Monday, August 3, 2020

Hanging in there

Trail with leaves
We are now experiencing quite lovely weather, with the temperature hovering around 70°F (21°C) and a partly sunny sky. I know it might sound cool to some of my readers, but for me it's perfect. I just returned from a four-mile walk in the neighborhood in order to get in my 10,000 steps for the day. I was surprised to see that we are already losing some leaves, as you can see in the above shot, a precursor to fall, when the scene will be covered with more gold.
Magnificent old tree
I feel incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful places to get out and enjoy during this summer. This gorgeous old cedar tree stands on the trail to Fragrance Lake, which is just a short trip from my home. Well, relatively speaking, that is. I can get to the trailhead in a few minutes, but then climbing up to the lake would take awhile. I do stop to say hello to some of my favorite trees when I'm there.
Waterfall
And last Thursday, my friend Mel and I saw this lovely sight on the Heliotrope Ridge trail, off the Mt. Baker Highway. My spirits are lifted by sights like this one, and the wonderful feeling of the spray took my breath away. If I must be limited in my activities these days, I cannot express my gratitude enough to state what a difference it makes for me to be in nature, taking a "forest bath" now and then.

I hope you are able to get out and enjoy the outdoors wherever you are. It really does give you a chance to adjust your attitude and will bring a smile to your face, I hope.
:-)

15 comments:

  1. I'm glad to know you talk to the trees!

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  2. You and Bellingham were meant for each other. Jake loved it there too when he was going to the university. So glad you are happy and still hiking.

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  3. It's hard to make the effort to get out but well worth.

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  4. You are so fortunate to live near such a beautiful trail.

    Time in nature keeps me going in these dark times.

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  5. It is walking which helps to keep me mentally stable. Like you I feel very fortunate to have easy access to the natural world but I am also thankful to have a wealth of historical areas I can also visit. Keep on with the walking and allowing us to share it with you.

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  6. We're losing some leaves here in the Northeast as well, due to the hot dry weather. We have a hurricane on the way to take care of the drought; but it will probably take down yet more leaves.

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  7. Just sitting in the shade that would be cool but hiking like you do, it sounds perfect. That is one refreshing "bath" you get to take.

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  8. I wish I could take a forest bath, too.

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  9. We love it outside also...and know before long we will be huddled in coats to stay warm. I think our high today was 66 almost perfect! :)

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  10. Indeed! Getting outdoors is a must for me. I got my 10000 steps in yesterday, walking the beach. I didn't tote my heavy camera with me this time, just the cellphone for pictures. It was hot, very hot. And I had to dip my feet in the surf going back.

    Love your area of the states...beautiful hikes!

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  11. I think 70 is perfect! I love that temperature, especially since I also like to walk a lot. We're spoiled here in WA. Being on the East Coast recently made me appreciate our weather even more.

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  12. You are very fortunate to have these hiking trails so close to home. Terry and I have talked about taking a drive into the hills, perhaps to hike, BUT there is always the issue of restrooms. Will there be any? Will they be clean? Who else is using them? I just don't want to take that risk, especially in our area where the numbers are skyrocketing, so much so that the governor is sending military personnel to help at the hospitals.

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