Category: Nature

Bright and Beautiful in Bellingham

November is the rainiest month in the Great Northwest, so we have to look at the forecast when planning our local travels. One good day is all it takes and so it was, that earlier this month, we headed north to Bellingham for a… Continue Reading “Bright and Beautiful in Bellingham”

What a Difference a Day Makes, One Week in November, Two walks in the Other Washington

Earlier this week we took a walk at Nolte State Park on a rainy day, through the woods around Deep Lake. We saw all manner of mysterious life forms. The very next day we took a walk under blue skies and sunshine at Coulon… Continue Reading “What a Difference a Day Makes, One Week in November, Two walks in the Other Washington”

All the Leaves are Brown and the Mushrooms, Too

Yes, indeed. It’s that rainiest of months in the Great Northwest and leaves are on the ground, the mushrooms are, too. I like mushrooms but I don’t pick my own, though they’re everywhere in Seattle area forests and parks. But I have gone mushroom… Continue Reading “All the Leaves are Brown and the Mushrooms, Too”

Walking in the Shadows with the Squirrels

On our trip earlier this week, we visited a city park in the town of Lynden and walked under the shadow of big Cedars and Doug Firs. Nothing unusual about that. But I was surprised to see a couple of black squirrels playing in… Continue Reading “Walking in the Shadows with the Squirrels”

Changing Trees of Color on the Street Where I Live

I don’t have to go far to find colorful fall leaves; I just walk to the park at the end of my street and enjoy. The pictures below are from prior years; I’ll tell you why. A windstorm brought down the tallest tree on… Continue Reading “Changing Trees of Color on the Street Where I Live”

Are Ferns Flowers?

No, but you probably already knew that. Ferns are nonflowering plants that reproduce by spores; flowers are plants that reproduce through seeds. But to me they are just as beautiful. I see them regularly in the damp woods of the Pacific Northwest, these from… Continue Reading “Are Ferns Flowers?”

Shadows and Reflections in the Woods

It’s hard for me to tell which is which, but I think I found both – shadows and reflections – on yesterday’s walk in the woods. It was a new trail to us, a boardwalk, through a bog – West Hylebos Wetlands Park in… Continue Reading “Shadows and Reflections in the Woods”

Color before the Storm

It’s raining heavily now, and more rain is in the forecast. Fall’s stormy weather is upon us. But earlier this week I returned to Coulon Park for a final look at the color on its famous boulevard. Nearer to the lake, there were other… Continue Reading “Color before the Storm”

Favorite Fall Florals

Not this year’s garden. I didn’t plant any new fall flowers, and previous promised perennials don’t always come back; their high prices mean I sometimes hold a grudge. Still, they live on in my archives, especially this favorite: Kismet Orange Coneflower. I really should… Continue Reading “Favorite Fall Florals”

The Salmon are back! Spawning in the Cedar River

It’s been a long, long journey for these sockeye salmon, but they have returned at last to their spawning grounds in the Cedar River. Not the greatest video but stick it out to the end to see the female lay her eggs. I love… Continue Reading “The Salmon are back! Spawning in the Cedar River”