Thursday, May 12, 2022

We decided to skip the rain

Hertz trail

The weather forecast was for rain today, lots of it. This was NOT what Mel and I had in mind for our Thursday hike, so we decided to start at the Hertz trail and walk until the rain made us turn back. But you know what happened instead? We started in cloudy conditions on a beautiful, almost flat trail that heads along the north shore of Lake Whatcom for a little more than three miles. Since it didn't rain on us, we ended up going the entire distance, and a little bit more. It was cool, not quite 50°F, and the wind blew most of the time we were walking, but it was more than pleasant: it was wonderful, and so nice to be outdoors.

A little side trail

In all the years I've been hiking this trail, I had never before noticed a trail heading off towards the water, and today Mel investigated it, finding this little promontory with a bench to enjoy sitting by the water and contemplating the lake. We sat just long enough to be grateful for the fine place we live and then headed back to the main trail.

Peering out at the far shore

The water was choppy from the breeze, but we didn't mind. We disturbed a goose who had taken refuge in a cozy little spot, giving us a bit of a scare until we knew what it was we were seeing. I was pretty sure it wasn't anything dangerous, but when you're contemplating the silence, a sudden splashing with a few honks, well, it could be anything, right?

Pretty white flowers

We saw buttercups, salmonberries, dandelions, invasive geranium Robert (I've been hiking with people who pull this plant out whenever they see it), and this pretty white flower which I couldn't identify. Maybe one of my readers can. We didn't see any trillium, though, after weeks of seeing them everywhere.

Towards the end of the hike

As we headed back to the parking lot and the trailhead, the wind picked up considerably and we got a few little sprinkles, reminding us that the rain was still on its way. And just as we returned to the car, here it came, just a little at first, but now that I'm home warm and cozy inside, I can hear it drumming hard on the roof. It couldn't have worked out much better for us, I think. It was a day to get in our steps, keep our rain gear in our packs, and be grateful for the little things that make life better. Like today.

:-)

16 comments:

  1. I absolutely love that third photo, peering out at the far shore. What a gorgeous view. ♥️

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  2. The first photo, with that new green of spring is beautiful! A perfect day, in spite of the forecast!

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  3. You are the luckiest person when it comes to rain on your hikes. The rain always seems to miss you.

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  4. Your timing was perfection. What a beautiful place and I'd have enjoyed that bench with the view.

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  5. Perfect weather and the views were spectacular. Looks like a little piece of paradise, so serene and peaceful.
    Glad you enjoyed your day.
    Hugs,
    Jo

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  6. Another great hike for you! Glad the rain held out!

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  7. What wonderful timing - and a truly beautiful walk as well. I could happily sit on that bench and admire the view for quite a long time...

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  8. Thanks for the trillium reminder. Ours are out. Maybe I can get a few photos although I guess they don’t change much form year to year. 😀

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  9. It worked well for you. Congrats!

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  10. And we're back to sun again today, but still cold.

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  11. I agree with Patti, that lone bench would call me...

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  12. We have had so much wind here, no rain though. But the wind has gotten to be annoying. I hate to be out when it's windy as it whips my hair around, and it's colder than usual. I've noticed my hands are so dry that they feel like sandpaper. I think it's a combination of washing them so much, using sanitizing wipes, and the wind. Wishing you sunny days for walking.

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  13. Perfect timing!! I love all the photos you include. :)

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  14. Great place for a bench and glad you enjoyed it.

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  15. Beautiful hike! Maybe the white wildflowers are trailing blackberries? Not sure. I too love the last photo!!

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