Thursday, May 27, 2010

Lake Padden and party

For the past few years, Norm and Gina have hosted a party for all the Senior Trailblazers, both for our group (the Half Fast contingent) and the slower more sedate hiking group, to celebrate the beginning of summer. They have a lovely summer home on Cain Lake, near Lake Padden, and today we had a short five-mile hike around Lake Padden before heading to Norm and Gina's home for the potluck. The two groups went on separate hikes; one around the lake, and the other on the horse trails around the southern part of the lake, making it a little longer and giving us over 1,000 feet to climb up and down. At each intersection you will find a map, such as this one, letting you know where you are.
The weather cooperated, since all day yesterday (Wednesday) it rained and rained. Never mind those raindrops, they were left over from yesterday. Today was cloudy but dry, but tomorrow (Friday) is predicted to have rain all day. The holiday weekend looks mixed, and we here in the Pacific Northwest are experiencing the coolest and wettest weather in the nation. This weather, though, gives us scenes like this gorgeous fern garden along our trail (click to enlarge any picture):
Once we got to Norm and Gina's, they provided us with burgers and hot dogs on the grill (neither of which I ate, but there was some great smoked salmon that I enjoyed instead). The potluck was filled with abundant salads and baked beans, and some great desserts.
Here is Norm flipping burgers, and Gina behind him in assist mode. The two of them have been married for 47 years, and I complimented Gina for raising him to be such a gentleman. Norm always helps the ladies across fallen logs and across streams; she said their boys do the same, having been raised to be gentlemen like their dad.
As we gathered on the steps and across the lawn to eat the great food, Norm asked how many of us are in our nineties, and some hands were raised (they are in the slower group, but they are still hiking!). A few are in their eighties, with most of us in our seventies or sixties. But if you take a close look at this picture (above), you can see that most are fit and accustomed to exercise (or should I say addicted). You know the old saying, "use it or lose it." We all take that adage to heart!
Norm took some Seniors out in his boat before we left (that's Norm in the back drinking coffee with his hand on the tiller). The Senior Trailblazers have added life to my years, and years to my life, no doubt. I am blessed to have this hike to look forward to each Thursday, and these friends to share it with.
:-)

16 comments:

  1. Good lord...those ferns are so lush! I think I'd like your weather out there. Nice of Norm and Gina to have everyone over to their place and serve such a wonderful meal. Good times. Happy memories.
    Sure glad you took me along for the visit. Thanks...nice post.

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  2. Oh wow, what a nice place to hold a party! I would love to spend with some friends too and grill sausages, burgers and baked beans! Hmmm!

    I do love informal parties, you can sit wherever you want, you can wear anything you want, well as long as you have something on haha! Eat and sit comfortably and enjoy the company of friends! Nice post DJ!

    AL

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  3. Doesn't the Pacific Northwest take your breath away with its beauty? I never get used to it. I asked a woman in her 80s that's lived all her life in this part of Oregon if it ever became ho-hum to her and she said "no, every morning I'm amazed all over again." I think that's the way I am.

    I looked up rolfing and my daughter called about that time. I mentioned it to her and her opinion was that as much as I hate being touched I'd never make it. I read about it and it sounds like a good thing but it is expensive. Not sure I can afford both the dietitian and a rolfer. I'd never heard of rolfing.

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  4. What a group of people! Amazing. It looks like you had a wonderful time. It really is great of Norm and Gina to host a little shindig for everyone. It sounds like the weather agreed to hold off just for you:)

    The water looks so inviting. Now I want to go fishing!

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  5. Like the woman Linda H mentioned, I too am amazed each day, especially in the lushness of springtime here in the PNW.
    So glad you got a break in the weather today. I am beginning to long for some warmth.

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  6. How did you get the food to Norm and Gina's, did you all meet there and then hike from there? I like that there are two levels of hikers. Wow, some are in their 90s. Amazing. I am so glad you found this hiking group and that you have a found an outlet for your adventurous spirit.

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  7. That looks like a fantastic place for a party. I love the view of everyone on the steps.

    As usual on Thursdays I think about you and your hiking group. Glad to see your weather was reasonable. We have had pouring rain most of the day and more on the way which is probably the reason for the flood watch.

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  8. Lovely, DJan! I loved the party and wish I'd been there with you all. Here I sit in my air conditioned house. It's hot and muggy, which means rain tonight.

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  9. You are lucky to have such a group to help you keep fit in such a fun and wonderful way! And those ferns are gorgeous! All the beauty has to help compensate for the excess rain you guys get... ;o)

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  10. What a lovely day. Ummm...is there a Canadian Chapter of this group?

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  11. Yes, it is nice to have a group of friends with like interests. I love the picture of the ferns, especially the bit where the moss is on top of the post.
    Blessings, Star

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  12. The Pacific Northwest has been given immeasurable charm with this blog. A Canadian chapter? Good question, Wendy.

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  13. Hmmm, 'Serial' Trailblazers... Doesn't look and act like Senior Trailblazers to me!

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  14. What a perfect day you had!! And what a fun destination...potluck and bbq!! Simply wonderful! Looks like your Memorial Day weekend got an early start! Hope it is as fantastic as you are!! Love, Janine XO

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  15. You sound like you are enjoying the friendships as much as the hiking. It always feels right when we find others to share our passions. I'm really happy for you.

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  16. What a great group of people! It sounds like it was a fun day, even if there were some older than you folks there! :)

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