Start of the summer season

Steve, Diane, Peggy, Kirk, Sharon, Al, Rita, Sue, Carol, Jonelle

Our Memorial Day hike (a few days early), is a short one around Lake Padden's horse trails, and culminates in a potluck party afterwards. Eleven of us showed up for today's hike, and around the same number joined us later, on an absolutely beautiful day. Al has been cleared for any activity he wishes, except for driving until he either has another episode or six months have passed. He's learning the bus system and getting around fairly well. He took the bus to the Senior Center this morning, getting there in plenty of time.

A short break for water and clothing adjustments

As you can see from the way we are dressed, it was warm; actually it was just perfect for the day's hike, and having Al at the front made everything feel like all's right with the world. Someone pointed out a bushtit nest, which I would certainly have missed by myself, plus I wouldn't have known what I was looking at.

Bushtit nest

These birds would sometimes visit my feeders, and I think they are just the cutest little guys. They were nowhere to be seen this morning, but I learned more about their nests here. They are made from moss, spider webs, and grasses, forming a pouch with a small entrance.

Enchanter's nightshade

There were places on the trail that were quite dark because of the deep forest cover, and I just happened to see this patch of something illuminated by the sunlight. Peggy, who knows her plants, said it was a patch of enchanter's nightshade, which of course I looked up online. It will eventually flower, but I was so pleased to catch that moment of light against the darkness.

Finishing up our hike

I am constantly amazed at the beautiful place I've been so fortunate to find here in the Pacific Northwest, with so many trails and nature preserves. After about two-and-a-half hours of exercise, we headed to the reserved pavilion where we would have our lunch. We pulled out our goodies and joined those who came for the food and skipped the hike. A few of the hikers' partners brought their food and joined us. We enjoyed salads galore, from spinach to potato to kale, and sat down to savor a colorful and healthful meal.

Rita's colorful plate

Kirk brought the salad that was such a hit last year, his kale salad with blueberries, cranberries, roasted cashews and, oh yes, kale. Carol brought a beautiful homemade rhubarb pie, Rita brought a cake, but I skipped both of those desserts to enjoy this.

Watermelon

This watermelon came from Diane and Udo; it had been wrapped in foil and carried in ice, so it was cold and crisp and completely delightful. I fear I ate way too much of it, but I figured it was just watermelon, so what could be the harm?

We couldn't eat any more

The space between Peggy and Carol was occupied by me until I decided I just had to get a picture of the aftermath of the potluck. I was so full that it was hard to get up, but I did it just so you, my dear reader, could enjoy this along with us. I think it's appropriate to say it was a FULL day, and now that I am home and relaxing a little more, I cannot thank these wonderful people enough for all that they did to make it such fun.
:-)