tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60509961425469628342024-03-18T02:48:01.319-07:00DJan-ityHanging out in the beautiful Pacific NorthwestDJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.comBlogger2267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-1061802921887507672024-03-14T16:37:00.000-07:002024-03-14T16:39:43.572-07:00Heart Lake to Sugarloaf<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmMFiXJLjQN8wYahgU1rIWg_V96vu9KDJz2e4TxwApP-0TcVZQO7ol4THGgf-OEht7KdVmMUMS0NeleRz5cUVIc-YgDs9Pkp5n058qkq519xgtXXsrkdbK3vokH1kg2SIMyCJNFAMQvzMrHIw-UTsmsYzPgUQTiMo4ekXUQXXu5tZ_9q1rU9H9qg72UTL/s1280/IMG_8936.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmMFiXJLjQN8wYahgU1rIWg_V96vu9KDJz2e4TxwApP-0TcVZQO7ol4THGgf-OEht7KdVmMUMS0NeleRz5cUVIc-YgDs9Pkp5n058qkq519xgtXXsrkdbK3vokH1kg2SIMyCJNFAMQvzMrHIw-UTsmsYzPgUQTiMo4ekXUQXXu5tZ_9q1rU9H9qg72UTL/w400-h300/IMG_8936.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's Relaxed Trailblazers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>There were only six of us today, on a beautiful sunny day, making the drive to Anacortes (a 45-minute trip) for a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain from Heart Lake. I've done this many times, usually all the way to the top of Mt Erie as well, but since this is the "relaxed" group, we only navigated around six miles and around a thousand+ feet up and down.<p></p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaE5ivY1aHgRSRJZArHW_vpITHtCIVVR-AJQLh_sCn3wz9xWHJRN1QLqLw4IlFnU7fDEVaVt5gi6jW5Yqc9WGozkvbbEpVDm9g_FDOgU3bX0A_sSyf5olv9fGxgsSiXJ4XSZYCYqLeUopQ22Cxr5jMunhVnarfp2kDablOGeOpRfDafJpjO5-Or-EVX7rH/s1280/IMG_8938.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaE5ivY1aHgRSRJZArHW_vpITHtCIVVR-AJQLh_sCn3wz9xWHJRN1QLqLw4IlFnU7fDEVaVt5gi6jW5Yqc9WGozkvbbEpVDm9g_FDOgU3bX0A_sSyf5olv9fGxgsSiXJ4XSZYCYqLeUopQ22Cxr5jMunhVnarfp2kDablOGeOpRfDafJpjO5-Or-EVX7rH/w400-h300/IMG_8938.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart Lake through the trees</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We circumnavigated Heart Lake before heading up to Sugarloaf. I have never before done this route through the <b><a href="https://www.friendsoftheacfl.org/acfl-overview">Anacortes Community Forest Lands</a></b> (ACFL). I was happy to be out and enjoying the delightful weather and basically well-maintained trails. Without Owen and his map to guide us, we would have been lost in no time.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOGnYFTlMxVwU4pMaGBzy00DyEKqzuLsvmLlikcOpCC9NC5gOHk6HeY-EJ_TGyl-wxXE44SPlPEyozzCwAaw9QaamMhUFKtNGKHftNKMvzIZeZcf0KIEi_iohPY7bT7yoyHR43zrmzRWHuo1RnG3qF6L4vRxR6X5stzUTDq2pp4pCI6W1Kb23MdRW1wYo/s1280/IMG_8940.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOGnYFTlMxVwU4pMaGBzy00DyEKqzuLsvmLlikcOpCC9NC5gOHk6HeY-EJ_TGyl-wxXE44SPlPEyozzCwAaw9QaamMhUFKtNGKHftNKMvzIZeZcf0KIEi_iohPY7bT7yoyHR43zrmzRWHuo1RnG3qF6L4vRxR6X5stzUTDq2pp4pCI6W1Kb23MdRW1wYo/w400-h300/IMG_8940.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signs well camouflaged</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Owen stopped ofen to check his map with the numbers on the signs, to make sure we didn't make any wrong turns. (We did have to backtrack a short distance once.) It was mostly gentle ups and downs until we started our climb to Sugarloaf, which was very steep and seemed like it went on forever. It only seemed that way.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsg9t9WnQ0y-VKGOttnd_bqIx4kRGIqmmkCApuwYDlL2GmCRUGR8aJ1uVJj7ftbITQ1vwZnNMGJMrO-mSQkeH9y-_lv04srN-CBUKQoFD8dCFs2PVq1obB_7fg0356dqcB0sA69oLi4JAsSmfm0U4oKu18dJeN_ivWrHQQqQVeC7-a2P9mzPdNW2WxDsP/s1280/IMG_8941.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsg9t9WnQ0y-VKGOttnd_bqIx4kRGIqmmkCApuwYDlL2GmCRUGR8aJ1uVJj7ftbITQ1vwZnNMGJMrO-mSQkeH9y-_lv04srN-CBUKQoFD8dCFs2PVq1obB_7fg0356dqcB0sA69oLi4JAsSmfm0U4oKu18dJeN_ivWrHQQqQVeC7-a2P9mzPdNW2WxDsP/w400-h300/IMG_8941.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnificent old cedar tree</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>On the way, we encountered many beautiful old trees like this one. Don stood in front to give you an idea of its size. As we hiked, the sun made its way through the forest and onto the trail. Hiking uphill and having sun made us finally able to shed some of our clothing.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWRbDgNsY5xXpzBNybsAedX2NxSHAz1uIhU-1E8TfXmYMoq0O0hgNvdB7rzOgF0a5T4Rv8j16AO8tTazBs_fWDVD0FUP5kmgzdKUJ58rf6SZD2N__s13bhNHjlyhDztWpjhcHVH1JhMF4Vd8_D76iCZb6L5r3tdYqerr9DgJ1AYgvk_3nfT2gzpjDEs0Z/s1280/IMG_8945.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWRbDgNsY5xXpzBNybsAedX2NxSHAz1uIhU-1E8TfXmYMoq0O0hgNvdB7rzOgF0a5T4Rv8j16AO8tTazBs_fWDVD0FUP5kmgzdKUJ58rf6SZD2N__s13bhNHjlyhDztWpjhcHVH1JhMF4Vd8_D76iCZb6L5r3tdYqerr9DgJ1AYgvk_3nfT2gzpjDEs0Z/w400-h300/IMG_8945.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Sugarloaf</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>You can see some of the San Juan islands from Sugarloaf. It is a really beautiful place to visit. We stopped here for almost an hour to enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading back. Owen took us back on a different route than the one we took as we ascended. We were able to look out at the view as we ate our lunch, and this was pretty spectacular. I asked Don for a picture of me to cap off the day's enjoyment, and he obliged.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDSG2uwCr2cjjTXtOPQTMEDJtG-WWmjgLTRaZllyA8gz9PHAJoeC-y7HWSow-6rtq9iwVaAxceMi44AeXK6H8u8IimoVnd-Mm0eu4e42Np4pObbylwaim2bJEzMwxILe_2ydirb_mkz_EP473-2NnObT44zC9Lab8a2dq6x5ZXTxBH5F5LadrVG3gqnuW/s1280/IMG_8947.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDSG2uwCr2cjjTXtOPQTMEDJtG-WWmjgLTRaZllyA8gz9PHAJoeC-y7HWSow-6rtq9iwVaAxceMi44AeXK6H8u8IimoVnd-Mm0eu4e42Np4pObbylwaim2bJEzMwxILe_2ydirb_mkz_EP473-2NnObT44zC9Lab8a2dq6x5ZXTxBH5F5LadrVG3gqnuW/w400-h300/IMG_8947.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on Sugarloaf</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Now that I am home, after having had such a good day, I can kick back in my easy chair and take it nice and slow for the rest of the day. Thanks to everyone who helped make today such a success!</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-51690322566069353952024-03-12T14:48:00.000-07:002024-03-12T14:51:07.074-07:00Soggy but satisfying<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOB1x-XrJIeBd9YOdFJ7XCdmXpcXmUalxrEsN-KAiuYoHmK1YJXNrt4BT4DsOfP1bWarV5SX-dIeZ3r3qYP8xDdBB2Hq03y4HcQLgmZMEZXe1kNJI59DUqUHVss2iHFyyqTuEaa6R8e720Sea3OV8iEmFbkjw1im5zXXeV7CvJo7A3i9_CZX4cZ5ouiAM/s1280/IMG_8929.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOB1x-XrJIeBd9YOdFJ7XCdmXpcXmUalxrEsN-KAiuYoHmK1YJXNrt4BT4DsOfP1bWarV5SX-dIeZ3r3qYP8xDdBB2Hq03y4HcQLgmZMEZXe1kNJI59DUqUHVss2iHFyyqTuEaa6R8e720Sea3OV8iEmFbkjw1im5zXXeV7CvJo7A3i9_CZX4cZ5ouiAM/w400-h300/IMG_8929.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's walk started out wet<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Twelve Senior Trailblazers set out from the Senior Center this morning to walk to Irongate and back, giving us almost seven miles to cover. It was relatively flat, and rainy to begin with, but it got much drier after awhile. That's our leader Barb in the center, in the pink poncho getup. We decided to forgo our scheduled trip to Canada, because we could turn around at any time if the weather deteriorated. It did get much better, though, as we walked through Cornwall Park and city streets.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq_1k2K_e7nkez6-tET048tiJcULlpZpTY0oSufppRfO0wIvYFm77BR0CzsBZ4jRcrOcJsJgvnR3fn3I8XNwXAa0p4MXMWDWrCk2rIFA-SdcCq0lqrwRhDKU6kTNWUOM8hhKQS6_BkL1icBWSTHHEJFt2J5KPLspY0bvuncHk8dqPLSeWe57aDtcK9oHx/s1280/IMG_8931.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq_1k2K_e7nkez6-tET048tiJcULlpZpTY0oSufppRfO0wIvYFm77BR0CzsBZ4jRcrOcJsJgvnR3fn3I8XNwXAa0p4MXMWDWrCk2rIFA-SdcCq0lqrwRhDKU6kTNWUOM8hhKQS6_BkL1icBWSTHHEJFt2J5KPLspY0bvuncHk8dqPLSeWe57aDtcK9oHx/w400-h300/IMG_8931.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it was soggy but we still had fun</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The most colorful things we saw on today's hike were our outfits. I liked seeing Persis in her day-glo yellow and Barb in pink, making for an early Easter scene. Lots of red, too. It did stop raining finally, and we even saw a ray of sun now and then as we made our way back to the Senior Center.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaabPvOeeDjEHV6nNL-YtWduc1c420UFiubbaQpWZB1pP32-Iv5bHitFxUU8hlGpuSZfbGc82tXXVZH0TXwPq_7K-ZikXQqzvBIDS0GtA6bpVQC9KXOyxtIcdJbai2mOFBv1pROignD9GDzQeriGtUFihnT2aTKEnwUm-xwT6QUpCknS8UhqjBfKW_lui/s1280/IMG_8933.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaabPvOeeDjEHV6nNL-YtWduc1c420UFiubbaQpWZB1pP32-Iv5bHitFxUU8hlGpuSZfbGc82tXXVZH0TXwPq_7K-ZikXQqzvBIDS0GtA6bpVQC9KXOyxtIcdJbai2mOFBv1pROignD9GDzQeriGtUFihnT2aTKEnwUm-xwT6QUpCknS8UhqjBfKW_lui/w400-h300/IMG_8933.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty daffodils</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>There are signs everywhere of spring on the way, such as these daffodils in a yard we passed by. And flowering trees look to be beautiful and profuse in another week, or two at the latest.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMRaacpUZ_5-w4PGIO8W0EPf46R3E7b_zuJkHMtkC9UNDUUC9_zsQTQvCqmRkSu_mUKc7tuuzksBOglSKTWTQwN2OQqLd3L3Ji9qKv3q6o1AcuGTrVfCnQTuoxUUbjtIE8CFE0Y0_uKBmyZUXu3v7owhfju8DAKSG29nC-09r01rNisbOEa1X-tnlDJ4f/s1280/image000000.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1280" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMRaacpUZ_5-w4PGIO8W0EPf46R3E7b_zuJkHMtkC9UNDUUC9_zsQTQvCqmRkSu_mUKc7tuuzksBOglSKTWTQwN2OQqLd3L3Ji9qKv3q6o1AcuGTrVfCnQTuoxUUbjtIE8CFE0Y0_uKBmyZUXu3v7owhfju8DAKSG29nC-09r01rNisbOEa1X-tnlDJ4f/w400-h301/image000000.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taco Tuesday</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After it was all over, some of us decided to head to a local taco restaurant, which features $1- and $1.50 dollar tacos. Don took this picture of us chowing down. I didn't go last month on a similar outing, but trust me, I won't make that mistake again. They were delicious and cheap, and a good way for us to enjoy each other's company for a bit longer. Another fine way to spend a less-than-perfect weather day. </div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-68291511905085392022024-03-07T16:18:00.000-08:002024-03-07T16:18:14.628-08:00Madrone Crest from Chuckanut<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs74_YgpjIgmIgsZlEiAaHqYblDmfdcm6fUSwu0If1Z0xF44069ldHaCq_RNLjAIIuI3noo20sJFZ3cOcV9xt-QWQ-XkeJrcxD0YH8FYjPNSdBvjqw6uK6inCqWzNXzVm0hTMVtx70ZEYcAF75Zg6hwF7cDrKwnjS8nmL8SqCe4HxyeewnmoKvQISJ_1p/s1280/IMG_8916.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs74_YgpjIgmIgsZlEiAaHqYblDmfdcm6fUSwu0If1Z0xF44069ldHaCq_RNLjAIIuI3noo20sJFZ3cOcV9xt-QWQ-XkeJrcxD0YH8FYjPNSdBvjqw6uK6inCqWzNXzVm0hTMVtx70ZEYcAF75Zg6hwF7cDrKwnjS8nmL8SqCe4HxyeewnmoKvQISJ_1p/w400-h300/IMG_8916.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huckleberry viewpoint</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> I never know how to pronounce the name of this hike. Some people always go with "Madrona" rather than the way it's spelled, "Madrone." In any event, eight of us Senior Trailblazers started out at the North Chuckanut trailhead and went up the Hemlock trail until we got to the turnoff for Huckleberry Point. Although we had a bit of snow two days ago, the higher we climbed, the more snow we ran into, even today. It was still quite cool, but the skies were almost completely clear, meaning overnight it turned cold.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc3h91qc1kagCdF3l7A-bKt688RXXf2ff7mqjDlRXhenPZz_P5gLWeEMoaDW1ftjmaOXh6D7VD8sf_0cd1sKejRcKxvr_0r1NlUbSkkU3O15o0wqqSCQxBpu1lGu2rZOEUPzyolezbbLQpuLBLHLeFC5Fn8ds6wNc7ByoBeU0sOa51fc8rPff53PQ5zc3/s1280/IMG_8918.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc3h91qc1kagCdF3l7A-bKt688RXXf2ff7mqjDlRXhenPZz_P5gLWeEMoaDW1ftjmaOXh6D7VD8sf_0cd1sKejRcKxvr_0r1NlUbSkkU3O15o0wqqSCQxBpu1lGu2rZOEUPzyolezbbLQpuLBLHLeFC5Fn8ds6wNc7ByoBeU0sOa51fc8rPff53PQ5zc3/w400-h300/IMG_8918.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Persis and Kim on the trail</td></tr></tbody></table><p>As usual, Persis was hiking in her skirt, with long woolies underneath to help keep her warm. We hiked the entire length of the Huckleberry trail, and then joined the Salal trail that would take us to Madrone Crest.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqFVh-ifUPB28EyRcZ1on_BDYsrq9YttCudiMRj3HqWxmisiUNVFSaiSG_nY4Jv2AM-pVthfyAROGAAN22VqvhwAEJIUDeGYTCPEMMXgd_BT2j7h0zTYpOseCFy8s_hiwTvKLkAoNYWdYjHkOYvJJNJfnojb2yAcUYmfE4Uji-h9_8EHQYv3XrZaJC4y6/s1280/IMG_8919.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqFVh-ifUPB28EyRcZ1on_BDYsrq9YttCudiMRj3HqWxmisiUNVFSaiSG_nY4Jv2AM-pVthfyAROGAAN22VqvhwAEJIUDeGYTCPEMMXgd_BT2j7h0zTYpOseCFy8s_hiwTvKLkAoNYWdYjHkOYvJJNJfnojb2yAcUYmfE4Uji-h9_8EHQYv3XrZaJC4y6/w400-h300/IMG_8919.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way, enjoying the white stuff</td></tr></tbody></table><p>As we climbed, it got snowier and more slow going, but the main trail was pretty clear, as you can see here. We meandered upwards until we got to the Crest.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiNShq_vQJOewQIMS-gKnw5mSfIEf12IWyrR8T37uzHaKiYKnaxEl0rbM2T8pRNm9kQkH91jviyWmogtQEiM0R4QcnLwPRzPZ-Tgwl4CRtDEtqBn4gfzzuFR0ycAqXcvSTqkQOJT1mbZM8iHejedpXDBBSoUEQeVfXT0A6T5EGgsCWF5dGQXMhnxvebWG/s1280/IMG_8920.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiNShq_vQJOewQIMS-gKnw5mSfIEf12IWyrR8T37uzHaKiYKnaxEl0rbM2T8pRNm9kQkH91jviyWmogtQEiM0R4QcnLwPRzPZ-Tgwl4CRtDEtqBn4gfzzuFR0ycAqXcvSTqkQOJT1mbZM8iHejedpXDBBSoUEQeVfXT0A6T5EGgsCWF5dGQXMhnxvebWG/w400-h300/IMG_8920.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lunch spot</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We were happy to sit for awhile and have a nice lunch, considering that there was no wind and plenty of places to sit and enjoy a break from hiking. We had a little sun now and then, but with all the snow it was never exactly warm.<span> In that container in John's hand, he had chocolate-covered blueberries and tasty cookies, which I availed myself of. Most of us tried the blueberries, which are incredibly addictive!</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIONr7b4ebGXVhHgvS4Bul3FIAqsY7zYMjjhM0E-tq95oEiIBS8_45Chx_7O8uSLTay36ISgI1_P1T5mrWT_LySki3x4EpnFzJrkN9vTzHFU2MCFapo1KIoZXk0b6MMIsa0YKWN0afJ-8PfPSlR67b1d6S5btpV1BDmJveltD-SuRdIK9qPClSnojecpK/s1280/IMG_8922.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIONr7b4ebGXVhHgvS4Bul3FIAqsY7zYMjjhM0E-tq95oEiIBS8_45Chx_7O8uSLTay36ISgI1_P1T5mrWT_LySki3x4EpnFzJrkN9vTzHFU2MCFapo1KIoZXk0b6MMIsa0YKWN0afJ-8PfPSlR67b1d6S5btpV1BDmJveltD-SuRdIK9qPClSnojecpK/w400-h300/IMG_8922.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sterling and rider</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span>We ran into a horse and rider on our way back. I didn't notice if it's a girl or a boy, but the rider is definitely female. She showed us that Sterling was wearing what looked like leather boots, which she said gives the horse more grip and comfort than regular shoes. She even had spikes if needed to add to the leather "sandals." A beautiful horse and very friendly, too. Beth had made the comment earlier that she had never seen any horses on these trails, and just like magic, Sterling appeared.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi257_4SGKd4TLBoLr6F7GO6FIAEHVPZaB6nBOpe-sj05Jw-ALHEbX8sQAoPpLoh3qKOWBEBqdAobCZzz8t9JBTnBqGI8HrlUpU9Jz7Xnur_VLY0UZIiceXWkGK35oZgOu2tymL7erLWZILakjGvp0vJ9qk-RmYi8iLw6snn22yCxdIIPzLLzJkET8GwGT-/s1280/IMG_8923.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi257_4SGKd4TLBoLr6F7GO6FIAEHVPZaB6nBOpe-sj05Jw-ALHEbX8sQAoPpLoh3qKOWBEBqdAobCZzz8t9JBTnBqGI8HrlUpU9Jz7Xnur_VLY0UZIiceXWkGK35oZgOu2tymL7erLWZILakjGvp0vJ9qk-RmYi8iLw6snn22yCxdIIPzLLzJkET8GwGT-/w400-h300/IMG_8923.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow decorations</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span>We do live in a beautiful part of the country, and we are so lucky to have places within a short distance to hike in during the winter months. We go up to the High Country during the summer, but there's something awfully nice about just getting in our cars and being a short drive away from home, rather than more than an hour's drive each way.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi97VoeXx_5XgqVyUhTwl5ZHxdWEcQ7YtGWVRNW7w-3lBGlRc4L34RKIiFjtrNh5rLpblxTBL5kbdWbMnnkbAPohvUXsinklTimHpir-Y99XwDFH5KtEJj7pbseFmMy82gatbfTdG9xXVaLDF3MGQPbiHF-qO_zOSkjRf6v-ifJXEMCHuydlG7ez4nxXI/s1280/IMG_8924.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi97VoeXx_5XgqVyUhTwl5ZHxdWEcQ7YtGWVRNW7w-3lBGlRc4L34RKIiFjtrNh5rLpblxTBL5kbdWbMnnkbAPohvUXsinklTimHpir-Y99XwDFH5KtEJj7pbseFmMy82gatbfTdG9xXVaLDF3MGQPbiHF-qO_zOSkjRf6v-ifJXEMCHuydlG7ez4nxXI/w400-h300/IMG_8924.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beth at trail junctions</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span>Our leader today, Beth, took us up the Huckleberry trail and back down via the Salal and Lower Salal to our parking lot. We covered somewhere around seven and eight miles in total, and around 1,700 feet up and down. Not an easy hike, but certainly doable for all of us today. Since I was hurting last Tuesday from an easier hike, I took some ibuprofen before starting today, and it turned out just fine. I feel like I could go even farther if necessary. But I'm certainly glad to be sitting in a comfy chair right now, with my feet up, with nowhere I need to go. Satisfied and happy for the moment, with a smile and a glass of wine to enjoy.</span></p><p><span>:-)</span></p>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-64374798626527190202024-03-05T15:37:00.000-08:002024-03-05T15:37:03.598-08:00Fairhaven to Teddy Bear Cove<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MbO51PHXqz8P5S2fX7wJk2pB9V0ivUfdzNcixqoqq9F2XlocVve5NVv7vHvErcVQjif1ifZch8T0dJuN5jdBcBl8I-GNiyg9s9iDg_6yReGjsiQGiIuMS2EH9IifUmOqnhH8dyZWS9eQTfcT7DVMZ2ziG56wJzUDTNpjq8p0Edk6fmyxI3XNheuZLMcE/s1280/IMG_8903.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MbO51PHXqz8P5S2fX7wJk2pB9V0ivUfdzNcixqoqq9F2XlocVve5NVv7vHvErcVQjif1ifZch8T0dJuN5jdBcBl8I-GNiyg9s9iDg_6yReGjsiQGiIuMS2EH9IifUmOqnhH8dyZWS9eQTfcT7DVMZ2ziG56wJzUDTNpjq8p0Edk6fmyxI3XNheuZLMcE/w400-h300/IMG_8903.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pat on the Interurban trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Although it's kind of hard to see in this picture, all those branches are covered with frost as we began our hike today. (It's just regular hoarfrost.) When I woke to cold temperatures this morning, I knew I'd need to bundle up for the day's Happy Wanderers hike. Only twelve of us ventured out; yesterday we had about an inch of snow and today it was clear and, for us, quite cold (26°F). But the crisp air and sun made it feel warmer. We started from the Fairhaven tennis courts and went through the Hundred Acre Woods that brought us to the Interurban. Our final destination would be to Teddy Bear Cove.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwJkzRQkPChNP09KiIn4RuphbVOUyhLhOkVVAwrynKubdNm4qAVM8qVa_4DmMeFmXJf8PehsAdeegS46wNUnkZVpExVDJbWUVT7gZVRROwwViWJSFeMz3N-9MFvUbjziyGeWvX8Vq2ocSskoiIDKoEKk1fs-ku-1hzLuscsuYZiaqCW6tnsuhs2bBHWKY/s1280/IMG_8904.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwJkzRQkPChNP09KiIn4RuphbVOUyhLhOkVVAwrynKubdNm4qAVM8qVa_4DmMeFmXJf8PehsAdeegS46wNUnkZVpExVDJbWUVT7gZVRROwwViWJSFeMz3N-9MFvUbjziyGeWvX8Vq2ocSskoiIDKoEKk1fs-ku-1hzLuscsuYZiaqCW6tnsuhs2bBHWKY/w400-h300/IMG_8904.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_ice">Hair ice</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Someone spied a bit of <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_ice">hair ice</a></b> on a piece of wood. I've seen this before and know it's pretty rare and only appears after it's been really wet, saturating the forest and then turning cold. It's apparently caused by a fungus, which allows the moisture to extrude from the wood and stay in hair-like form for an extended period. It's also called ice wool or frost beard. The link will tell you all you might want to know about this pretty ice form.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5Iu-DO2_I1jvCu6vhBx9oTcwEZNzc83f91yQek45bCOlz_KKhQZS0xfCXvjRSUi7-84swHoBkwQVlmYmhesIt1UBoPCEVunOyPZw8F39CF4bdBPZDHddI4rATIvK8JuBwDQOzZ4wMnrK1E2HTXo6fTa1vuoZ5N_u1YVygCXfOHW-SDzXyBQlKj-9uPHt/s1280/IMG_8905.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5Iu-DO2_I1jvCu6vhBx9oTcwEZNzc83f91yQek45bCOlz_KKhQZS0xfCXvjRSUi7-84swHoBkwQVlmYmhesIt1UBoPCEVunOyPZw8F39CF4bdBPZDHddI4rATIvK8JuBwDQOzZ4wMnrK1E2HTXo6fTa1vuoZ5N_u1YVygCXfOHW-SDzXyBQlKj-9uPHt/w400-h300/IMG_8905.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge opened once again</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This bridge was felled by a tree falling across it three years ago, and it took them that long to rebuild it and open it once again to hikers. We went up the trail on the other side until we reached the Interurban trail again. From there, we made our way to <b><a href="https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/teddy-bear-cove">Teddy Bear Cove.</a></b> We crossed the Chuckanut Highway to reach it. The Cove was once known as a nude beach, but never formally acknowledged. I found this information online:</p><p></p><blockquote><i>Historically, Teddy Bear Cove was once known as the area’s nude beach. Although never officially designated as such, you are now more likely to see families and college students appreciating the calm waters and spectacular views.</i> </blockquote><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgIRad_7zeV3iJnPfN5cZIWZnkxuhxiN0Y2RMY2RnmEEUgT2BwDOaPfQOeyD79Lni1sZGj-ZdoVeppjew9ttuiTxL8lMKSk8F06Nm-IAnMA-MkRwvyjE4rvl9XQjL0y6HYaCYo-xkwy0GibLEehcan6y9nlk7Aw48FuulF2MjXZRW3cTxsaq44VqH3-QX/s1280/IMG_8913.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgIRad_7zeV3iJnPfN5cZIWZnkxuhxiN0Y2RMY2RnmEEUgT2BwDOaPfQOeyD79Lni1sZGj-ZdoVeppjew9ttuiTxL8lMKSk8F06Nm-IAnMA-MkRwvyjE4rvl9XQjL0y6HYaCYo-xkwy0GibLEehcan6y9nlk7Aw48FuulF2MjXZRW3cTxsaq44VqH3-QX/w400-h300/IMG_8913.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael, one of the hikers</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>This sign is at the beginning of the short trip to the beach. Although it's not far, under a quarter of a mile, it's steep and I found it intimidating. Michael was very helpful to me and allowed me to hold onto his arm as I went down steps that had no railing. I only whined a little.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWQqOylmkluqWwMxtbK-W0USc-fU-1t2LA3pd9T3RHqaxil17B6d9QUs-En-yU-yPzfWg5gGccoAXEiqn3VsFmcqa3xQz60IKKuAUh8OjkuqF8NKVaHRzpnkpMGHNvCjk_OnnX4K92B1Lu84KYYViuP-xoPruK1ngzrxMtE7aNEROdGbN7Rjw2LkDY9xI/s1280/IMG_8908.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWQqOylmkluqWwMxtbK-W0USc-fU-1t2LA3pd9T3RHqaxil17B6d9QUs-En-yU-yPzfWg5gGccoAXEiqn3VsFmcqa3xQz60IKKuAUh8OjkuqF8NKVaHRzpnkpMGHNvCjk_OnnX4K92B1Lu84KYYViuP-xoPruK1ngzrxMtE7aNEROdGbN7Rjw2LkDY9xI/w400-h300/IMG_8908.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Nobody was willing to take off their clothes and brave the cold water, but we would not have been the first to do so, according to the folklore that surrounds the Cove.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2exAKC8bSAJbTYAg7RJtwNeFWOnhxnDVIyYEOEt5p6J40Ln10xi6j73iAypXRJobXFyzHfEgYSI9SKZaCMIPbdUnWNKioVutt0O9mhS17GdQvhhgVquleRxc73HtJ7iIAYlpr2mT-25Hb50igjlwq2HW3ZxEWvv7B-fXACz2bBYF_RbW5hwOAZ4ucvV7/s1280/IMG_8911.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2exAKC8bSAJbTYAg7RJtwNeFWOnhxnDVIyYEOEt5p6J40Ln10xi6j73iAypXRJobXFyzHfEgYSI9SKZaCMIPbdUnWNKioVutt0O9mhS17GdQvhhgVquleRxc73HtJ7iIAYlpr2mT-25Hb50igjlwq2HW3ZxEWvv7B-fXACz2bBYF_RbW5hwOAZ4ucvV7/w400-h300/IMG_8911.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy Bear Cove</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was quite a wonderful way to spend a sunny day in the winter. We ended up going somewhere around six miles in total, with an elevation gain around 1,000 feet in all. (I'm just guessing at the total, but from the way my hips felt, I'd guess that was about right.) I am quite happy to be home, looking out at the sunshine, and glad to have been part of the day's Senior Trailblazers excursion. </p><p>:-)<br /></p><p></p>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-36921717799377808632024-02-29T14:23:00.000-08:002024-02-29T14:23:37.576-08:00Unexpectedly nice<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5akDbiXpYpPpiCrVE6xjOzLMgPt1ghYYLN4kf-H8qrrQrLrgLSlGeFv9dmfVH5nQD6E1XNxfdPgiEn6MIXzXyMoymHhqGdcVtWoSR7enXNsBCwulKoQp15HxbO1Qrk5HbTBFXLbHn0p6G_Rnl3LvzmCDSnQGJjFJl2X2k6B1rxsAaLO1pkjPlt9iSzwH/s1280/IMG_8895.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5akDbiXpYpPpiCrVE6xjOzLMgPt1ghYYLN4kf-H8qrrQrLrgLSlGeFv9dmfVH5nQD6E1XNxfdPgiEn6MIXzXyMoymHhqGdcVtWoSR7enXNsBCwulKoQp15HxbO1Qrk5HbTBFXLbHn0p6G_Rnl3LvzmCDSnQGJjFJl2X2k6B1rxsAaLO1pkjPlt9iSzwH/w400-h300/IMG_8895.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's group of six (I took the picture)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The Relaxed Group of Senior Trailblazers were scheduled to drive to Anacortes to have a nice walk along the water, but since the forecast was for more rain, we decided instead to keep it close to home. Our leader, Owen (second from left), suggested that we go to Lake Padden and tackle the back trails, so that's what we did. I have to say that, although it was rather cold, the rain never materialized. We had more than an inch overnight, however, and it was muddy and even a little slippery. Fortunately for me, I didn't fall face first into the mud so for me it was a good day.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt9cPT6RpjriMlX4UfV6fcs2hxuqxEbRZCHW6hFnmpFNBL6ruLIDyZSu40yTL2YCbWiszSyNix63ezbUASRj7As7V3ZZcJJdk8nRN3o156FGS5Fv0BLRb7gATVuumcF8-rT8BxF9uKdZRmkOZ2DsdLj83EYVsYOLf8_gae9bupnWg2kQ1QSlXzRn8lgOc/s1280/IMG_8896.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt9cPT6RpjriMlX4UfV6fcs2hxuqxEbRZCHW6hFnmpFNBL6ruLIDyZSu40yTL2YCbWiszSyNix63ezbUASRj7As7V3ZZcJJdk8nRN3o156FGS5Fv0BLRb7gATVuumcF8-rT8BxF9uKdZRmkOZ2DsdLj83EYVsYOLf8_gae9bupnWg2kQ1QSlXzRn8lgOc/w400-h300/IMG_8896.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian plum beginning to bloom!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Today is Leap Day, that day which only comes around once every four years. That means tomorrow is the first day of March (rather than today), and I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to see that the buds are coming out on bushes, and that even some early trees are in bloom. A week from Sunday we will change back to Dayight Saving Time, until such time in the future when we will dispense with this silly tradition. Not this year, unfortunately, but time will instead be bringing us plenty of smiles as we watch the arrival of spring.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yztdNRppkhJOb-GBIHdtDTdOSijWqZ8CEicmftGBd64C-Thxx86vt6Ngi2Rt6ZsPCDK5IUuD5EvRiq9_85hX6GKim1nok2EYsHVSr4faAONS0nnA-yo-IYxGrSvhDZdSwZbN7NJu3_FlNgdB_wV7tnI_hLBmUCotU2888XZD1E3HjlmqjfMQtmyrFaum/s1280/IMG_8897.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yztdNRppkhJOb-GBIHdtDTdOSijWqZ8CEicmftGBd64C-Thxx86vt6Ngi2Rt6ZsPCDK5IUuD5EvRiq9_85hX6GKim1nok2EYsHVSr4faAONS0nnA-yo-IYxGrSvhDZdSwZbN7NJu3_FlNgdB_wV7tnI_hLBmUCotU2888XZD1E3HjlmqjfMQtmyrFaum/w400-h300/IMG_8897.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you find the heron?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We walked up the gorge, and the first thing we saw was a heron in a tree. If you follow that diagonal branch from the lower left upwards, you'll see our friend. The gorge leads to a particular spot, which is the place where people over the years have left little offerings of shells, mementos for those who have left us, and various trinkets for others to enjoy. I saw this old typewriter and various additions, which reminded me of when I first learned to type. It was on a similar contraption.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4P-rhwMDbGxX_tTpQ8qxs-ZQYpCWnTHANsItb1fTvGFdWt51onVqM-Y7q4nvX7wj1XTl-eS7O-7esN2GhGEhLCJr3JNqaPNYIa85fQo9RT_Gb7ZXQEPNjRWOEDcRbD_88VRds2seHnyvFWTT_4DGGUGK7RFY2B-HqCzq2-fpO4aGIlJ-GfRINvpVFteG/s1280/IMG_8898.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4P-rhwMDbGxX_tTpQ8qxs-ZQYpCWnTHANsItb1fTvGFdWt51onVqM-Y7q4nvX7wj1XTl-eS7O-7esN2GhGEhLCJr3JNqaPNYIa85fQo9RT_Gb7ZXQEPNjRWOEDcRbD_88VRds2seHnyvFWTT_4DGGUGK7RFY2B-HqCzq2-fpO4aGIlJ-GfRINvpVFteG/w400-h300/IMG_8898.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonder if it still works</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The typewriter is well protected by a tiger and a magic rock, so I wouldn't worry about it. But it sure did bring back memories. When you learned on one of these things, your fingers had to get strong enough to strike the keys with symmetry, or you'd leave the little fingers unable to add their letters to words properly. Once I gradulated to an electric typewriter, my fingers no longer needed strength and it took no time at all for me to "forget" how to type on one of these things.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1DovsTL0q__OZz_wxhU8XWWd9rU-8eeSBJtJbplFu4ngwtWi6O1t5uqjrCHaabT4MgAhZViXcS1WklATKhIGeRlptShawwSaav0jLIngKp4VYMM9HIRZUttuXbwZ90LIRqsIZRrJ3l2tBDi-5_W2fq9q4P1d4nC4pnatK5bk_xiPPyPVPzehYC6WE-ro/s1280/IMG_8899.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1DovsTL0q__OZz_wxhU8XWWd9rU-8eeSBJtJbplFu4ngwtWi6O1t5uqjrCHaabT4MgAhZViXcS1WklATKhIGeRlptShawwSaav0jLIngKp4VYMM9HIRZUttuXbwZ90LIRqsIZRrJ3l2tBDi-5_W2fq9q4P1d4nC4pnatK5bk_xiPPyPVPzehYC6WE-ro/w400-h300/IMG_8899.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Padden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We then walked back to the trail around the lake, and the heron was still there in the tree, I suppose still waiting for breakfast to show up. We walked the long way around, and although we only went four miles in total, it was a very good day. By the time we got to the lake, we even had little peeks of sunshine brightening our day. We decided to call it a day, and Owen invited us to his home for some coffee before we returned to the Senior Center. </div><div><br /></div><div>The sun didn't stick around for long, and we are supposed to get more rain, but it sure was nice for it to give us such a wonderful outing, so we are all happy and content.</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-52550169100882971692024-02-27T14:24:00.000-08:002024-02-27T14:24:07.809-08:00Neighborhood walk<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIivKBfnvfBdgAwGaMs7Mo4uzUBxvw8D3rLWgNbGFdf8lUS5zZ4fF9Dy2PkkP0WBV7p76Xyuh4Pvd6ygpP1PLzZTjaqESYEmbD4U4067NA9w3_s4Oj_loE0-_rnEUzfGXTNTUxqfFGpgsPW3KTXfKFsFkdExv94hzT0nR6y6-VhijM2wXzHrT3yfXRROm/s1280/IMG_8892.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIivKBfnvfBdgAwGaMs7Mo4uzUBxvw8D3rLWgNbGFdf8lUS5zZ4fF9Dy2PkkP0WBV7p76Xyuh4Pvd6ygpP1PLzZTjaqESYEmbD4U4067NA9w3_s4Oj_loE0-_rnEUzfGXTNTUxqfFGpgsPW3KTXfKFsFkdExv94hzT0nR6y6-VhijM2wXzHrT3yfXRROm/w400-h300/IMG_8892.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Squalicum Beach </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I joined the Senior Trailblazers on a walk that covers part of my own usual daily walk. Thirteen of us gathered at the parking lot in Cornwall Park, just down the street from the Rose Garden (that I pass every day that when I walk home from the coffee shop). We then mandered around the park for awhile, before crossing a busy street and heading off for Little Squalicum Park. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were originally scheduled to travel across the border into Canada, but because the temperature was quite chilly with snow possible overnight, Barb, our leader, decided instead to keep it local. Everyone was looking pretty puffy in their down jackets, including me. I was happy because I know the area well, and even if we got caught in snow, it would be easy for me to get back home. Although it snowed in areas nearby, we only had a covering of <b>graupel</b> on the lawns and streets. What is graupel, you ask? Well, according to NOAA,</div><div><blockquote><i>Graupel are soft, small pellets formed when supercooled water droplets (at a temperature below 32°F) freeze onto a snow crystal, a process called riming. If the riming is particularly intense, the rimed snow crystal can grow to an appreciable size, but remain less than 0.2 inches.</i></blockquote><p>It looks like little pellets of ice and vaguely like hail, but smaller. When I set out of the house this morning, I was unsure whether it was safe to drive, because it was pretty thick. So, I took the bus to the coffee shop and walked to the Senior Center to join the others and carpooled. </p><p>The sun came out in full force, however, and the skies (as you can see in the picture) were mostly clear, nothing like I thought we'd have today. Nobody was unhappy about having chosen to stay local, though. We covered somewhere around five miles, I think, but I left a little early and made my way back home before they re-entered the park. I saw plenty of fat buds on bushes and the occasional tree coming into early blossom, but my pictures weren't all that good; it seems many of them had my shadow right in the middle, ruining the scene. I should pay more attention to things like that.</p><p>At least I remembered to post something today. Now that I've gotten my exercise and a good lunch, I think I'll rummage around in some of the books I've downloaded and find something to enjoy. It's also my guy's birthday today, but he doesn't want anything special, he tells me. We all have those inconvenient reminders of the continuing passage of time, whether we do anything to commemorate the event or not. I am wishing him a very happy birthday and fabulous year ahead!</p><p>:-)</p></div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-434697233627613022024-02-22T16:22:00.000-08:002024-02-22T16:22:58.953-08:00Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7c1TW_kIrgvTtEbsCmR0xSNNdTMQj3jXn9y-CTeKJg2gaZr5RKl0iHnvTvSzCHrdEdlTYxfFzA1pT332xc_iVMvxth1tT-TQNxOCKEAqxNP7b5d_p8pLsFd8KicEBPOVqJBgTGBAPECiaP5yNXpiS9mBOvHDzgOgiXMDPa5dHZxa2w1cPfUF8LZ9a8yn/s1280/IMG_8873.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7c1TW_kIrgvTtEbsCmR0xSNNdTMQj3jXn9y-CTeKJg2gaZr5RKl0iHnvTvSzCHrdEdlTYxfFzA1pT332xc_iVMvxth1tT-TQNxOCKEAqxNP7b5d_p8pLsFd8KicEBPOVqJBgTGBAPECiaP5yNXpiS9mBOvHDzgOgiXMDPa5dHZxa2w1cPfUF8LZ9a8yn/w400-h300/IMG_8873.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Six (and me who took the picture)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Seven Senior Trailblazers with Group 2 went to the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve this morning to hike the Rufus Creek trail, mostly. Our leader, Beth, is at the map in this picture, pointing out our options. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXnGFQFarrPKg5oiOsbPQ1tCF84NvoGPNIBBPqG1xSBXjTMgXOW8bqE-3ECY1ku1kF7QnDhaaIRM63LfDcLdZ5KC3ouytKxoWH-uyYEyrJCwHRf1DoTlosb8TJNpkPU9B2sVRpeoSlBM5pGm9YSJWE8W9-A4OC64C11dBhtjcuiyFq4BkLyFkYkqL8tgv/s1280/IMG_8874.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXnGFQFarrPKg5oiOsbPQ1tCF84NvoGPNIBBPqG1xSBXjTMgXOW8bqE-3ECY1ku1kF7QnDhaaIRM63LfDcLdZ5KC3ouytKxoWH-uyYEyrJCwHRf1DoTlosb8TJNpkPU9B2sVRpeoSlBM5pGm9YSJWE8W9-A4OC64C11dBhtjcuiyFq4BkLyFkYkqL8tgv/w400-h300/IMG_8874.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"We'll go this way up and another way down"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>But first, we took a short side trail to the Waterfall, which is quite full at the moment, and very pretty indeed. This is not far from the parking lot where we started, and it was worth a look before starting our uphill climb.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_a5nrR7aGAYjYb5ZkKZXeUJ1IyDdiK937yUcbp6rlx0VjZji9FuEupZxy5dQIwKXZs5xRoQdIVcHF2xQpJdsI8L3G8-KT_qmcS5boCZEE2cfP9O2oucQ875tHIwhNgMYB1dzr5Kx0Xf_CCasKDmb-pP9Qny85NRYZ3EtiksK1qv_hkDzjD3rtHuTP_bK/s1280/IMG_8875.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_a5nrR7aGAYjYb5ZkKZXeUJ1IyDdiK937yUcbp6rlx0VjZji9FuEupZxy5dQIwKXZs5xRoQdIVcHF2xQpJdsI8L3G8-KT_qmcS5boCZEE2cfP9O2oucQ875tHIwhNgMYB1dzr5Kx0Xf_CCasKDmb-pP9Qny85NRYZ3EtiksK1qv_hkDzjD3rtHuTP_bK/w400-h300/IMG_8875.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mile-long loop from the main trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>It had plenty of water in it, and after we gazed at it for awhile, we returned to the Rufus trail to head up to the Overlook. The weather was better than forecast, with just a few sprinkles and then a little sunshine.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_v-ShCN-tlraH7nh_sM9Hmk6Faox_d6uRGhH8Yt6LYL-W7XeIDdqfMqtIYRNmBnZ7keHdKKA8mqXHMQSxC46wTssAeeElD7vZmrVaBUrqoJF7DWIs-l1VNIM-KIeENgogTA6ciMbImTDEb0a-9-IBO3QvVW0-6lwIEZdAZnat0mz_T2A7N08psviu8Mxo/s1280/IMG_8879.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_v-ShCN-tlraH7nh_sM9Hmk6Faox_d6uRGhH8Yt6LYL-W7XeIDdqfMqtIYRNmBnZ7keHdKKA8mqXHMQSxC46wTssAeeElD7vZmrVaBUrqoJF7DWIs-l1VNIM-KIeENgogTA6ciMbImTDEb0a-9-IBO3QvVW0-6lwIEZdAZnat0mz_T2A7N08psviu8Mxo/w400-h300/IMG_8879.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of good signage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I have to say that it felt a lot longer going up the trail for around a thousand feet of elevation gain. I'm not sure whether knowing it's "only" another mile and a half is a good thing, because it seemed twice as far to me. But it was probably right; knowing the distance always makes me pay closer attention to how I'm feeling. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0z1mP78qr1ZJfbKVxlR7rRiJ0HiU-N5-W4oltvV0TtrpyDFpzdkOsGlnpQ9PtNSVwOke7D1rwTmnjmLxd6vQwc07Z0O0mxP7NWvLMIoXn6VsISYQ78g65VqxFscyxclB0vBL9myfuyoLp2A2UosuDeqcVwG6H7L57wj19tJ2p-VT1u4ICs0tDk5FMRY0/s1280/IMG_8880.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0z1mP78qr1ZJfbKVxlR7rRiJ0HiU-N5-W4oltvV0TtrpyDFpzdkOsGlnpQ9PtNSVwOke7D1rwTmnjmLxd6vQwc07Z0O0mxP7NWvLMIoXn6VsISYQ78g65VqxFscyxclB0vBL9myfuyoLp2A2UosuDeqcVwG6H7L57wj19tJ2p-VT1u4ICs0tDk5FMRY0/w400-h300/IMG_8880.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine peeking through the trees</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Although it wasn't all that hard of a hike, I did struggle a bit until we got to the viewpoint, which was 3.5 miles from the start of our hike. It seemed like more, but maybe that is because I didn't go out much last week and at my age, it takes hardly any time at all to lose momentum. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhObkDIb-WW89XgD4IVlFL-ohBM401J6zam_15y36qotZUL6IZkwwqyH9QoXpWp_i_w8iFL_Syr6Vk6TVp9QTkTp3wXtud520vmd3MS_PdwQP4d3-T6ULxd2RtzmWwLUncnsNe45GsgUvCV6wkUUyhp_EZZPfb0ncOfcBxpJlHjA1T4h-alTAp2PE8ZSC/s1280/IMG_8881.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhObkDIb-WW89XgD4IVlFL-ohBM401J6zam_15y36qotZUL6IZkwwqyH9QoXpWp_i_w8iFL_Syr6Vk6TVp9QTkTp3wXtud520vmd3MS_PdwQP4d3-T6ULxd2RtzmWwLUncnsNe45GsgUvCV6wkUUyhp_EZZPfb0ncOfcBxpJlHjA1T4h-alTAp2PE8ZSC/w400-h300/IMG_8881.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not much of a view any more</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We got to the bench and made ourselves comfy for a nice lunch. We had an interesting conversation about the best way to make a PB&J sandwich. I learned several new techniques and learned that every method has an upside. And then we went back down to the parking lot, taking the Laila June trail instead of the Rufus to return. I think it might be a bit shorter, but we ended up showing around eight miles on our trackers. And we did have fun, too. Another great day with the Trailblazers!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and I apologize to anyone who was anxiously awaiting my Tuesday post. I forgot, pure and simple. There'll be more of these oopsies in my future, I think. Once to get to a certain age, it's expected!</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-30941460845196296562024-02-15T17:02:00.000-08:002024-02-15T17:02:15.207-08:00Took the day off<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-jNXQKP-oxOVvHLLLknKJdwFkaXKRlMNyggLsbwgD_M9vkk8dZSrHGZxOkUbCh7n6PlMf6FPmPrM_vHltuZm2jEJbdBRKPpO98YQVUl7Sl8jQzMixZL6ueXuwr2JTHhCn8MBTzQtb9vjnMyZ5hXVzzon6TJeq5U6FjWa2ju-H8VFzk-SwwIrb1nAqQ9c/s800/snowtree-SNOW.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-jNXQKP-oxOVvHLLLknKJdwFkaXKRlMNyggLsbwgD_M9vkk8dZSrHGZxOkUbCh7n6PlMf6FPmPrM_vHltuZm2jEJbdBRKPpO98YQVUl7Sl8jQzMixZL6ueXuwr2JTHhCn8MBTzQtb9vjnMyZ5hXVzzon6TJeq5U6FjWa2ju-H8VFzk-SwwIrb1nAqQ9c/w400-h300/snowtree-SNOW.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow from years past</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Today I didn't feel like going on either hike scheduled with the Senior Trailblazers. They were both harder than what I felt like doing, so I decided instead to just walk from the coffee shop to Fairhaven, by myself. In my old pictures, I found this one that actually has some snow in it, coming down from the sky. It was almost exactly ten years ago that I took this picture and have no recollection of how I got that snow effect, if you can even see it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3kzulgsiDTTsuq-1KEaOCDxeTxv61jv4R8pjV4qI_pqaQrBzULNIS1CAqpIl2ncy1YHKFoIbhJzeFW3j-fx0HsrYJr_-Iy0ER6uvqjF9oTDWdjxG2Dq3CPhNvgjvCpDmo6gIMnnQwpSWMjp3JXO4dQqoldv6rTkbMa2YLFdl2KaoTL2wN7VSwPKo-xO2/s1280/IMG_8871.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3kzulgsiDTTsuq-1KEaOCDxeTxv61jv4R8pjV4qI_pqaQrBzULNIS1CAqpIl2ncy1YHKFoIbhJzeFW3j-fx0HsrYJr_-Iy0ER6uvqjF9oTDWdjxG2Dq3CPhNvgjvCpDmo6gIMnnQwpSWMjp3JXO4dQqoldv6rTkbMa2YLFdl2KaoTL2wN7VSwPKo-xO2/w400-h300/IMG_8871.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"In Loving Memory of Henry Howard King"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Along Boulevard Park, I saw that there is now a permanent memorial bench for a homeless man who used to sit in this spot. He was murdered a year ago, and I only knew about it because of all the flowers that people had put in this area, with a picture of him and a short bio. Apparently he traded baseball cards for spare change, and he was gentle and peaceful. Whoever killed him sure did earn some bad karma for themselves. Many caring people decided to put up this memorial bench, and now here it is for all of us to enjoy. Godspeed, Henry.<div><br /></div><div>I finally received that picture of our Tuesday hike, all the Senior Trailblazers who joined us on our trip to Samish Overlook on a lovely day. I am second from the left, taken by a kindly stranger. I sure think we have a lot of good people around here, people who are happy to help out when someone asks. And even put up memorial benches for homeless strangers. A nice place to live, indeed.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IQHWFcjxD41ZwhPOoZmWLU88p5K2Tu0ysevDE0hKoNSV9_8WwBluMMPOa3KW3akXkCHs5dlUjJ4lUnQNJGlBZNhtu1iOCGwInCSHQuvrSAg8LGug-mLjWbPKJyEjzm-n0luj4BSiE1tw_OcatkYTEkqGbgQcj8AQLzNN6TBA2CpReQTBwuOZNy8o94FY/s1280/IMG_20240213_185113.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IQHWFcjxD41ZwhPOoZmWLU88p5K2Tu0ysevDE0hKoNSV9_8WwBluMMPOa3KW3akXkCHs5dlUjJ4lUnQNJGlBZNhtu1iOCGwInCSHQuvrSAg8LGug-mLjWbPKJyEjzm-n0luj4BSiE1tw_OcatkYTEkqGbgQcj8AQLzNN6TBA2CpReQTBwuOZNy8o94FY/w400-h300/IMG_20240213_185113.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Wanderers Feb 13 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>:-)<br /><div><div><br /></div></div></div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-22318008547875527452024-02-13T16:24:00.000-08:002024-02-13T16:26:34.872-08:00Samish Overlook from Upper Trailhead<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3E-mFOBj31Iy3fKfFtIXlWpGe_pF1d5KmELoDnXWscMAbKddx2_vZ2Xc9e-5xhRDPKnYNhVLV8AXqCSJcNHarzeCqKurBi6eBbMbryJZ4McqGe4VX8PNVks7cH7vjOG9vqZ8R0IjY9-rSGpAk-7HTbIFR8Ldd7E9uz28e3GCu0LNnPdyvPhVvKfoDsBcG/s1280/IMG_8865.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3E-mFOBj31Iy3fKfFtIXlWpGe_pF1d5KmELoDnXWscMAbKddx2_vZ2Xc9e-5xhRDPKnYNhVLV8AXqCSJcNHarzeCqKurBi6eBbMbryJZ4McqGe4VX8PNVks7cH7vjOG9vqZ8R0IjY9-rSGpAk-7HTbIFR8Ldd7E9uz28e3GCu0LNnPdyvPhVvKfoDsBcG/w400-h300/IMG_8865.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall from bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I've taken this picture many times before, and always the amount of water varies considerably. Since we just received an inch of rain two days ago, it's pretty full at the moment. You could hear it long before we could see it. Lovely!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTG8UT92kVuZdfqL7gphUvB-ypz6caMeInbCLlgya0lumpyZnqptO3_7Ol9QxQQyH3JXPxoeY9npp7UQSCJViHArYdK2bpjwha9zgAoUJYtd51OdTaSOHpNiha6GPBgnFPAPd0s3l6xIiqGBy-EggkWl0Arx3imuQ-UTVF8_iTXmcbxBtRl_pxI4LFxrZ/s1280/IMG_8869.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTG8UT92kVuZdfqL7gphUvB-ypz6caMeInbCLlgya0lumpyZnqptO3_7Ol9QxQQyH3JXPxoeY9npp7UQSCJViHArYdK2bpjwha9zgAoUJYtd51OdTaSOHpNiha6GPBgnFPAPd0s3l6xIiqGBy-EggkWl0Arx3imuQ-UTVF8_iTXmcbxBtRl_pxI4LFxrZ/w400-h300/IMG_8869.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our forest on the trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>It was not an especially challenging hike, which is expected on Tuesdays with the Happy Wanderers, so there were 22 hikers starting from Blanchard Mountain's Upper Trailhead parking lot. We hiked upwards to the junction that would take us to Samish Overlook, rather than hiking up the much harder and longer one to Lily Lake along the same trail. The junction took us to the Larry Reed Trail, and then to Samish Overlook.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzzTyj_5ZnAzuOcLs7dMhFi5jLFWjlYDm4ZVYPNuqgFD8jTllG1XbqjF3JNe77lfzpufMDeNHQXUOifsM3GfEUwhKuaXFTi39TudInFdG4clsghIwIZXKTNBhM9ghYlIe6rpSWGVZy_Nbk3336DFkIlbS0EfJbJncUvO0rkgDpkdIHwyZN9kagPjtswau/s1280/IMG_8867.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzzTyj_5ZnAzuOcLs7dMhFi5jLFWjlYDm4ZVYPNuqgFD8jTllG1XbqjF3JNe77lfzpufMDeNHQXUOifsM3GfEUwhKuaXFTi39TudInFdG4clsghIwIZXKTNBhM9ghYlIe6rpSWGVZy_Nbk3336DFkIlbS0EfJbJncUvO0rkgDpkdIHwyZN9kagPjtswau/w400-h300/IMG_8867.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samish Overlook</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We couldn't have asked for a nicer day for this hike. The early morning clouds cleared off, and we had plentiful sunshine as we enjoyed this wonderful place. We stopped here for lunch and conversation before returning back the way we had come.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaGIKty2B9gSuo3jDDWjNWNCJIo24ExeGbFx_Vk3ozsQdhIUXjfzSou9bAnhRBX48LEVYSmMAQ1ceJtc7_x91Tx8K3TevoVf1Ty1qYLb3B5nJnl9JL6FUZthzL2BP8DaD3PdQLzwaIZshSwxFlYebQWvqo8J-jNoQMr6mbkoT4368nluSGbPJTXA7IcrG/s1280/IMG_8866.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaGIKty2B9gSuo3jDDWjNWNCJIo24ExeGbFx_Vk3ozsQdhIUXjfzSou9bAnhRBX48LEVYSmMAQ1ceJtc7_x91Tx8K3TevoVf1Ty1qYLb3B5nJnl9JL6FUZthzL2BP8DaD3PdQLzwaIZshSwxFlYebQWvqo8J-jNoQMr6mbkoT4368nluSGbPJTXA7IcrG/w400-h300/IMG_8866.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy and Donna on the Larry Reed trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Sometimes when I look at my fellow hikers, I realize we do personify healthy and vibrant seniors. Neither of these ladies look old enough to be classified as elderly, in my opinion. Of course, neither of them is an octogenarian, although there were plenty in attendance today, not just me.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7VbzH8jNLTMZHWrd7yTgkLBZ_rScEy0FaKwTzBKNIXi6aR1RQ37-gQP6VDAIffcFWQ-XeKDDKaIT6t4IHoIR8me1NN5o8E00vCSSER-GslqeAxBnD9tHB2pvJWsPhz3wq8OxLhwrVEWTxVHs9hnhH6iD29ujZhwar4Ce9WRMuTc67ofcYJR_TO5bbWkv/s1280/IMG_8870.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7VbzH8jNLTMZHWrd7yTgkLBZ_rScEy0FaKwTzBKNIXi6aR1RQ37-gQP6VDAIffcFWQ-XeKDDKaIT6t4IHoIR8me1NN5o8E00vCSSER-GslqeAxBnD9tHB2pvJWsPhz3wq8OxLhwrVEWTxVHs9hnhH6iD29ujZhwar4Ce9WRMuTc67ofcYJR_TO5bbWkv/w400-h300/IMG_8870.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mossy log, ferns, and hikers</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This picture shows what a beautiful place we live in. And you can see the sunshine on the trail, the happy hikers (or should I say happy wanderers) as we approached the end of our 6.5-mile hike.<div><br /></div><div>I was hoping to get a picture of the entire group from our leader, Barb, so I waited a good while before starting this post, hoping she would post her own pictures first. Then I decided that, what the heck, if there is a picture of us, good, but I needed to make sure I got my post up before I lose the day's momentum.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another good day in the Pacific Northwest's beautiful forests. Hopefully your day has brought you as much joy as I received from mine. We are certainly lucky to be as incredibly blessed as we are. Sending you love from my heart to yours on Valentine's Eve.</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-78040845783215781112024-02-08T14:22:00.000-08:002024-02-08T14:25:09.285-08:00Stuart Island<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeJ_7TgP_b6tGMB8q3CESVC7sId4mB32pMFHcYCuSaV_ArkUfYkoLfRk5HAyiRY2Q-1sPB0bHCMIDEdzQ1cf28PMgVfH2qhDs0aZp2gsTudAd7vgZ6uNuaskUsEk9rEt9F4oZsCwqwRG7BfnHq_Ttu-3PmvxCELXid8Myc3xoJdLF0k2AJDLlp1xm9FrK/s1280/Image.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeJ_7TgP_b6tGMB8q3CESVC7sId4mB32pMFHcYCuSaV_ArkUfYkoLfRk5HAyiRY2Q-1sPB0bHCMIDEdzQ1cf28PMgVfH2qhDs0aZp2gsTudAd7vgZ6uNuaskUsEk9rEt9F4oZsCwqwRG7BfnHq_Ttu-3PmvxCELXid8Myc3xoJdLF0k2AJDLlp1xm9FrK/w400-h300/Image.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from inside the teacherage</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, eleven of us Senior Trailblazers took a trip with Island Opportunities water taxi again, this time to Stuart Island, the farthest from Bellingham Bay. It was a fine day, high overcast but no rain, a little on the cold side, but the taxi has a nice heater that kept us quite comfy on the way. I was enjoying watching the waves when everyone jumped up to see the whales!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhIMUIFLgOkN_jSFYgaG_iHq88M-tkKUjxfvEaWXAKwnEYfMbUtTVK2kschByuYrq5gKYWn8upUibpnJbCaMYSUUKI1FoLeYyiKfk3j3xzaAlwluOrwG1WvjYJ-ZOs2Dv4gphnD7ziASIFJ6a_h82g1qW-kLorHm4ZE8u2RpJ72GDGnfCQIBebj1x2Tht/s1280/IMG_0005.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhIMUIFLgOkN_jSFYgaG_iHq88M-tkKUjxfvEaWXAKwnEYfMbUtTVK2kschByuYrq5gKYWn8upUibpnJbCaMYSUUKI1FoLeYyiKfk3j3xzaAlwluOrwG1WvjYJ-ZOs2Dv4gphnD7ziASIFJ6a_h82g1qW-kLorHm4ZE8u2RpJ72GDGnfCQIBebj1x2Tht/w400-h300/IMG_0005.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a beautiful creature! (Terry's picture)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We saw this large Orca to our right, and on the left was a pod of female Orcas. The skipper said these are not local whales, but a migratory pod, which are much larger than the local ones. The skipper did not want to move between them, so he went out to the open waters and we continued on our way to Stuart Island. Nevertheless, it was really exciting to see these magnificent wild creatures up close.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XqrT-a8lfrIxZFHO6JpYkfdTpBz1eMa55OLucvLZylVFQJhHHSdPanUVNZVsqTYivz6nrmiiocCMSzYWRKSPaqQpVeJHyppLooqtb08W_6Lpv8uRGH4Z2rAsBKrYHoVjmrCWy_yPzN7dZlLxG6xWicGkUkEZzDglwAiCfnily5-x6rFSzTYUNmjOB0US/s1280/IMG_8843.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XqrT-a8lfrIxZFHO6JpYkfdTpBz1eMa55OLucvLZylVFQJhHHSdPanUVNZVsqTYivz6nrmiiocCMSzYWRKSPaqQpVeJHyppLooqtb08W_6Lpv8uRGH4Z2rAsBKrYHoVjmrCWy_yPzN7dZlLxG6xWicGkUkEZzDglwAiCfnily5-x6rFSzTYUNmjOB0US/w400-h300/IMG_8843.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at Reid Harbor at Stuart Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Our crew members left us here at Reid Harbor, where we made our way up to the trail that leads to the road that we would follow to the old schoolhouse and teacherage, and then to Turn Point Lighthouse. We walked a good distance while we were out, somewhere around seven+ to eight miles altogether. And not much of it was flat, either.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6pdJB7OTAcCAkifChkLtmMlP23EUpYs7UnNRU7QT4csBwaWedOVt7Vq9lNH2c03NESEaeGwJUQKT8WdiWZ20s3GcajJpxFfHUkADoHVEcAy89yHF1_AOvOnFmAKxhGPG1p2FCUQtDTinfOPtPrFRnFw-4cY95pO97k-HfQT9GKpwSkGGrDdmVkypYm9S/s1280/IMG_8846.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6pdJB7OTAcCAkifChkLtmMlP23EUpYs7UnNRU7QT4csBwaWedOVt7Vq9lNH2c03NESEaeGwJUQKT8WdiWZ20s3GcajJpxFfHUkADoHVEcAy89yHF1_AOvOnFmAKxhGPG1p2FCUQtDTinfOPtPrFRnFw-4cY95pO97k-HfQT9GKpwSkGGrDdmVkypYm9S/w400-h300/IMG_8846.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge madrone tree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We walked on until we came upon the old schoolhouse and teacherage (sort of like a parsonage for teachers).<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy67LrK0Zje60HtA8Vwm0XAi2o_3jVCh_iVD8ttDf0lx4MxaFsFRZvVyQhkDExnuYYaS57YplG2IpXWW7Kr0EuKgh_YE9vtvMwHauR3GnE_k-fsnMd2MuUHEH1v814ldSjo036yUCswJaG9UnizOECPMoW6el0Cnr7OpD2zRqtBTFLEtBbtIjXNQ7sre_y/s1280/Screenshot%202024-02-08%20at%201.52.29%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy67LrK0Zje60HtA8Vwm0XAi2o_3jVCh_iVD8ttDf0lx4MxaFsFRZvVyQhkDExnuYYaS57YplG2IpXWW7Kr0EuKgh_YE9vtvMwHauR3GnE_k-fsnMd2MuUHEH1v814ldSjo036yUCswJaG9UnizOECPMoW6el0Cnr7OpD2zRqtBTFLEtBbtIjXNQ7sre_y/w400-h254/Screenshot%202024-02-08%20at%201.52.29%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacherage on the left, schoolhouse on the right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Both of these buildings are open to the public, and you could purchase books or pamphlets by leaving some money in a little box. I took some pictures while inside, but didn't buy anything myself. The school is closed because eventually all the children grew up and because it's mostly all privately owned land, there are no longer any students. We walked farther, finally reaching the Turn Point Lighthouse.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_6fAoXodadNFunzFuvcmWNWjTpzALtUQBlWUKuqxFFV_TDwZ-W9giMFNhzXV2a7WFlqROQAHhufU1U4v5oiLILcJ8iW67ltG6IKoxjHP99zQNAtgrWkMWvUYV6IgrNPoRSXxbu-0V4M_v7M84kgEgYegML6ZIptrtNU0rE8VTLHQzvUgohy7YHQc-mhG/s1280/IMG_8851.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_6fAoXodadNFunzFuvcmWNWjTpzALtUQBlWUKuqxFFV_TDwZ-W9giMFNhzXV2a7WFlqROQAHhufU1U4v5oiLILcJ8iW67ltG6IKoxjHP99zQNAtgrWkMWvUYV6IgrNPoRSXxbu-0V4M_v7M84kgEgYegML6ZIptrtNU0rE8VTLHQzvUgohy7YHQc-mhG/w400-h300/IMG_8851.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn Point Lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>From here, you have a magnificent view of the entire surrounding islands, with amazing vistas out across the water. We stretched out on the green grass and had lunch here. We saw two big container ships pass through this area, as well as some seals that either wanted to play or have something to eat.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Xb30DXCHjvyqB8__TIFaT-B6wYZRF8WTk_y_T0SPxGoOybOgVbgzTW12RmdhY6hstw_LLJh8CDlA9CnT5TJlot-T81Goxk7ip-7gGXE6NqG92E2DA227aIwwaR6GTgCwmD2BZnUAuAjWtEZvFMYVOz3XNjOj2NUgMumSJYoeYayS0dr7BwiaVwak-fc_/s1280/IMG_8853.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Xb30DXCHjvyqB8__TIFaT-B6wYZRF8WTk_y_T0SPxGoOybOgVbgzTW12RmdhY6hstw_LLJh8CDlA9CnT5TJlot-T81Goxk7ip-7gGXE6NqG92E2DA227aIwwaR6GTgCwmD2BZnUAuAjWtEZvFMYVOz3XNjOj2NUgMumSJYoeYayS0dr7BwiaVwak-fc_/w400-h300/IMG_8853.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got anything to eat?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div>We were serenaded with lots of grunts and roars from these fellas, before they finally gave up and went elsewhere, looking for food. You don't realize how big these guys are from just seeing their snouts peeking up from the water. We did, however, early on seeing lots of them lounging around on cliffs. We also moulton sheep, yaks, deer, and eagles everywhere. It was wonderful to be so far from civilization where you don't hear anything but the sound of nature.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFajgEIkk02-gw7Xufm6owSxXbTzLLy7vrNF2uMSp_M1_qRQ7trbmI4_74rHr2uiR80gUvyBoKG4I8Swh0YYAiwLbVTTV7U5iYSwn_-HNhLfiqE-GzAvziHWA6G63d5GFLLq78XRxJxat5QfbwVwpzwRl4RZAkAyRGJ5N98i-T__EnGII3M5xUEQtmDQl/s1280/IMG_8860.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFajgEIkk02-gw7Xufm6owSxXbTzLLy7vrNF2uMSp_M1_qRQ7trbmI4_74rHr2uiR80gUvyBoKG4I8Swh0YYAiwLbVTTV7U5iYSwn_-HNhLfiqE-GzAvziHWA6G63d5GFLLq78XRxJxat5QfbwVwpzwRl4RZAkAyRGJ5N98i-T__EnGII3M5xUEQtmDQl/w400-h300/IMG_8860.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighthouse behind us</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>When we returned back to Reid Harbor, there was our trusty water chariot waiting to take us back to Bellingham Bay. Before then, however, we were treated to a scene of the lighthouse from the water, with all of us together again, tired and happy to have had such a wonderful day on Stuart Island. I am tired enough today that I didn't even go for my usual walk and am having a well-earned day of rest.</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-72034659581721722382024-02-06T15:04:00.000-08:002024-02-06T15:04:19.203-08:00Padden Gorge<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPp_P0_9RmYoPLU2IZtvg4z5drfxAgNCzb4k_Ah3CiPlENm3PeQqRtE9Qt2q9u6Ifx_2ltFdJvIgPqQ8YrdBXU4okEM02KpjvzC1R9q8_8nWaatnvI2RRNez1lX3jzxz0oRMnxCtsJ-xLRYCAQumrWpq5gm6M0rUeJDeU6oxXGARX-fP9NYh_Clo6dyNm/s1280/IMG_8831.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPp_P0_9RmYoPLU2IZtvg4z5drfxAgNCzb4k_Ah3CiPlENm3PeQqRtE9Qt2q9u6Ifx_2ltFdJvIgPqQ8YrdBXU4okEM02KpjvzC1R9q8_8nWaatnvI2RRNez1lX3jzxz0oRMnxCtsJ-xLRYCAQumrWpq5gm6M0rUeJDeU6oxXGARX-fP9NYh_Clo6dyNm/w400-h300/IMG_8831.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A long line of hikers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> As usually happens on Tuesdays when the Happy Wanderers head out for a hike, many seniors showed up. Today there were 26 of us, starting out at 23rd Street in Fairhaven, walking along the road a bit before crossing under the freeway and starting up the trail to Padden Gorge. I had not approached Lake Padden from this direction before, and after a short distance up the trail, we encountered the little makeshift memorial spot, where people leave rocks and other mementos. I had seen it before, when walking around the lake and taking a side trail, but it surprised me to approach it from this direction. It was raining lightly, not too bad, but you can see from the way we are dressed that we were ready for it.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse6goWclcoa34X_2xuyQ34LeXuklrps9btyx2VXBkpCMWQYKf7-6gLi6rlPwgrpI5QVdnXoEzUh8G_r5T3PNolAWdJ-4AmEtU_wuCRao9zDkhdYiOveTxdomu05SarShcFIIBdfiLXt7B1d8htvl511XaZdwwkwUPzuHQrVTMIKpq1O5VyxJeLL9MdUhP/s1280/IMG_8833.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse6goWclcoa34X_2xuyQ34LeXuklrps9btyx2VXBkpCMWQYKf7-6gLi6rlPwgrpI5QVdnXoEzUh8G_r5T3PNolAWdJ-4AmEtU_wuCRao9zDkhdYiOveTxdomu05SarShcFIIBdfiLXt7B1d8htvl511XaZdwwkwUPzuHQrVTMIKpq1O5VyxJeLL9MdUhP/w400-h300/IMG_8833.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Familiar Lake Padden</td></tr></tbody></table><p>And then there we were, at familiar old Lake Padden. We circumnavigated the lake, giving us 2.6 miles to add to the rest of our walk. By the time we reached it, the rain had pretty much stopped and gave us a few stray rays of sunshine. Altogether we walked a good six miles or so. We did have to wait a couple of times for the stragglers, but we mostly stayed together and had a very nice outing. Thanks, Barb, once again for giving us an interesting twist on an old favorite.</p><p>:-)</p>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-85136230105960224092024-02-01T16:18:00.000-08:002024-02-01T17:49:14.764-08:00Two Dollar Trail to Burnout Point<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjZ-pv6ozfNXfUxYFTMG2MXm48vnnUj1PB2VvwNsQEkEkByPiMReqrfO_XtmMNRUFmZ8Ni7Xy7I0DoSrpZTbx5UpTogjliD3fB_bcD_q_DGOpLbDMV2w_S63O80KbyMsuvvJrjT4Xvfzsy7k0iRnID_nuG-eqHLwpFEou-8AsBjZp5H2CEexKgieAjPXS/s1280/IMG_8811.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjZ-pv6ozfNXfUxYFTMG2MXm48vnnUj1PB2VvwNsQEkEkByPiMReqrfO_XtmMNRUFmZ8Ni7Xy7I0DoSrpZTbx5UpTogjliD3fB_bcD_q_DGOpLbDMV2w_S63O80KbyMsuvvJrjT4Xvfzsy7k0iRnID_nuG-eqHLwpFEou-8AsBjZp5H2CEexKgieAjPXS/w400-h300/IMG_8811.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and Cindy, half of our group today</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Many of our usual Thursday hikers were either otherwise occupied, or joined the other group, so there were only four of us today, hiking from the Two Dollar Trail to Burnout Point and back. I'm sitting here all scrubbed clean from the day's efforts, and enjoying a well-earned glass of wine. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VsJxCMWsvji84PUMpyeHaVuYeb0Cux6VI34LyAwTjfHoKC12mbd6yPD8uKNFvzu0zWeL2xqn-jDwNoDXOKjq_tVxDRhv0_U1CUHykjVb4vf7Jq7gBUtOkAqgh8QhHPF2UdyQHKdmb86osq_MDeYYRZ4OUKNVULkXdK6KlX68Cw9WEFx6i6nGg_GOCHMw/s1280/IMG_8813.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VsJxCMWsvji84PUMpyeHaVuYeb0Cux6VI34LyAwTjfHoKC12mbd6yPD8uKNFvzu0zWeL2xqn-jDwNoDXOKjq_tVxDRhv0_U1CUHykjVb4vf7Jq7gBUtOkAqgh8QhHPF2UdyQHKdmb86osq_MDeYYRZ4OUKNVULkXdK6KlX68Cw9WEFx6i6nGg_GOCHMw/w300-h400/IMG_8813.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall on the $2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Most of the time when I see this waterfall, it's scarcely flowing, but not today, with help from our atmospheric rivers which has given is plenty of precipitation lately. I was also taken with that tree, hanging out on that rock, looking precarious. I'll keep an eye on it next time I'm in the area.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj673ZvXBCI5kgnrj0vJtw6AcCczn577k06gC0BPPD5-fhwmmESNvgXkXK0dQk30kszqxNMF7jSysSm-apyITgXse43nHIrPdSVgT9-OYhCvndtlolTYSFohEkRZClllpxpzV7ROT5hRJRXjKAIy9vallXUPqX9V6nUclu5TsaQ6OEyqEweEnAdm8wo4gBG/s1280/IMG_8816.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj673ZvXBCI5kgnrj0vJtw6AcCczn577k06gC0BPPD5-fhwmmESNvgXkXK0dQk30kszqxNMF7jSysSm-apyITgXse43nHIrPdSVgT9-OYhCvndtlolTYSFohEkRZClllpxpzV7ROT5hRJRXjKAIy9vallXUPqX9V6nUclu5TsaQ6OEyqEweEnAdm8wo4gBG/w400-h300/IMG_8816.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fragrance Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Then we reached Fragrance Lake, on our way past it to travel on a trail that took us up to Burnout Point. We followed this to our destination.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7Dzmwgow7-G2h8UHU4qcObPxkVJdIVO0QR-V_jx38_hbofhCUSmHal1Ei8Av5_ZDT86FaetnAiEzX0jsLacWe4zFOaKycp9AX8v66ekN0RfvGMeI7uppEWkTCRTtZ6jbVW6fxLa22GJwLtIdz5ZKPFlxqwpRXs3tLEYKZKq29jKckZi_qWKkIfU2fcB7/s1280/IMG_8820.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7Dzmwgow7-G2h8UHU4qcObPxkVJdIVO0QR-V_jx38_hbofhCUSmHal1Ei8Av5_ZDT86FaetnAiEzX0jsLacWe4zFOaKycp9AX8v66ekN0RfvGMeI7uppEWkTCRTtZ6jbVW6fxLa22GJwLtIdz5ZKPFlxqwpRXs3tLEYKZKq29jKckZi_qWKkIfU2fcB7/w400-h300/IMG_8820.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Lost Lake trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We didn't actually go to Lost Lake, instead taking a side trail that would take us to Burnout. I really don't know the origin of the name, but I suspect it had something to do with a fire. We sure do get a great view of the Salish Sea and the San Juan islands from here.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYhA-o8xWbFJQvEmSTx8hN4lQskCWMB4F4DnKSfK_2MMbHadq1c248OsZI6GJwoETcr6wdDSvPsiVslWFntYw1EL8RXwI30hhv9isWYB8Fyn_jBiij6VkZ5gjSipXkPK28n1xSRI4rCKnG3PQWP5d_lygSewzW6NgG7uRCfUJBSkR9V1wghQChoQRnENI/s1280/IMG_8821.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYhA-o8xWbFJQvEmSTx8hN4lQskCWMB4F4DnKSfK_2MMbHadq1c248OsZI6GJwoETcr6wdDSvPsiVslWFntYw1EL8RXwI30hhv9isWYB8Fyn_jBiij6VkZ5gjSipXkPK28n1xSRI4rCKnG3PQWP5d_lygSewzW6NgG7uRCfUJBSkR9V1wghQChoQRnENI/w400-h300/IMG_8821.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from top of Burnout</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We were tired and getting ready for a bit of lunch, but we went a little farther to another lookout, where the clouds kept us from much view at all. So, instead, I asked for a selfie!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMdR6pRQ760eY4TzAxjPASefBbNaTjwjCSORD5WPY9hx1-nrUe1wbMi_qa8apHylCaYQPWv2sIwEOga62Nud4EjgbHPdVraFemAE2n4eIXvSMKxYQnQuiZmIuI4lrIVKjux21B0q3DNsvKYbfsTFttQQJ-G25zq8mpw6GGlpYxrrlCwG-6lvB8MNb9X-o/s1280/IMG_8823.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMdR6pRQ760eY4TzAxjPASefBbNaTjwjCSORD5WPY9hx1-nrUe1wbMi_qa8apHylCaYQPWv2sIwEOga62Nud4EjgbHPdVraFemAE2n4eIXvSMKxYQnQuiZmIuI4lrIVKjux21B0q3DNsvKYbfsTFttQQJ-G25zq8mpw6GGlpYxrrlCwG-6lvB8MNb9X-o/w400-h300/IMG_8823.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John, me, Cindy, Barb (our leader)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As you can see, the weather was pretty good, even if clouds obscured some of the view. The wind came in not long after this was taken, so some of us donned more clothes while we enjoyed our lunch.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbyZtLEJb22oKhQVU_sHdyBWAT9mwtd6qrd-on6b8m2nGi5Mo9WG2dBZYvkM2cKLyvSTgT6IN4ncPjYlAJyqU7ixNsXLYlP-g-Lli6L4KLw5JxdNibGDin3BeJq2Do8jf60zlsftRxSpzEyWxWpbQp8kKBcOVkjlWpG99PngtiroA1uXzVXKyU3zUAhRM/s1280/IMG_8828.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbyZtLEJb22oKhQVU_sHdyBWAT9mwtd6qrd-on6b8m2nGi5Mo9WG2dBZYvkM2cKLyvSTgT6IN4ncPjYlAJyqU7ixNsXLYlP-g-Lli6L4KLw5JxdNibGDin3BeJq2Do8jf60zlsftRxSpzEyWxWpbQp8kKBcOVkjlWpG99PngtiroA1uXzVXKyU3zUAhRM/w400-h300/IMG_8828.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olga looking around at the view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I pulled Olga out from my backpack so she could take a look around. Her friend and mentor Helen (who gifted Olga to me) is in Hawaii, so here's a quick hello for her from our beautiful Pacific Northwest mountains.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi_ZwV59fnYXOq0VNNMr3C6YtZloK7Ce_wlBVws6gtMjiT3R7fWJaKCSbIVndvxzkBKlMuE9Of9RoNT_iQB8c1XNgoAXrwgfF_ofZtWXH8WuxP5kaRn-AH79fPoWHa_0vViSjw6zHcoiiG5Lj1GlFi0PVBKUYb-JPius2cFgXTyNYlq94paGW1mWwDz5n/s1280/IMG_8829.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi_ZwV59fnYXOq0VNNMr3C6YtZloK7Ce_wlBVws6gtMjiT3R7fWJaKCSbIVndvxzkBKlMuE9Of9RoNT_iQB8c1XNgoAXrwgfF_ofZtWXH8WuxP5kaRn-AH79fPoWHa_0vViSjw6zHcoiiG5Lj1GlFi0PVBKUYb-JPius2cFgXTyNYlq94paGW1mWwDz5n/w400-h300/IMG_8829.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy on the trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We were on our way back to the Two Dollar trail when I captured this picture of Cindy. The entire trip took us more than four hours, and we covered almost nine miles and close to 2,000 feet elevation and loss before we got back to the cars. It was another beautiful day with moderate temperatures and surprisingly little rain. And I am feeling happy and glad to be alive, living here during this winter season.</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-46036195874002161272024-01-30T15:28:00.000-08:002024-01-30T15:28:53.179-08:00Alger Alp 2024<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho_NwUkNuBIBPMOdt8YtaktGxE5xg6nWiPRPSrR7LajI2YcerNCHSM6G3Jkk-L40KnryjHUocGHF-Wqehf3HCk0Pca4ZyNu_v05sw-7sU0RWRqaYp4j65f12agWJpJgWUcmy5P5r7GW_5pzAfip3u-KlG3XbAlgfZrThQ9ynnEsh-HnuR-i8QyBmFHrLU/s1280/IMG_8804.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho_NwUkNuBIBPMOdt8YtaktGxE5xg6nWiPRPSrR7LajI2YcerNCHSM6G3Jkk-L40KnryjHUocGHF-Wqehf3HCk0Pca4ZyNu_v05sw-7sU0RWRqaYp4j65f12agWJpJgWUcmy5P5r7GW_5pzAfip3u-KlG3XbAlgfZrThQ9ynnEsh-HnuR-i8QyBmFHrLU/w400-h300/IMG_8804.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kris in front, one of 18</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Yes, I went out with the delightful Happy Wanderers Senior Trailblazers this morning. I was joined by seventeen other hikers for this excursion, led by Terry who took over for Barb who couldn't make it. We carpooled from the Senior Center to the Squires Lake parking lot and started our uphill journey to Alger Alp. The entire six miles we hiked were without rain, for a change, and it was also extremely mild, with the temperature in the mid-fifties (57°F). A very enjoyable outing.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobcDIFx3y4EhhSHxtV_Q38Q5oSgze_V3bo5I84ARewcvqShQLoi4ERjHU2oyBnBRRFs7GQeBxYTQ8YK-qifsDBNdLwkEDhJdXcEJEPxEcUE19Vz2_RX4BtKt4sooD9Z53oUOB0x_geRAcG43Huwf9-f17zFGu5VEM7RLAbBZPK8oTDK5ITYi0gxLVZ2LZ/s1280/IMG_8805.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobcDIFx3y4EhhSHxtV_Q38Q5oSgze_V3bo5I84ARewcvqShQLoi4ERjHU2oyBnBRRFs7GQeBxYTQ8YK-qifsDBNdLwkEDhJdXcEJEPxEcUE19Vz2_RX4BtKt4sooD9Z53oUOB0x_geRAcG43Huwf9-f17zFGu5VEM7RLAbBZPK8oTDK5ITYi0gxLVZ2LZ/w400-h300/IMG_8805.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View across the valley at the top</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We got to the top and spent some time enjoying the view and having a snack before heading down and visiting Squires Lake. I climbed the little rise just behind this view, to check out some violets I've seen many times growing up there. But either they didn't survive the cold, or it's just not the right time; violets are hardy enough that maybe next time I'm there I'll see them.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KSqjyBOQm4nD6nsm4tYnkSE-JCrGDHIGOowp0O2gokgbhNAccTHljbw3JZlHT8vata519EHmuByENYzbjxraqq3CCif2IUSzRx_J4iQaIXXpUiB3KsBhNvl0X8eXh4K5FO170ewdW7e21M70TLwKC9x9TazVxiVJ62fDTbGRbrfkCWgWtecpWhtfsUYO/s1280/IMG_8807.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KSqjyBOQm4nD6nsm4tYnkSE-JCrGDHIGOowp0O2gokgbhNAccTHljbw3JZlHT8vata519EHmuByENYzbjxraqq3CCif2IUSzRx_J4iQaIXXpUiB3KsBhNvl0X8eXh4K5FO170ewdW7e21M70TLwKC9x9TazVxiVJ62fDTbGRbrfkCWgWtecpWhtfsUYO/w400-h300/IMG_8807.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hikers before we started back<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I did capture this scene as I made my way back down the rise, and we went back and took another trail so that we could circumvent the lake before it was all said and done.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc_tIWiTV8F3Az-qZ-gz2ZH_3SKPqSkQp4TcQNM30zJwPoHbfUTTstjnkkS_r-xObJfcF1ql19thTDEZUUvfNMuuqQUUQp5uQz-ZA6B6TkqYHzbjOHyG-B5qW4F9ya43wBB1b5OsM9fEfDhyphenhyphenpnco2_EsxFKuzcBQr0DJHfVUXFFy5MgKs14qA9d7lftOc/s1280/IMG_8810.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc_tIWiTV8F3Az-qZ-gz2ZH_3SKPqSkQp4TcQNM30zJwPoHbfUTTstjnkkS_r-xObJfcF1ql19thTDEZUUvfNMuuqQUUQp5uQz-ZA6B6TkqYHzbjOHyG-B5qW4F9ya43wBB1b5OsM9fEfDhyphenhyphenpnco2_EsxFKuzcBQr0DJHfVUXFFy5MgKs14qA9d7lftOc/w400-h300/IMG_8810.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Far side of the lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Squires Lake was calm and serene today. There have been times when it's been frozen solid, or times when the sun was shining brightly, but today it was just a mellow and quiet monotone.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo7wWpuaTyNfofK-Mhcm4g570k91h4RnAlYwb-jc0SfSz1Xj5eZrRJn5SKJfF69FbzPekvdf3JqAbtrWDtcZYfpjf0HC1gNF-vK1dSyV4D9rbCoz45KDlIUJYAgZI_7kAYs-ysyd5gnvj0ByAanQed-3i93BDd9ZhpG9JRw1uQ8J0hEBrtbUNlQRh5fsU/s1280/IMG_8809.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo7wWpuaTyNfofK-Mhcm4g570k91h4RnAlYwb-jc0SfSz1Xj5eZrRJn5SKJfF69FbzPekvdf3JqAbtrWDtcZYfpjf0HC1gNF-vK1dSyV4D9rbCoz45KDlIUJYAgZI_7kAYs-ysyd5gnvj0ByAanQed-3i93BDd9ZhpG9JRw1uQ8J0hEBrtbUNlQRh5fsU/w400-h300/IMG_8809.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squires Lake again</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />We did have a very wonderful hike, with good company and lots of smiles as we navigated our way back to the parking lot. It was just a little after noon, so we didn't stop for more food but headed back to the Senior Center. I think everyone enjoyed their outing, and I'm always grateful to those who are willing to drive. Without their help, I would not be able to join them. All I need to do is give them a small donation, so thanks again!</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)<br /><div><br /></div></div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-18485855709572445022024-01-25T15:34:00.000-08:002024-01-26T10:28:46.142-08:00Blanchard Mountain loop hike<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4wFz2NtV2t2cvjp9jeMsR976kvZMO3TTVXZX5aNBWgy3k8jHYrVoL3h0fDH2_CNjfDwLyJFslimC14EL5ZClFOVOc1sAx-VYlSqwyCZiFsz7FEea3bJsEhbOjq2qhsZ4Tpe83Q89UhKyWg8ucpPb4rAv6oGtnw5pjRc2wqICeV1uIonTdOAJLDBfMqPd/s1280/IMG_8784.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4wFz2NtV2t2cvjp9jeMsR976kvZMO3TTVXZX5aNBWgy3k8jHYrVoL3h0fDH2_CNjfDwLyJFslimC14EL5ZClFOVOc1sAx-VYlSqwyCZiFsz7FEea3bJsEhbOjq2qhsZ4Tpe83Q89UhKyWg8ucpPb4rAv6oGtnw5pjRc2wqICeV1uIonTdOAJLDBfMqPd/w400-h300/IMG_8784.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of today's Senior Trailblazers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I was able to capture most of our hikers today. Our leader, Owen, was busy organizing his pack as I took this shot. We set out from the Upper trailhead parking lot on Blanchard Mountain, and walked the mile along the logging road to get to the starting point for today's hike. Once we got here, it's pretty steeply uphill until we get to the place where we can branch off to other places.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrARNLzsD-qxJrgijhJ64zDsVMCuEeCbbSX_3AeOwkbS506IMc4yqNxjK3DZM1KF5ZuXWxlpebyUDHwuRCwmoKyREgoSssVDG-4foMyZ3Hf-uS6CcZoTuz81aIaQu4GufnyPEgIDHHQyiX4Kf6ZhZ-LE4QRpucJlFCRHCqgxeTmd8K5jprjCfSzlLhzBh/s1280/IMG_8787.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrARNLzsD-qxJrgijhJ64zDsVMCuEeCbbSX_3AeOwkbS506IMc4yqNxjK3DZM1KF5ZuXWxlpebyUDHwuRCwmoKyREgoSssVDG-4foMyZ3Hf-uS6CcZoTuz81aIaQu4GufnyPEgIDHHQyiX4Kf6ZhZ-LE4QRpucJlFCRHCqgxeTmd8K5jprjCfSzlLhzBh/w400-h300/IMG_8787.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Persis checking out the sign</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We knew we wouldn't be coming back this way, and many of us had not started this loop hike here before. From here, we went to the Lily Lake connector trail, which would take us to the trail to North Butte (which we decided to skip anyway, as it was not exactly going to be viewable). The heavy clouds and occasional sprinkle confirmed the wisdom of this choice.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreh0zG8CjPLwSSyhdnSVr4iBmFkBBAjqOocVh4CJ6IrCrwXXQKTsZaAJ-_1Xip9dnO7M8UCRByj-DjIEvHUQFxdlig6LpBTjpv3uUbrfbPtUVSirGSAW2Ql0i7b3jMyxH0LEPJSnY2WGxO_Zc7j4KsnLyQB5xc0LIiRgBWuV4lYpPnx5KKRm5HsTvB9f3/s1280/IMG_8785.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreh0zG8CjPLwSSyhdnSVr4iBmFkBBAjqOocVh4CJ6IrCrwXXQKTsZaAJ-_1Xip9dnO7M8UCRByj-DjIEvHUQFxdlig6LpBTjpv3uUbrfbPtUVSirGSAW2Ql0i7b3jMyxH0LEPJSnY2WGxO_Zc7j4KsnLyQB5xc0LIiRgBWuV4lYpPnx5KKRm5HsTvB9f3/w400-h300/IMG_8785.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda, Owen, John</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The forest was beautiful, as it always is, and we were fortunate not to get drenched, since that was a possibility in the weather forecast. Everyone was happily enjoying the hike and we decided to skip a visit to Lizard Lake, too, and so we headed directly to Lily Lake.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CnUz8klQIMEJFgGIQvVBogli1bCBCJ9lH7rx7pg3Jmdaxr7spoYSLYbsd-opTd_rkQH0EwmgXTXN08VvYvufKisnNtUJ5lJYcXF8k-a-2wJsgcVmOOsdN8y-P90CIE2W_b11oc46melb3J7wuecb9N_3xSpv6GeyhbbqVrBbtn09QAhEA2-yFWauKl0l/s1280/IMG_8790.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CnUz8klQIMEJFgGIQvVBogli1bCBCJ9lH7rx7pg3Jmdaxr7spoYSLYbsd-opTd_rkQH0EwmgXTXN08VvYvufKisnNtUJ5lJYcXF8k-a-2wJsgcVmOOsdN8y-P90CIE2W_b11oc46melb3J7wuecb9N_3xSpv6GeyhbbqVrBbtn09QAhEA2-yFWauKl0l/w400-h300/IMG_8790.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The group</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Don took the picture, and John was nowhere to be seen right then, but this is the rest of the hardy seniors. It was only around 11:00 or so when we got to this spot, but everyone was willing to have a quick lunch. It had grown colder as we gained in altitude, and by the time we stopped hiking, it was no time at all before everyone was cold.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBURaTgCQSSPfdXuW2GXKRHNYZm1uQ2rwGlSsGhq5rAoLNC0AT7z-wwb__DypFzE-TAnVuED5Rk_EVLoRJgsNIu9vkYJwAHm3An-k2D_ltIyAeYkyMk565HaXEJZWQVr9wUdhSO2jUwMC4PbRmDLym_Qsyo9eqB-_ndXD6zMHZwDxjZcu4OY7FAOV7LWbU/s1280/IMG_8791.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBURaTgCQSSPfdXuW2GXKRHNYZm1uQ2rwGlSsGhq5rAoLNC0AT7z-wwb__DypFzE-TAnVuED5Rk_EVLoRJgsNIu9vkYJwAHm3An-k2D_ltIyAeYkyMk565HaXEJZWQVr9wUdhSO2jUwMC4PbRmDLym_Qsyo9eqB-_ndXD6zMHZwDxjZcu4OY7FAOV7LWbU/w400-h300/IMG_8791.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice slush on the lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I forgot my overmitts, so my hands got pretty cold before we got going again, and I was also nursing a sore arm from having slipped and fallen on a wet log. Between the group members, my arm was treated with an antibiotic ointment and a couple of perfect-sized bandages finished up the job. Although it's sore, it's not my first injury hiking, and hopefully won't be my last. It was worth a scrape to have been there today.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSERISU96RvVFc3ThX45vwCovRIz2iZ9oQv2iLgfSY5gRMh1TSWul9cYpWPsgSeAhtjh2m16cYjXstRaNQTYrV-pOdwf_43YTWaq_1Ij6MKItGu4TfcNmPOHxq3DZH2_7Bi6dAy6Ekuned-h4BrZ2H0xmVzEfq4sbNhwW0w-UNbMsvhzIZ2sq7MGcig9xR/s1280/IMG_8795.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSERISU96RvVFc3ThX45vwCovRIz2iZ9oQv2iLgfSY5gRMh1TSWul9cYpWPsgSeAhtjh2m16cYjXstRaNQTYrV-pOdwf_43YTWaq_1Ij6MKItGu4TfcNmPOHxq3DZH2_7Bi6dAy6Ekuned-h4BrZ2H0xmVzEfq4sbNhwW0w-UNbMsvhzIZ2sq7MGcig9xR/w400-h300/IMG_8795.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy looking beautiful among the ferns</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We returned along the trail that would take us to the Upper Trailhead parking lot, where we left our cars. And on the way, we saw that the waterfall crossing the bridge is now quite full.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ2tXFcJgByqpP8zyYtsmVR4H_wCrCEy4WPQHvs2OhObJdZI24cG-pEQYZ_CujNw89XYtjEI6wXkcvhqMXJ4nOVm0ZJ0uhPselNEuGbOTiFteZLGsYgDLN5eAk53_0Jw5prh94uAUaU7wbq-algKuGxxKKuxBZVe9AqE8Zp64T0nRd4lRsA2Oty0FcAMA/s1280/IMG_8796.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ2tXFcJgByqpP8zyYtsmVR4H_wCrCEy4WPQHvs2OhObJdZI24cG-pEQYZ_CujNw89XYtjEI6wXkcvhqMXJ4nOVm0ZJ0uhPselNEuGbOTiFteZLGsYgDLN5eAk53_0Jw5prh94uAUaU7wbq-algKuGxxKKuxBZVe9AqE8Zp64T0nRd4lRsA2Oty0FcAMA/w400-h300/IMG_8796.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roaring waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Last time I was here, there was only a trickle. But some of this must be snowmelt, and the rest is from the days of rain we have been experiencing. Before it was all said and done, we had covered about 6.5 miles and gained and lost around 1,300 feet of elevation. Not too shabby, and now that I am home and feeling pretty good, maybe it's time to take away the last of the pain from my skinned arm with a bit of wine, eh?</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-44012780597367947792024-01-23T13:47:00.000-08:002024-01-23T13:47:16.868-08:00First hike after the snow<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97nJRWLV5d__8rcgNaF_ft_G7iQWYoe7NHty9UHTzYPrDb418jgTrvx3cTO7Luq3aG4Cc__wLLmj4Bc6rQdQbiEmEjKcl4VgO9z3NLqt0CAex5u6310e1jDwplMhN8ymPSbsO12WadyCYdOEv8syrsUxSkupO_TjNogk4KtpCJSfjMoQOsDBmjFbG76NG/s1280/IMG_8779.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97nJRWLV5d__8rcgNaF_ft_G7iQWYoe7NHty9UHTzYPrDb418jgTrvx3cTO7Luq3aG4Cc__wLLmj4Bc6rQdQbiEmEjKcl4VgO9z3NLqt0CAex5u6310e1jDwplMhN8ymPSbsO12WadyCYdOEv8syrsUxSkupO_TjNogk4KtpCJSfjMoQOsDBmjFbG76NG/w400-h300/IMG_8779.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ina and Barb on the trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It was pretty neat to see how much the snow has receded from our hiking areas, partly because of the warm rain, and partly because it's been almost a week since it fell. It was mostly clear, but there were icy patches, so we Senior Trailblazers kept our eyes open and used our trekking poles to help keep us upright. But after I had gone five days with no exercise at all, I was happy that we went five miles from Marine Park through the 100 Acre Woods and the Interurban trail. It was a round trip amount, and there were 14 of us altogether to start. We didn't know what we would encounter, but, other than some wet patches and the intermittent ice, the footing was great!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1PTBcuZmO_oXj1w1IMiwEE-X4KzEblEIS7s49Hu1uz1HO4QYmwcgSbd5tlnIqCTTXxLkRBbIReTp0O0_yb38S3GQW8ZWww6uNBtyQE9KUctxqqeeUC_dAXbU4Dn2MB6xZTsRGa8w_uUaaIVt7ZErXpHJ1iVXIzerWx0VpwZzvZ6voJSOGDs73PnbQwPi/s1280/IMG_8780.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1PTBcuZmO_oXj1w1IMiwEE-X4KzEblEIS7s49Hu1uz1HO4QYmwcgSbd5tlnIqCTTXxLkRBbIReTp0O0_yb38S3GQW8ZWww6uNBtyQE9KUctxqqeeUC_dAXbU4Dn2MB6xZTsRGa8w_uUaaIVt7ZErXpHJ1iVXIzerWx0VpwZzvZ6voJSOGDs73PnbQwPi/w400-h300/IMG_8780.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heron nests in the trees</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We passed by the Post Point Heron Rookery, a place where Great Blue Herons come to raise their young during the spring. You can learn more about the city's attempts at protecting them <b><a href="https://cob.org/services/environment/restoration/post-point-heron-colony">here</a></b>. From that link:</div><div><blockquote><i>The herons typically occupy the site annually between February and August. They utilize a variety of habitats in and around the colony for nesting, roosting, loafing, foraging and staging. </i></blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVz084lTWhfJ8U4YDq03bTOallQE8DMVfPG-Ymi51_FUeMnF5lB7G71ETBFM92JpWoZbQQ7egqrJ2aKt_ZOUH1YMBy45kopXih5CVNwcrIWQtADz4aFt9xPmDvq1tV8C7N7YLyS8WwnYYGFrjtEd_1qcAO8bBz-pW7awFW0EcXe2lw2dkxndm0WUha8LUg/s1280/IMG_8782.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVz084lTWhfJ8U4YDq03bTOallQE8DMVfPG-Ymi51_FUeMnF5lB7G71ETBFM92JpWoZbQQ7egqrJ2aKt_ZOUH1YMBy45kopXih5CVNwcrIWQtADz4aFt9xPmDvq1tV8C7N7YLyS8WwnYYGFrjtEd_1qcAO8bBz-pW7awFW0EcXe2lw2dkxndm0WUha8LUg/w400-h300/IMG_8782.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at Marine Park</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It's hard to believe that less than a week ago, we were caught in the huge snowstorm, but the weather cooperated to help us get back to our normal environment. All that snowmelt should make for plenty of wildflowers to sprout a few months from now. Of course, we have two more months of winter to get through before that happens, and who knows what that will bring? Hopefully, we will emerge with plenty of moisture for growing flowers and veggies once the sunshine returns. In any event, so far we have been quite fortunate, especially when I look at what is happening in the rest of the country.</p><p>And I am quite happy to have gotten my exercise routine back on track! Hope you are having a good week and that you will enjoy a a bit of exercise yourself. </p><p>:-)</p></div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-58803824048297405052024-01-18T15:10:00.000-08:002024-01-18T15:13:54.622-08:00Thursday adventure<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6qvbwQu9GpLo2DYDxTVW8JMhL3UYffdXESPTmn3QrLXmoCQGXOK2FolI0svF7P692OQU_52zVXRZkPIu2RIQnsPJ8bJsg6FzhLZvE-YePnBaFqh06tRxsbGdy5ZM1EfHbPm18UgYKwnNskciyy6Tr87b8phanEdQtL1NWxZhXuXqy9gGmdaPv6_Y30qe/s1280/IMG_8768.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6qvbwQu9GpLo2DYDxTVW8JMhL3UYffdXESPTmn3QrLXmoCQGXOK2FolI0svF7P692OQU_52zVXRZkPIu2RIQnsPJ8bJsg6FzhLZvE-YePnBaFqh06tRxsbGdy5ZM1EfHbPm18UgYKwnNskciyy6Tr87b8phanEdQtL1NWxZhXuXqy9gGmdaPv6_Y30qe/w400-h300/IMG_8768.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my front porch</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>No hike today, in fact many places of business are just simply closed because of the amazing snowfall we received yesterday, Wednesday. It did finally stop, but by then the buses were no longer running and people were asked to stay home. Today, Thursday, we are busy digging out from about 6, 8 or more inches of snow, more for the date than we have ever received here. You can tell with a quick glance at the cars, which are buried in what looks close to a foot of snow. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did get out yesterday and took the (still functioning) bus to the coffee shop, where I managed to have a great cup of coffee and treat before deciding that the snow was not going to stop anytime soon, so I'd probably just head home. I'm glad I did, because by noon the buses were no longer running, and I don't know how I would have gotten home otherwise. The website for the WTA (Whatcom Transportation Authority) said they would find a way to get anybody back home who traveled to their destination by bus. I didn't know any of this until I got up this morning, wondering if I could make it to town or not, and learned that the buses were all running on schedule, although using chains. That meant I wasn't sure when the bus would actually get there. However, I took my chances and headed out in the dark, using the (mostly) deserted street instead of the sidewalks, where snowplows had made them impassable. It was pretty easy going, especially compared to yesterday when I had to struggle through deep virgin snow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, before I caught the bus home, I made my way to the co-op for a couple of things I forgot yesterday. When I got there at 8:45am, the doors were closed. They had sent everybody home at 5:00pm yesterday and the sign said they would reopen at 9:00am. I chatted with other people who waited along with me for the doors to open. Once they did and I got my items, I walked back to the bus station and caught my usual bus back home. The Senior Center was closed yesterday and again today. Many shops were also not open, I noticed.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh588d-pZuxTQ2_MpXhBTBXyf0VEl4XPBkNbYjEJ9Cgrp6hE6QLcVDDGzhpebWixZkBHYSxwteXEwlcqSTwNNCZIPyvdBDzSD3-UClE0vKyaUqrg72DnRdJZukV-Y1mtZXAHkAiMILhyphenhyphenSeQnKcF1__u_atYKm9bhotApHiO4udQNmoefNXtyZmaRun8jTF/s1280/Image.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="995" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh588d-pZuxTQ2_MpXhBTBXyf0VEl4XPBkNbYjEJ9Cgrp6hE6QLcVDDGzhpebWixZkBHYSxwteXEwlcqSTwNNCZIPyvdBDzSD3-UClE0vKyaUqrg72DnRdJZukV-Y1mtZXAHkAiMILhyphenhyphenSeQnKcF1__u_atYKm9bhotApHiO4udQNmoefNXtyZmaRun8jTF/w311-h400/Image.jpeg" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Cindy Plaster</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I find it interesting how all snow pictures look like B&W, since there is nothing really that changes color when all that you can see is the snow and where it piles up. This picture is, I believe, the bridge over Whatcom Falls where I was on Tuesday. I found this lovely shot on the Seeing Bellingham website on Facebook.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will probably be using Microspikes on my walk to the bus tomorrow, since all this snow will begin to melt once the rain starts and we get above freezing. Right now in the early afternoon we are at 32°F and the temperature will fall, but rain is on the way. It will take a lot of it to make all this snow melt, so tomorrow will probably be very slippery. I'll be prepared. Although I didn't get much of a walk today, what I did get meant I used a lot of energy struggling through the snow. Feeling pretty accomplished as I sit here writing this post.</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-66854896012947001132024-01-16T15:41:00.000-08:002024-01-16T15:43:04.780-08:00Finally above freezing, and now...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNkWpCf4wwnvpSVF1Ye0z3vjOM19hiZj651zlqWLXnkwJw6odnFHgHkSaisWpgXjBx4UsqiuQURo-1l_EwUeHm7qeZint5g4-S2RCHg1ThBmXrkQYxBnkiGV16hrCpQ_PLBR5y6Omz9TLgzU05MiKpazv82NNDMakLRtQ2n5S5n4gfgCs2pIE0HcdI6PK/s1280/IMG_8766.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNkWpCf4wwnvpSVF1Ye0z3vjOM19hiZj651zlqWLXnkwJw6odnFHgHkSaisWpgXjBx4UsqiuQURo-1l_EwUeHm7qeZint5g4-S2RCHg1ThBmXrkQYxBnkiGV16hrCpQ_PLBR5y6Omz9TLgzU05MiKpazv82NNDMakLRtQ2n5S5n4gfgCs2pIE0HcdI6PK/w400-h300/IMG_8766.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whatcom Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Today an amazing number of Senior Trailblazers went for a walk in the park. Whatcom Falls Park and Bloedel Donovan Park, to be exact. We started from Civic Center, where twenty of us gathered, led by Barb. Way too many, but what are you gonna do? We all wanted to enjoy the last day of our cold snap. Right now (afternoon), we are above freezing for the first time in several days. And what is coming next, you ask? It looks like the dry and cold days are behind us, with the possibility of several inches of snow and some icy conditions instead. Sigh. I actually enjoyed having no snow but really cold temperatures. The footing was great, with little possibility of slipping and falling. That is about to change. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is winter, after all, but we are used to more moderate temperatures around here, with a little rain, even mixed with some slush, but what is forecast is a different animal altogether. I might not be getting behind the wheel of my car for a few days, and instead will walk to the bus as usual, hoping not to need my Microspikes to stay vertical. It's not the snow I mind, but the ice. And I need to remember that I am old and fragile, not likely to bounce back if I fall. So I will do what I can not to fall. That said, I don't want to stay indoors with possible adventures ahead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once we all gathered at our starting point, someone couldn't get their car door to lock, so we waited while her possessions were transferred to another car. By the time we started, I was freezing, cold hands, cold feet, and wishing I had worn more warm clothes. But then we began walking, and part of our trek took us up a steady incline, which I welcomed because it helped me get warm. After a couple miles, I was toasty warm and happy to be out. (Next time, I won't forget that extra layer.)</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUkr34XS6Y2KmfnbBRrPxFFX56CnsPiIZr2uBJ3_KcnYIC4wS8znBcQHEevWNhXBY7ks2Zk5Zz8-F8EcRZNY3O9pXTaARIgnLQhfO7EP5QXLEYRLhFb8wine2hD8-oFc4asodrSWDWBOeZprjUn3dPeN25Z-b3jlgW0Y0k0SRK8PvWwidXVuORDxIo9JM/s1280/IMG_8767.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUkr34XS6Y2KmfnbBRrPxFFX56CnsPiIZr2uBJ3_KcnYIC4wS8znBcQHEevWNhXBY7ks2Zk5Zz8-F8EcRZNY3O9pXTaARIgnLQhfO7EP5QXLEYRLhFb8wine2hD8-oFc4asodrSWDWBOeZprjUn3dPeN25Z-b3jlgW0Y0k0SRK8PvWwidXVuORDxIo9JM/w400-h300/IMG_8767.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stairs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We took a different way back after a quick lunch at Bloedel Donovan Park, and we took these 105 stairs down to Woburn Street, crossed and then were back on a trail. Sometimes it feels nice to be taken care of, and Don walked behind me as I navigated the stairs, unless I might feel the need for assistance. Without that railing, I would have needed his strong arm to hold onto. But it was just fine, and we were close to the trail that would take us back to the Civic Center where we started.</div><div><br /></div><div>We ended up going just under seven miles, with a fair bit of elevation gain and loss, but everyone was very happy to have been able to be out and about on a winter's day. I don't know if we will be hiking at all on Thursday, with the weather forecast making it look like maybe the best thing to do will be to stay home and watch the show from inside. We'll see. Today, however, was great!</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-34433551332003418292024-01-11T16:00:00.000-08:002024-01-11T16:00:50.190-08:00Seriously scary winter weather<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Y0IMLkGlLArOkvLSt1k_5Qr3VPGPJkMszfQusZqv4pkFrDQSu2p2aoxD6AzS_KnBGg0qDHG2z31XeBFmlKjObM2jlmm1Mj9cWgWvIOPyEm1Cd2FT33qxXgdxtLAU9xUNmM5ox2WE3JFglaUkXjs91GZIKbMUJy0KF6QQIabdbapCMhxXyHcwdYDKU3bB/s1280/IMG_8759.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Y0IMLkGlLArOkvLSt1k_5Qr3VPGPJkMszfQusZqv4pkFrDQSu2p2aoxD6AzS_KnBGg0qDHG2z31XeBFmlKjObM2jlmm1Mj9cWgWvIOPyEm1Cd2FT33qxXgdxtLAU9xUNmM5ox2WE3JFglaUkXjs91GZIKbMUJy0KF6QQIabdbapCMhxXyHcwdYDKU3bB/w400-h300/IMG_8759.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seen on a tree in our neighborhood yesterday<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Six of us Happy Wanderers went on an impromptu walk yesterday, Wednesday, since our regularly scheduled Tuesday hike was canceled because of wind. So, on a quite nice day between storms, we enjoyed walking from the Senior Center to Irongate and back, about six or so miles, led by Barb. It was really nice, and the sun even came out to visit for awhile.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, for our Thursday hike, Don and I decided to take a walk of our own from the coffee shop to the Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven. The weather wasn't bad at all when we started out, with the temperature around 36°F, but it was supposed to be the high temperature for the day, with cold air and wind projected to get worse as the day went on. Sure enough, by the time we finished our 6.5-mile walk, it was definitely colder with a light breeze already starting. We haven't seen much winter weather so far this season, but it's sure on the way now. Here's what the Weather Channel predicts:</div><div><i style="color: dimgrey; font-size: 17.5px;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i style="color: dimgrey; font-size: 17.5px;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Record-breaking cold temperatures are expected to spread across </span></i><i style="color: dimgrey; font-size: 17.5px;"><span style="font-family: courier;">western Washington this afternoon and tonight and continue into </span></i><i style="color: dimgrey; font-size: 17.5px;"><span style="font-family: courier;">at least early next week. The coldest temperatures and wind chills </span></i><i style="color: dimgrey; font-size: 17.5px;"><span style="font-family: courier;">are expected Friday through Sunday followed by a very slow </span></i><i style="color: dimgrey; font-size: 17.5px;"><span style="font-family: courier;">warming trend.</span></i></div><blockquote><div></div></blockquote><div>Right now, at 3:40pm, the temperature has dropped to 21°F and the wind has started (feeling like 15°F) coming out of the Frasier River Gap in Canada, and it is expected to drop our temperature to around 8°F with gusts to 55mph. We lost electricity for four hours on Tuesday, and I suspect it could happen again, with winds like this. Which means, if that happens, another scary cold snap that could make our humble abode uninhabitable. In such a case, we would be looking for somewhere with heat. My first guess would be the coffee shop, of course. But until it happens, we will hunker down in our home and hope for the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are not alone in our cold snap. I learned that much of the country will also be subjected to really awful winds, subfreezing cold, and blizzards for the next few days. I really feel for the critters who won't be able to be in a warm place, as well as all the homeless people. Warming centers are opening to help house the homeless in our area. I fear for all of them. But we will get through this; we just need to stay calm and look for that elusive silver lining. </div><div><br /></div><div>:-{</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-68502579690376927982024-01-09T17:10:00.000-08:002024-01-09T17:10:19.605-08:00Trappist beer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaJFpkcQhijdRwcsxwp05EVtoNnsS_7kEHP6GvUpiehjFBVvzYHSWpyU0dd81dEcyDimN-lSaVC7BwGadTfhmleBxpYbBJsLbmW68FPrpIs7xWjYZVvgwS1wZjv9uVdjvEqTgYAkhwdVit3pB8Aq_7Wx-wxIE1tLdhwSQriIYpE7PD1ZwAEb-tK5gWqdg/s1280/Orval_Trappist-Beer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaJFpkcQhijdRwcsxwp05EVtoNnsS_7kEHP6GvUpiehjFBVvzYHSWpyU0dd81dEcyDimN-lSaVC7BwGadTfhmleBxpYbBJsLbmW68FPrpIs7xWjYZVvgwS1wZjv9uVdjvEqTgYAkhwdVit3pB8Aq_7Wx-wxIE1tLdhwSQriIYpE7PD1ZwAEb-tK5gWqdg/w400-h300/Orval_Trappist-Beer.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love a good beer<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
Well, what do you know about beer? I know very little, actually, except for what I enjoy after a satisfying hike or a nice repast at the end of the day. I also like red wine, but there's something special about a good dark beer that just cannot be beat. When I was in Germany years ago, I was introduced to a wonderful Trappist beer, dark and heavy, nothing like I had experienced in drinking American beer.<div><br /></div><div>I also learned that German beer is changed dramatically by the laws and regulations that allow beverages to be imported. All I can say is, don't bother to look for a good dark German beer here. However, these days there are many delightful beers to be enjoyed if you live in the Pacific Northwest, where all kinds of dark beers are brewed. But there's nothing is quite like a <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trappist_beer">Trappist beer.</a></b> There is an amazing history to these monastic beers that you can read all about on that link.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight, I am sitting here in the evening hours while I drink a good winter ale from a local brewery, and it did bring back memories of those days in Germany when I learned a great deal about beer. Today I am drinking this ale because of a massive change in our environment, which started when I woke up this morning to a home without electricity. You don't know how much you need it until it's just not there. Dark, wind blowing a gale outside, and no internet, no coffee, no nothing!</div><div><br /></div><div>I got myself out of bed and went to the car to drive somewhere that would be able to bring me some caffeine. By the time I go to the first intersection, I saw lights galore, so I went off to the coffee shop. We ended up being four or more hours without power, but I was able to communicate with my guy through text messages until I learned it was time to come back home. Our hike for the day was canceled, and I didn't get in a walk, but otherwise it's been an okay day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow I will take the bus to the coffee shop and will maybe go to the Senior Center. Our terrible weather is predicted to start tomorrow night, while much of the country is already in the midst of severe winter weather. Anyway, that was my day and now I'm thinking it's time to chill even more and then hit the sack.</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-24334253384056682732024-01-04T16:04:00.000-08:002024-01-04T16:05:17.345-08:00Raptor Ridge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefqU_EQNEOS9dadiuB9pp9btWGPq0DICADqhPTIf7v62_4j5ZrbLmjvo2sdJqlO3qABK6nCZjFQn8hVGUJ-tsIF1FZ_s5iSu8GTVy5LpJ0lFIj7G5D9RbyHDgWd_4XBh_qWF_P_ZL9o9Y717vL-RVOB-s7v5TGXe7QDRlxWBDkMRznRzL3swJo_S7E2nF/s1280/IMG_8740.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefqU_EQNEOS9dadiuB9pp9btWGPq0DICADqhPTIf7v62_4j5ZrbLmjvo2sdJqlO3qABK6nCZjFQn8hVGUJ-tsIF1FZ_s5iSu8GTVy5LpJ0lFIj7G5D9RbyHDgWd_4XBh_qWF_P_ZL9o9Y717vL-RVOB-s7v5TGXe7QDRlxWBDkMRznRzL3swJo_S7E2nF/w400-h300/IMG_8740.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen, Penny, Linda, Beth, me</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I didn't take this selfie, Penny did. That's why it looks like she's concentrating so hard, trying to get us all in the picture. I've never taken a good selfie, so I asked somebody else to give it a try, and I think she did a pretty good job. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since there were only five of us, it was much easier to be able to visit with everyone. Last Tuesday's large group of 22 meant that I didn't actually get to socialize with most of the participants. Today, we drove in one car to the North Chuckanut trailhead, and everyone was able to enjoy each other's company, along with the weather. It was raining when we started out, but quickly faded to nothing. The mild temperature and lack of rain was quite well received. But it didn't last: before long as we gained altitude, we were needing to put our rain gear back on. We took the Huckleberry trail from Hemlock, both parts of it, and were able to skip most of the Hemlock trail's steepness. This adds about another half mile to the trip, but nobody minded. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tP9Ye7Uk0VWsZrGobLr5Se6Zl1EiMfdRM1TQXPBTlhIGg_HYP9baYmOuTa4tiu3tpJkL36_Mcal6Yw5ZAiAKERUs2aV2g0ogeFWU95Lz7OyZb-K5ONw1Tk_LPdgCB9l4HSRgjp3h6n6yAsEV9WVJZuQwRAlbKElkNoeHfck5F6_DsEpxx__b1ubpXs7s/s1280/IMG_8745.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tP9Ye7Uk0VWsZrGobLr5Se6Zl1EiMfdRM1TQXPBTlhIGg_HYP9baYmOuTa4tiu3tpJkL36_Mcal6Yw5ZAiAKERUs2aV2g0ogeFWU95Lz7OyZb-K5ONw1Tk_LPdgCB9l4HSRgjp3h6n6yAsEV9WVJZuQwRAlbKElkNoeHfck5F6_DsEpxx__b1ubpXs7s/w400-h300/IMG_8745.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny taking a look at the "view" from Raptor Ridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The higher we climbed, the more the wind and rain picked up. This scene shows you why we didn't lollygag out on the ridge; instead we retreated until we found a place pretty much sheltered from the fierce wind to have our lunch.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw7BZ0l1UV4Rh_QwM2_yAD47KywKAaKvVYQNjlX3RA5WacVdDiJ1zJdzpOQn9eI_Mk9TPDnr6CIGHws_psG5ptq1dZntl-Sft5hU8vMtTHi7jdz5uhDWzMMQxPqIXilbzt3WOSRnN8mZDASdMbvVfBWd-xmVaJoyuiShXlRoq7ypXyskKL8EIIp9qbejf/s1280/IMG_8748.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw7BZ0l1UV4Rh_QwM2_yAD47KywKAaKvVYQNjlX3RA5WacVdDiJ1zJdzpOQn9eI_Mk9TPDnr6CIGHws_psG5ptq1dZntl-Sft5hU8vMtTHi7jdz5uhDWzMMQxPqIXilbzt3WOSRnN8mZDASdMbvVfBWd-xmVaJoyuiShXlRoq7ypXyskKL8EIIp9qbejf/w400-h300/IMG_8748.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lunch spot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Nobody was all that warm, but we are hardy Senior Trailblazers. Although we didn't dawdle, we were able to enjoy a nice break from all the uphill. (We did cover around nine miles in total.) We returned the exact same way, although there are plenty of other ways to approach and return from Raptor Ridge.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TWS70mYMkSgXyrZoycOS4fmUbpv4C81eWj2ZdvSU-pOsEmVlGjl6-cETRIVzwZkKlWdZoN1Tq2f-h4R_en3E2blSQiyzIZCBazLcHD-E2TSZh5JZjmTenokNAnlcn4TKIoyfd_2Fby8_M2DTP5KMjsp-JMum4jWhf8aehvKedvZlPLL5CznBmNEZrs9A/s1280/IMG_8747.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TWS70mYMkSgXyrZoycOS4fmUbpv4C81eWj2ZdvSU-pOsEmVlGjl6-cETRIVzwZkKlWdZoN1Tq2f-h4R_en3E2blSQiyzIZCBazLcHD-E2TSZh5JZjmTenokNAnlcn4TKIoyfd_2Fby8_M2DTP5KMjsp-JMum4jWhf8aehvKedvZlPLL5CznBmNEZrs9A/w400-h300/IMG_8747.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After lunch and before we started back</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We not only hiked nine miles, we also went up and down around 1,700 feet or so. A few devices showed more, but we agreed on this number. And as a bonus, by the time we were around a mile from the trailhead, the sun came out! Full sun, so we began removing some of our extra clothing until we looked like we were on a springtime hike, rather than the first Group 2 outing of the year.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VZYXRFbzPJkMsHCh_6ilCOTgWoMHQUw1ddkntls03KnLIuVUIrgWPUhcLwBLkX4d-5w46DvBQEoAEHrHU99GbpoqY-2GqdyA6Z5fgZ1Lv343lLFDHVqXTm2Qpb60AMKfuaXPeRwb18e-zZES1qxRe0U9Ih9szHwpcHleahBoNu0KYFjKtfIBMzlAnyGb/s1280/IMG_8750.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VZYXRFbzPJkMsHCh_6ilCOTgWoMHQUw1ddkntls03KnLIuVUIrgWPUhcLwBLkX4d-5w46DvBQEoAEHrHU99GbpoqY-2GqdyA6Z5fgZ1Lv343lLFDHVqXTm2Qpb60AMKfuaXPeRwb18e-zZES1qxRe0U9Ih9szHwpcHleahBoNu0KYFjKtfIBMzlAnyGb/w400-h300/IMG_8750.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the Huckleberry trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We were back at the Senior Center before 2:00pm, and everyone was happy that we had enjoyed such a great day together. Now I am tired and really glad to have been along on this lovely adventure!</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-10183149652881052752024-01-02T15:13:00.000-08:002024-01-02T15:13:05.882-08:00Chanterelle trail 2024<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_ELS0w_QEwWN_P-N91big-bxoR6G9r60ODFpzNTQKYThvmo-fg2h1NeFGhII-xUdbze0XyqW4_zPH3F5L1UyyQloaYTvfGN9nqZWzEIosa5dCYXyfmZxEMW9xWQyKf3AJWMOOwxcDvqVfdJIaslKeKIe-uIYLYkj4cfEvDlKtpY6v8SgfTYI8OmDo7zD/s1280/IMG_8735.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_ELS0w_QEwWN_P-N91big-bxoR6G9r60ODFpzNTQKYThvmo-fg2h1NeFGhII-xUdbze0XyqW4_zPH3F5L1UyyQloaYTvfGN9nqZWzEIosa5dCYXyfmZxEMW9xWQyKf3AJWMOOwxcDvqVfdJIaslKeKIe-uIYLYkj4cfEvDlKtpY6v8SgfTYI8OmDo7zD/w400-h300/IMG_8735.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small part of the Happy Wanderers today</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Another year has begun, with the Senior Trailblazers Happy Wanderers group having had 22 people show up this morning for a five-mile walk up the Chanterelle trail together. We were actually pretty strung out, which is needed for such a large group. But we did it and were back at the Senior Center before noon!</div><div><br /></div><div>We were lucky once again with the weather; although it was dry and cloudy when we started out, by the time we began our descent back the way we had come, sprinkles dotted the trail and bounced off our heads. Nothing that experienced Trailblazers would even call rain, just some light sprinkles.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiR0PqpGgEPmT8nY5Opwqr9ilTAwVF7sQdzLj3ML71ak8bzbjBocf37kPx_xirR5qL06clyh9TJEBh9H6n3AneQL26JFW6AIP4mkJAWUgIDSrdiJIYfHY6C490SZPJVfVJYqdRZyd4Q96CHpqQMbhL23KCUxP17AJFGgUKQjXuXbGUbATExk1TaGuZjry/s1280/IMG_8737.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiR0PqpGgEPmT8nY5Opwqr9ilTAwVF7sQdzLj3ML71ak8bzbjBocf37kPx_xirR5qL06clyh9TJEBh9H6n3AneQL26JFW6AIP4mkJAWUgIDSrdiJIYfHY6C490SZPJVfVJYqdRZyd4Q96CHpqQMbhL23KCUxP17AJFGgUKQjXuXbGUbATExk1TaGuZjry/w400-h300/IMG_8737.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Whatcom from the viewpoint</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I have taken this same picture countless times, but I'm pretty sure that this is the first one with the Happy Wanderers. It was a frequent destination for Mel and me, and the other Trailblazer groups come to this spot but continue on for another two-and-a-half miles, making the entire outing ten miles rather than five. We climbed 1,000 feet up and down, so it's not just a simple hike. A few people were not quite ready for such a change in altitude, but they did manage to make it up eventually.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn_qoxcZKGQCglsUwlo5C6p8y1WfEDZ9I4mEx3wEyG8E7kRL3MoLq7A8gJYn8-DyMdHI8txakDdvvAGKgyGPBAD-cK5zbgEfdLJzz3L4idDn90S08m5Gl5Fw9ID8Vn8F9CCr0_NupkiubZ1s_LFfaSLC5nEfwWodZVC_-5L_k84GgnR1BpGbjQrzAuxQ8/s1280/IMG_8738.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn_qoxcZKGQCglsUwlo5C6p8y1WfEDZ9I4mEx3wEyG8E7kRL3MoLq7A8gJYn8-DyMdHI8txakDdvvAGKgyGPBAD-cK5zbgEfdLJzz3L4idDn90S08m5Gl5Fw9ID8Vn8F9CCr0_NupkiubZ1s_LFfaSLC5nEfwWodZVC_-5L_k84GgnR1BpGbjQrzAuxQ8/w400-h300/IMG_8738.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiles at the top</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We chatted and took our time before heading back, but then we began to feel the chill and decided to warm up by hiking downhill, back to the cars. It was not long after I took this picture that I began to feel the coming rain — er, sprinkles. By the time we piled into our cars and started back, it might have qualified to be referred to as rain. Nobody minded, since we were ensconced in our warm, dry vehicles.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was definitely a wonderful way to begin another year of forest bathing, being outdoors in the elements, feeling the invigorating fresh air, listening to the birds and smelling the odor of freshly cut pine on the side of the trail now and then. Now that I am home, with lunch under my belt, I am aware that another day of exercise and community has lifted my spirits. Life is good!</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-63843995715506871012023-12-28T15:51:00.000-08:002023-12-28T15:51:03.118-08:00Alger Alp<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItME074NUF-83HJcO0GMBnIhhxuVanRyAk6C4QmDnOjBHWd1H4318AXaV25Wcbz4n4AhzVdPfovlhGD84kuUD87BT3vXBmbCK1bYCVM_3PR6u5yG-Q6VSf70_YQxjPH5HFSzxwIvl6OPOiIyanbDMHNZQyQDVNDsq_Ir7lv1TR32YgWHAg8S_cGXPlRMn/s1280/IMG_8721.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItME074NUF-83HJcO0GMBnIhhxuVanRyAk6C4QmDnOjBHWd1H4318AXaV25Wcbz4n4AhzVdPfovlhGD84kuUD87BT3vXBmbCK1bYCVM_3PR6u5yG-Q6VSf70_YQxjPH5HFSzxwIvl6OPOiIyanbDMHNZQyQDVNDsq_Ir7lv1TR32YgWHAg8S_cGXPlRMn/w400-h300/IMG_8721.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senior Trailblazers at Squires Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Today I joined Group 1, my old stomping grounds, for a hike up to Alger Alp from the Squires Lake starting point. I hadn't been with this group since the pandemic, and it was a lovely reunion for me to see my old friend Al once more. Also, I accidentally cut off everything in this picture but the shoulder of my old friend Kirk (sorry!). There is a real problem with trying to take pictures with failing eyesight, as I'm learning. I took two pictures, but in the other one, I completely cut off Cindy on the right, so I'm sticking with this one.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFyS-9Ee1odWsvC3KU3a1XH7V_P3XFZUFizu2p_qgbB6n6Kz1GzMqfY38huik5qpDvy1ZlJesTzmqlaeFA4Ac1g5IeBiYwLVvYZFl3bBvNFmexT2HUjkSslzsSEMlHYzubQhod2BkaKjybbJZwEoNJ4NiE_YDKYWGJetxBy-UKqo0THiR1s90t7JycSFg/s1280/IMG_8722.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFyS-9Ee1odWsvC3KU3a1XH7V_P3XFZUFizu2p_qgbB6n6Kz1GzMqfY38huik5qpDvy1ZlJesTzmqlaeFA4Ac1g5IeBiYwLVvYZFl3bBvNFmexT2HUjkSslzsSEMlHYzubQhod2BkaKjybbJZwEoNJ4NiE_YDKYWGJetxBy-UKqo0THiR1s90t7JycSFg/w400-h300/IMG_8722.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Squires Lake behind</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We followed Al as he led us on several trails until we reached the ridge, which leads to this park boundary and the beginning of the Pacific Northwest Trail. This we followed until we reached the uphill logging roads. At about this time, it began to sprinkle. I would not call it rain, but just a little bit of spitting.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vVrWgghpJmWvv5azseiUP1eTLyYPTeJmGpERrDNX9NZfdrgxwV28B_6PyZblMnA_3hRIR_k5zaLTO-Bulb5njFSv7JusT57SusrVnIKaw3lVLLSHn27RdXKeRFdFVHyK3TQxL3jhCJgymFvbt2o4EP4ZUjjd-fyXggDFpiWlYB1o7srgYPJTdtoYG6YG/s1280/IMG_8724.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vVrWgghpJmWvv5azseiUP1eTLyYPTeJmGpERrDNX9NZfdrgxwV28B_6PyZblMnA_3hRIR_k5zaLTO-Bulb5njFSv7JusT57SusrVnIKaw3lVLLSHn27RdXKeRFdFVHyK3TQxL3jhCJgymFvbt2o4EP4ZUjjd-fyXggDFpiWlYB1o7srgYPJTdtoYG6YG/w400-h300/IMG_8724.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Al and Edward, in the lead</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We followed the signs and Al's GPS, only taking one wrong turn, and Al quickly set us on the right path, which would take us to our destination, Alger Alp. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH-db0HJqD98VrZ573N5mFW56zEi9j8y3QW6LZmsVkAi21sbqeHf7bEAxJN03gG030grkMGX_wJxPeRqDM5IX7ObZuiCFCKDcr94YrV25wLSFpTzk9pxfq_fc4Teuvu1M0DjJanelR0_pV0ccTQX6FZEryn9ODK2B1AGAQIiYBaVlJMN3pR9GlsXMmNBk/s1280/IMG_8725.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH-db0HJqD98VrZ573N5mFW56zEi9j8y3QW6LZmsVkAi21sbqeHf7bEAxJN03gG030grkMGX_wJxPeRqDM5IX7ObZuiCFCKDcr94YrV25wLSFpTzk9pxfq_fc4Teuvu1M0DjJanelR0_pV0ccTQX6FZEryn9ODK2B1AGAQIiYBaVlJMN3pR9GlsXMmNBk/w400-h300/IMG_8725.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out at I-5 and the distant mountains</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>By the time we got here, it was too early for lunch, so we meandered around the area for awhile, taking in the view and having a quick snack, but not yet lunch.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFVh6KPmOAtiFjEkeeAzKLIqL8m8zn5v_xU-I2d5naaQAdWf6MxxBZABmqcm6aObHC1Ph20gAHp8yFYnDTMSHHKMwOE2HJXq3XW7roySu-XFLqRxTcbZWn8zxz2mlhDak_tXupP0vau3Y1RZLa5VGx4R-JHiXPFIWcSTOKXiCVOEz28YNmNMxPSjNKrTy/s1280/IMG_8726.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFVh6KPmOAtiFjEkeeAzKLIqL8m8zn5v_xU-I2d5naaQAdWf6MxxBZABmqcm6aObHC1Ph20gAHp8yFYnDTMSHHKMwOE2HJXq3XW7roySu-XFLqRxTcbZWn8zxz2mlhDak_tXupP0vau3Y1RZLa5VGx4R-JHiXPFIWcSTOKXiCVOEz28YNmNMxPSjNKrTy/w400-h300/IMG_8726.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy looking pretty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>It wasn't the best day for pictures, since the skies never cleared, and even gave us some more sprinkles, but it never turned into real rain. We Pacific Northwesterners know what that's like, and we never got anything more than a little teaser.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UR7bCbNfDO2SaUk9zOOABqDgk-osp8YL_2ACGLDdR0XKOt0f8uwNClE9zyq8E9Q0Dg3gC28RuuJFierMeMexlH0tonZM2eAoeK0elTMQOL2pY4mB_mRVftqRLXXih8XD7luwB43H9nGjYmJksg27WApEnIM_tbDm7-gXSBmJGPz4sAChjsLd-_6pjpgC/s1280/IMG_8730.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UR7bCbNfDO2SaUk9zOOABqDgk-osp8YL_2ACGLDdR0XKOt0f8uwNClE9zyq8E9Q0Dg3gC28RuuJFierMeMexlH0tonZM2eAoeK0elTMQOL2pY4mB_mRVftqRLXXih8XD7luwB43H9nGjYmJksg27WApEnIM_tbDm7-gXSBmJGPz4sAChjsLd-_6pjpgC/w400-h300/IMG_8730.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squires Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>This is where we finally stopped for lunch, and gazed out at the sprinkles that dotted the lake. We covered almost six miles and more than 1,300 feet up and down. I got to chat with several of the hikers and enjoyed so much being with this group once again. Many of the hikers are beginning to jump between groups, depending on the hike, rather than sticking all together like we did for many years. Today I didn't join Group 2 because I had an appointment at 2:30 and was pretty sure I'd be able to make it if I went on this shorter hike.</div><div><br /></div><div>And sure enough, I not only had enough time, I also spent almost an hour in the gym at the Senior Center doing some upper body exercises. And now here I am writing this post, feeling quite good, with a spiffy new haircut, as well! Life is good.</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)<br /><div><br /></div></div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-25133639669044684462023-12-26T15:22:00.000-08:002023-12-26T15:22:24.726-08:00Fairhaven to Chuckanut Falls<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI8Ic8vUGygQhTRCIazjdm25rcqOrZMgnhlkk1bDu9EQfSR9lB6P0ecGdYVNe4n4ZfzqjI1wuiYGy3iYvJHm3X9WqaRiPOnXnjlCfzKxpyhYawXSKVK_3yBlwoaXdmfJUpL5GazmAUiCfv7jECAFjJ9ssClwMi6S8015uBuk_X4IcB6ZTu5lWYH5mDKp9/s1280/IMG_8711.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI8Ic8vUGygQhTRCIazjdm25rcqOrZMgnhlkk1bDu9EQfSR9lB6P0ecGdYVNe4n4ZfzqjI1wuiYGy3iYvJHm3X9WqaRiPOnXnjlCfzKxpyhYawXSKVK_3yBlwoaXdmfJUpL5GazmAUiCfv7jECAFjJ9ssClwMi6S8015uBuk_X4IcB6ZTu5lWYH5mDKp9/w400-h300/IMG_8711.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Today, known as Boxing Day in Canada (the day after Christmas), 15 Senior Trailblazers set out from Fairhaven Park to Chuckanut Falls and returned. Three turned back fairly soon, since one was still in recovery mode from a fall, and the other two had appointments but wanted to get a little exercise in first. So, twelve of us hiked from the Fairhaven parking lot to the falls, somewhere around 6.5 miles in total.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkQSAMqK88RoefElSstC4w2bh91FH5liTY5Ym3K8foYPHPbnUqKI1r5AXirpwzIKFTobddlGE127NBhksG0bdmzr8wsqwfG0Yy5imN21ZDqcD80RwwqU6PfnsMbxZ-wfPvbjsLDfR7gPFP2sg12hFpuJe67vKMkDRe73ATEt149sa1luu6emaOXguSwpS/s1280/IMG_8710.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkQSAMqK88RoefElSstC4w2bh91FH5liTY5Ym3K8foYPHPbnUqKI1r5AXirpwzIKFTobddlGE127NBhksG0bdmzr8wsqwfG0Yy5imN21ZDqcD80RwwqU6PfnsMbxZ-wfPvbjsLDfR7gPFP2sg12hFpuJe67vKMkDRe73ATEt149sa1luu6emaOXguSwpS/w400-h300/IMG_8710.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arroyo Park bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We traveled over the newly finished bridge, which has been out of commission for three years because of a tree that fell right in the middle of the bridge. It is totally reconstructed, and it so good to have it back once more.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J7EqGubjWmXJxGDSHDhdhlW995QO-fDFFrOiAJ8NjsbnwRlsDzcJvFtEGSbPRE3NUNr146mp95BLECRIXB3n3rQayXn8bvQFrvoHBpvrmyvfugpKsUB3ml5gGjBJonj5mMQaqwHQDcWAJmpODmhEYj2vblosr8BA_YTbdPn6DtsL8u18mhV0kH-WRwU5/s1280/IMG_8712.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J7EqGubjWmXJxGDSHDhdhlW995QO-fDFFrOiAJ8NjsbnwRlsDzcJvFtEGSbPRE3NUNr146mp95BLECRIXB3n3rQayXn8bvQFrvoHBpvrmyvfugpKsUB3ml5gGjBJonj5mMQaqwHQDcWAJmpODmhEYj2vblosr8BA_YTbdPn6DtsL8u18mhV0kH-WRwU5/w400-h300/IMG_8712.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turnoff to the viewpoint</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We followed the signs and were happy to be out and about on a fairly nice day in winter, with the temperature around 45°F (8°C) with no rain, but lots of puddles to navigate from earlier precipitation. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH-VFNbv75dD1WBtDGOy57Up1yr8y43ScIuYbtCORD4tNx17V_YvnDDi8jnIwIVsfax8nTR_xE4gCp1qpbqRI9ES-g9XVI8AP31zxALSZhgHBLo_Cw6dyY6XjDvqxqld9N9o5GPApdrl7a9xbW6ndeplWh6UwG1hyphenhyphenF87VP_MCD2QozEVjNNO-onnVI9h4/s1280/IMG_8714.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH-VFNbv75dD1WBtDGOy57Up1yr8y43ScIuYbtCORD4tNx17V_YvnDDi8jnIwIVsfax8nTR_xE4gCp1qpbqRI9ES-g9XVI8AP31zxALSZhgHBLo_Cw6dyY6XjDvqxqld9N9o5GPApdrl7a9xbW6ndeplWh6UwG1hyphenhyphenF87VP_MCD2QozEVjNNO-onnVI9h4/w400-h300/IMG_8714.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fair bit of rain made for a nice waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was a nice view of the falls, which lately have been sparse, but today had quite a nice display. It was time for me to take out Olga from my backpack, so she could take a look around.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhparqfyRmcTtr5cNSLEGJGnoFmnUvHauQ5Aotq9gnc_rXP7BQThqsf7ndHuQcEJjpp1YlwgnzZw6Gw41O62wGQLLu8DIn9bZ6tuVU1FzV0uUONYIZUTiMsngtTeGFqXAsnQDsE_i0ciO__I1RWopSFz0hK5sia4wJ15pTujK1Q59trrUt3SG2jTlWS68/s640/IMG_9791.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhparqfyRmcTtr5cNSLEGJGnoFmnUvHauQ5Aotq9gnc_rXP7BQThqsf7ndHuQcEJjpp1YlwgnzZw6Gw41O62wGQLLu8DIn9bZ6tuVU1FzV0uUONYIZUTiMsngtTeGFqXAsnQDsE_i0ciO__I1RWopSFz0hK5sia4wJ15pTujK1Q59trrUt3SG2jTlWS68/w300-h400/IMG_9791.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olga enjoying the falls</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We then made a short trip up to the Hemlock trail, which we followed until we returned back to the Chuckanut trailhead and our starting point. But first, I had to see if I could get all the Trailblazers on the new bridge.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2D2rlFiscZAFDLFudW-ND_w84R62o-eAaQMHUoAH3WL6B6xY41mNQWBIgr54DolCbtgYuYb-mZCxnhRyomQBBReNjSb4geB0Btpc4z27q-sXYEv-_Np3U8i66cWjnh-wypffKzoVdauo1SlTfqh7J8sWL8lK4qfNcjvJ0CbUs1VR-rRalBeVFYRiVcE5/s1280/IMG_8718.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2D2rlFiscZAFDLFudW-ND_w84R62o-eAaQMHUoAH3WL6B6xY41mNQWBIgr54DolCbtgYuYb-mZCxnhRyomQBBReNjSb4geB0Btpc4z27q-sXYEv-_Np3U8i66cWjnh-wypffKzoVdauo1SlTfqh7J8sWL8lK4qfNcjvJ0CbUs1VR-rRalBeVFYRiVcE5/w400-h300/IMG_8718.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge and the Happy Wanderers</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It wasn't quite the picture I'd envisioned, but it was good enough to show you our spanking new bridge and the group having fun today. It was a really good day, and our hike leader, Barb, hit another home run by taking us on a wonderful hike. The weather was perfect and the company was sublime. I am very happy to have found this group.</p><p>:-)</p>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-5501630625059828682023-12-21T15:51:00.000-08:002023-12-21T15:51:37.226-08:00Samish Crest to Lake Padden<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ugabWjzC63FHp2poEnMgXhvo5bsfNNvKql533n0Qn4ObdSkmJdh5ACeoG-AhLEczreWIS47S8Jp32BiOjndEfLu-hty8coJbOthTjU2C6R_hsCMgiP-vhshEk2km88HqcWC5adRKyr5aq_kr1vhNogyZrhrprFJhLV2DWcYJUhwm4vRxX7eFMbgJQlnz/s1280/IMG_8657.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ugabWjzC63FHp2poEnMgXhvo5bsfNNvKql533n0Qn4ObdSkmJdh5ACeoG-AhLEczreWIS47S8Jp32BiOjndEfLu-hty8coJbOthTjU2C6R_hsCMgiP-vhshEk2km88HqcWC5adRKyr5aq_kr1vhNogyZrhrprFJhLV2DWcYJUhwm4vRxX7eFMbgJQlnz/w400-h300/IMG_8657.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of our group today</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Today, the Group 2 hike of the Senior Trailblazers was organized by our leader, Barb (seen only in the yellow jacket at the right), bringing 13 of us to Samish Crest where this picture was taken by Don, before we trekked on to Lake Padden, where we went around the lake and then stopped for lunch.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUm23YwPJnzWUwLwXtPMJaV54q71Im61cNHRf0x8NYSYFtq748Shm5Fsmm1-LvhcjlWoqtPGFgswiaVVQ4vkCXDNnBajFf3lG_Ln4BwrQcL_UL07DESZ1WbtZy3WIx21FhPYCbTe7lJ7KFKJ5r6frCGzP3wAD5eH9O7P6p5kjQ2MrplZxfe77p_xw1uqj/s1280/IMG_8656.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUm23YwPJnzWUwLwXtPMJaV54q71Im61cNHRf0x8NYSYFtq748Shm5Fsmm1-LvhcjlWoqtPGFgswiaVVQ4vkCXDNnBajFf3lG_Ln4BwrQcL_UL07DESZ1WbtZy3WIx21FhPYCbTe7lJ7KFKJ5r6frCGzP3wAD5eH9O7P6p5kjQ2MrplZxfe77p_xw1uqj/w400-h300/IMG_8656.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Samish Crest</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Barb took us from our starting point at Racine Street through a bunch of very soggy trails to this point. We were all ready for rain, but there wasn't so much as a sprinkle as we made our way from this spot.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw0imf5YDaH49s5V6kLnIt9KUTyB4GsgBW3Iaz5Bl2qKQKcmYfcCy-i7WInKCj-Ur1Mth8jcie2wxoifw_CtSRRdwhjyar8-30byOxV16Z-lw-WWsQ7wvnCGw91vfsDW_eB0BZDAkU2lcDXAihes_YPHk4ZrrZSoX9QKJ5eq1d88oHB3caXoGVGZrzTKl/s1280/IMG_8661.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw0imf5YDaH49s5V6kLnIt9KUTyB4GsgBW3Iaz5Bl2qKQKcmYfcCy-i7WInKCj-Ur1Mth8jcie2wxoifw_CtSRRdwhjyar8-30byOxV16Z-lw-WWsQ7wvnCGw91vfsDW_eB0BZDAkU2lcDXAihes_YPHk4ZrrZSoX9QKJ5eq1d88oHB3caXoGVGZrzTKl/w400-h300/IMG_8661.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The group, Don took the photo<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Although I didn't realize it until we ended back, most of this hike is slightly downhill in this direction. There wasn't much to take pictures of on the trail, other than muddy spots and lots of soggy leaves, but nevertheless we were happy to be out and hiking on the Winter Solstice.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLPc8CLcsCCnQmD6i-bJvjchRjDckTUstT11R1nzZaWDke8ENRQqkYIyoA6VhfWmPc9P_sFLM-fuUeA2YXB7w_3z5Dhp8KkqHxHaPCMstJVU6GiHtNPGK3mR6ta0O_Puf6X3AMk_Vf3mEsL3r-sdritTEW7tsJqHDYGqx34ulEf57ctbmN4y0tjM0-Zru/s1280/IMG_8666.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLPc8CLcsCCnQmD6i-bJvjchRjDckTUstT11R1nzZaWDke8ENRQqkYIyoA6VhfWmPc9P_sFLM-fuUeA2YXB7w_3z5Dhp8KkqHxHaPCMstJVU6GiHtNPGK3mR6ta0O_Puf6X3AMk_Vf3mEsL3r-sdritTEW7tsJqHDYGqx34ulEf57ctbmN4y0tjM0-Zru/w400-h300/IMG_8666.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Padden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>And then poof, just like that we were at the lake. We went around the lake the long way to add some distance, and then stopped at one of the picnic tables under a nice pavilion to have some lunch. I need to tell you of a new hiker who joined our group today, and she has taken me as her new partner: Olga. She is a gnome who was gifted to me by Helen, who also brought along her friend Greta today.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF31wi0PBxw28rKwfI-YhI8TIkp8uuqxTyOT0MAZaLzZQcLi1uysN9x6uQzSdkfczBjndLwiZJ9PChaHCbC7pJUBhSB3dSqMi_ZlUeIDeNUZyfbQD-Hy7ZpCgFEMtvVrC-9VgQ79lpGxdKS3Go4VIdF7C6oN6cAQhs0PZWAHmTp-_haNBQff-vJAiKw4b2/s1280/20231221_090344.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF31wi0PBxw28rKwfI-YhI8TIkp8uuqxTyOT0MAZaLzZQcLi1uysN9x6uQzSdkfczBjndLwiZJ9PChaHCbC7pJUBhSB3dSqMi_ZlUeIDeNUZyfbQD-Hy7ZpCgFEMtvVrC-9VgQ79lpGxdKS3Go4VIdF7C6oN6cAQhs0PZWAHmTp-_haNBQff-vJAiKw4b2/w400-h300/20231221_090344.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helen, Greta, Olga, and me</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Olga will be joining me on my upcoming hikes, as a dear friend as also as a reminder than even gnomes enjoy being the center of attention now and then. I will keep Olga safe and secure on my backpack, to join my hikes in perpetuity. Thank you, dear Helen, for gifting me with Olga.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuY8TWa187EA5nm8q2t__kQDERizg6f1p_rivSgNTSdcY_a8CwyhLonFfRp6QoB-Nzeh1m8_1_icgOE2J9oCPT0ClF_9F2a7gDd1EQTl7h5te1CIRpE3YQKa_ARQGlR_ZhZSkRrmhGGQrPW25Jd8fxPquOrF3watbDINwxJX1Z6JM_KanQdiZjF1dP6i8M/s1280/IMG_8669.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuY8TWa187EA5nm8q2t__kQDERizg6f1p_rivSgNTSdcY_a8CwyhLonFfRp6QoB-Nzeh1m8_1_icgOE2J9oCPT0ClF_9F2a7gDd1EQTl7h5te1CIRpE3YQKa_ARQGlR_ZhZSkRrmhGGQrPW25Jd8fxPquOrF3watbDINwxJX1Z6JM_KanQdiZjF1dP6i8M/w400-h300/IMG_8669.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Licorice ferns on an Irish tree</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>My dear partner dubbed this tree as Irish, because of the heavy lean, but I was taken by the wonderful licorice ferns that embellish it. It was a simply wonderful day, filled with lots of joy and happiness on this darkest day of the year. We covered around nine miles and a bit of elevation, which I cannot know for sure. But now that I am home, and drinking a winter ale that is making me feel pretty darn good, I cannot help but b thankful for all my blessings as we begin another journey around the sun.</div><div><br /></div><div>:-)</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050996142546962834.post-16977711515480469812023-12-19T19:21:00.000-08:002023-12-19T19:21:12.248-08:00Almost missed my post<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zlOPZe0YJSv42O8e9OicF2i8FzOKmRGlzA3awOKXQvhzRkyJ1cKMwUoTYtnrJhP90C1xd8de8d7VwSrqsuSd7EYDybGWrEt0JBHzw1WkQfiuJcScwPi_u8SQ18f4bdcNogSFSKaWX2LwHr4HmDXpzkiEg4poSSyIqM_W-4VDqmhNfgtfety3xdnf78mG/s1280/IMG_8647.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zlOPZe0YJSv42O8e9OicF2i8FzOKmRGlzA3awOKXQvhzRkyJ1cKMwUoTYtnrJhP90C1xd8de8d7VwSrqsuSd7EYDybGWrEt0JBHzw1WkQfiuJcScwPi_u8SQ18f4bdcNogSFSKaWX2LwHr4HmDXpzkiEg4poSSyIqM_W-4VDqmhNfgtfety3xdnf78mG/w400-h300/IMG_8647.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's Happy Wanderers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div>I almost forgot to write a post today. I got caught up in the news stories, first and foremost that Colorado has decided that Trump is disqualified from being on the ballot because of inciting an insurrection on January 6, 2021. Well, that caused me to forget what I was doing until I got ready for bed and realized I had forgotten the task at hand. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fifteen of us met at the Senior Center and walked to Boulevard Park, around six miles there and back. It was supposed to rain but it didn't, so it was actually quite pleasant. Oh, and after the whole ballot thing, and then I saw on TV the incredible pictures of the volcano in Iceland erupting in spectacular fashion. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's quite a tough time in the world right now, but I am glad I am around and can enjoy the show as it passes by. Wow!</div><div><br /></div><div>:-}</div>DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.com14