Thursday, December 24, 2020

Christmas Eve walk

Terry, Al, Melanie, and me

It was a little bittersweet, going out on a wonderful walk on a sunny day, when in previous years there would be lots of us Senior Trailblazers, then gathering for a Christmas celebration afterwards. Not this year. We are limited to no more than five, even outdoors, and thanks to Melanie's decision to make something happen today, we four met at the trailhead of the Hertz trail (also known as the north shore of Lake Whatcom) for a brisk six-mile walk (round trip). Brisk in more ways than one: it was downright cold to start.

Lake Whatcom with low clouds

I wasn't sure I would even be able to make it this morning, as the doors to my car froze solid. After trying everything I could think of, I managed to finally get the driver's side door to release and let me in. It was around 23°F (-5°C), not all that cold, but we recently had some snow and then very cold temperatures. The moisture in the air, once frozen, made life difficult in many ways. Part of the problem is that the clouds cleared overnight. What you see in the above picture is low fog.

Our nice three-mile-long trail

You can see that we are dressed warmly, and for once I didn't take my pink down jacket off during the entire hike. Once my hands and feet got warm, I was cozy and very happy to be out on such a nice day, with people I enjoy being with.

Old pier in the foreground, lake behind

There was little to no wind, and as we walked we warmed up quite nicely. At first there were only a few people, but as we headed back the way we had come, more and more people joined us on the trail, going the opposite direction as us. I would have surprised if it were otherwise, as the day just got nicer and nicer.

Smooth as glass

As we began our return, you can see the lake was incredibly smooth, no ripples from the wind (thankfully), and the sky was beginning to clear. It could not have been more perfect, in every respect.

Terry's cookies, Melanie's muffins, nice bench

We stopped before we finished the hike to enjoy some sweet treats from Terry and Mel. I confess that I had more than I really needed, since I am beginning to carry around a few more pounds than I'd like, because I can't seem to resist these delicious indulgences. There will be plenty of time after the holidays to make amends. Right?

It was truly a delightful morning, and I continue to count my many blessings, not the least of which are such fine people to share my holiday with. And then to come home to my sweetheart and enjoy some time with him. Life is good. I hope you will have a lovely holiday, too. 

:-)

15 comments:

  1. Great way to start Christmas! Have a great holiday DJan!

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  2. These are such fabulous photos, DJan. However, the low clouds and that pier photo really are outstanding. I love how you’re able to get out there with friends for exercise. That would definitely keep your spirits up. Merry Christmas to you and your sweetheart. Sending you love and aloha from Hawaii.

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  3. It was a sunny warm day here so I got in a good walk but not 6 miles.

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  4. Merry Christmas!! Hope you have a wonderful day!

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  5. 23 seems pretty cold to me, but looks nice once you got on the trail. Merry Christmas!

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  6. I am so very glad that you were able to walk - and were rewarded with excellent company AND treats.
    Merry Christmas DJan. I hope it is lovely.

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  7. That was your kind of special day, for sure.
    We began our family holiday celebration today, to be continued tomorrow.

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  8. It was good that you persevered through the morning chill and then had a wonderful day! It reminds me of our recent beach days. I take my 100 year old friend to the beach every Thursday and she loves to swim. However, the water has been getting colder and it takes some determination to wade in, get wet, and then take the dive. Once immersed, it is quite nice. Our temperatures are dipping into the low 70's at night, but it has been sunny and bright for our holiday season.

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  9. Glad you enjoyed your Eve. We are awaiting connecting with the kids online for stockings. They slept in believe it or not.this morning.

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  10. Looks like a marvelous day! Merry Christmas. :)

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  11. Merry Christmas DJan! Glad you got to get out and enjoy nature. It's sunny and cold here... although not too bad (52 F). Maybe we'll get to take a walk around the neighborhood today. Hope you and your sweet heart have a lovely Christmas! Sending you a virtual Christmas hug!

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  12. You had a great time with friends and the conditions could not have been better. That lake looks like glass. Those cookies inspire me to bake some.

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  13. What a special Eve you got to enjoy. That was weird about your car doors though. Yikes.
    Hope your Christmas day was just as special.
    My computer is fixed and I am back. Take care and stay safe.

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