Category: Nature

A Northwest Hike to Barclay Lake

Last week during the heatwave we decided to escape to Barclay Lake, a hike my husband had wanted to take every time we crossed the Cascades. We turned off Highway 2 at Baring onto a one lane road full of potholes, making for a… Continue Reading “A Northwest Hike to Barclay Lake”

After the Rain

After last week’s heat wave, Juneuary returned to the Pacific Northwest bringing cold, wet, windy, winterlike weather. But after a few days of torrential rainfall, the sun reappeared yesterday along with some magnificent clouds. The air has been washed fresh and clean, new plants… Continue Reading “After the Rain”

Inspired by the Heavens!

Thanks to Terri Webster Schrandt for inspiring me once again with her photo challenge. This week the theme is Celestial and it sent me to my archives to find some of my favorite pictures of the heavens! I’ll start at the beginning with sunrise.… Continue Reading “Inspired by the Heavens!”

Nesting Birds in the Garden

Our little garden shed has become quite the bird condo with wrens in particular nesting in the birdhouses my husband built. I wasn’t sure they’d be happy so close to their neighbors but it hasn’t deterred them. Every morning they’re out and about gathering… Continue Reading “Nesting Birds in the Garden”

Busy as a Bee on Chives

As the weather has settled down and chores have been done I stopped to watch the bees on the chives in my garden. Intent and with singleness of purpose, they go from flower to flower gathering nectar and pollen as food for themselves and… Continue Reading “Busy as a Bee on Chives”

A Night for the Birds

First of all I’m disappointed – I didn’t get to see last night’s lunar eclipse. Not for lack of trying. I did get up a few times looking for the moon but couldn’t quite locate it among the clouds. Oh well. To make up… Continue Reading “A Night for the Birds”

Photography Shenanigans – Fun with Watercolors and Moon Shots

Even though I remembered last night’s super pink moon I wasn’t really ready for it. Earlier in the day I’d gone outside to take pictures of my backyard stream using long exposures. My Sony RX10 has some cool functions so I also used one… Continue Reading “Photography Shenanigans – Fun with Watercolors and Moon Shots”

Dropping by with Wildflowers for Earth Day

I’ve been busy road tripping this month and haven’t had much time for photo challenges. So in between my travel posts I thought I’d share some wildflowers for earth day for Becky’s Squares and Sunday Stills from our road trip. First are daisies I… Continue Reading “Dropping by with Wildflowers for Earth Day”

Springing with the Birds!

I love this time of year when color brightens up the garden, starting with the azaleas. The birds love it too as they woo a mate and look for nesting places. Wrens and chickadees visit the tiny houses, and the choices are endless. “How… Continue Reading “Springing with the Birds!”

Indian Plum

I discovered a new shrub this spring – or should I say I discovered its name? I’d seen it many times on my walks in the woods, always stopping to admire its growth in the dead of winter and its blossoms in early spring.… Continue Reading “Indian Plum”