Hovander Park in Ferndale

Some of today's large group

On a day when it was projected to rain in the afternoon but be mostly dry in the morning, 25 Happy Wanderers met at the Hovander Homestead Park main entrance to walk around the flat area of almost 350 acres.

I had been here before, with my friend Melanie, but today we were treated to an in-depth explanation of the history of the area. Terry (in yellow jacket) lived on the farm for seven years with her now-deceased husband. She was able to tell us what it was like to be there year-round, and some amusing anecdotes as we passed by different stations on the farm. From that link above:

Hovander Homestead Park preserves the rich history of pioneer farming and offers recreational opportunities for all ages in every season. The park encompasses nearly 350 acres, including over a mile of river frontage. Accessible sidewalks provide access to the historic Hovander House, playground, restrooms, Group Picnic Shelter, and the Hovander River Trail.

We walked from the red barn house, out into places that once were populated with farm animals. But today we saw some geese and chickens but not much else. We walked along the trails from the big barn to Hovander House, where we had access to a tower, fragrance gardens, and a look inside what was once a schoolhouse.

From the top of the tower

Most of us climbed the fifty-foot tower to get a view of the surrounding area, including Tennant Lake and the wetlands, and in the distance we could see Mt Baker as well.

Outside the fragrance garden

We walked along the boardwalk that snakes its way through the wetlands, and Terry told us of many times she walked on those narrow planks when they were wet and treacherous. We were very lucky that the rain stayed away.

Vietnam Memorial

Terry showed us the Vietnam Memorial in the park, with the names of all the Whatcom County heroes who died in that war. It's almost along the Nooksack River, so we did walk down to the water's edge and saw a few people fishing, and one person who caught a large fish, maybe a salmon.

Wandering through the dahlias

Many of us wandered over to the extensive dahlia gardens, where dahlias of every size and shape are in magnificent display, since this is the time when they are blooming. I was mesmerized by the beautiful flowers, those pretty fall flowers, and I confess I took way too many photos of them.

A favorite variety

Before we left, Terry pointed out a place where the high-water marks are displayed from two earlier floods, one in 2021 and one in 2009. She was living on the premises during the earlier flood, and you can certainly get an idea of what the area must have been like during that time.

Those high-water marks are scary!

It was a truly wonderful way to spend our Tuesday morning, and we managed to keep from getting wet, but it was iffy. You could feel a change in the air temperature, and a few drops fell before we made our way back to our various cars. Some people stayed a little longer, but I was still feeling the effects of my bout with covid and was glad to head back home. We walked around four miles, maybe a little more, but I was ready to get home without using my raincoat. Another lovely walk with the Happy Wanderers.

:-)