was where we stopped for lunch, before starting back in another way to make a loop rather than retrace our steps. It's truly a beautiful area, and when we saw this gorgeous Old Growth tree that is probably hundreds of years old, I stood next to it so you can get a feeling of its size.
"Wow!" |
I am often awestruck by these magnificent creatures, and glad to know that the loggers, long ago, decided to leave a few of these beauties untouched by their need for lumber. And that three, it hugged me back, I swear!
Winding trails through the forest |
Although our hike was only around five miles, we had a wonderful time getting to know the environment around Whistle Lake, and I do hope we will return again to explore some of the other nearby tantalizing trails. After our outing, we headed to Anacortes to visit the Lopez Island Creamery ice cream store. Oh my, that is some of the best ice cream I've ever had! I hope to have a chance to try some of the other flavors on future trips to the area. Some of the hikers decided to go to the Tulip Festival afterwards, but I have a date with my friend Lily later this month, so I didn't go today. Plus, I was plenty tired and didn't feel like I needed any more exercise for the day. It turned out to be just right, just as it was.
:-)
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Laid back Thursday
Beautiful flowering tree |
First signs of lilac buds |
The Abbey of St. Walburga is a community of Benedictine contemplative nuns of the Roman Catholic Church. They are located in a valley in northern Colorado, where the high plains meet the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Yes, there was a time when I toyed with the idea of becoming a nun, but I was young and impressionable in my youth. There are so many alternate paths I could have followed, but my life would have been completely different. I guess this is true of most of us. I am happy in my marriage, which I never thought would happen; however, we will soon celebrate our thirtieth anniversary, which is quite something when you meet and marry in your fifties. Life is filled with surprises, isn't it?
:-)
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Explanarion of the Arboretum |
Closer to the steep parts, we were warned |
Tunnel through the rock |
View of Bellingham Bay from the tower |
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Pine and Cedar to Raptor Ridge
Signpost at junction |
Cindy resting before heading to Raptor Ridge |
Beth, Donna and Cindy on the trail |
Beth and Donna on Raptor Ridge |
John breaking out his lunch |
The group, taken by Beth |
Beth taking a picture |