Category: Nature

Hike to Magnificent Second Beach

I don’t use the word ‘magnificent’ lightly. Bob had heard of Second Beach for many years but whenever we were in the area the parking lot was already full so we’d pass on by to the next beach. And let me say you don’t… Continue Reading “Hike to Magnificent Second Beach”

A House Finch Courtship and a Hummingbird Flyby

I stepped outside today and heard the song of a house finch overhead. Truth be known it was not that melodious, he sang like a one-note Ned continuously and persistently. But it was enough to attract a female nearby and she followed him. While… Continue Reading “A House Finch Courtship and a Hummingbird Flyby”

Under the Trees in my Garden

For this week’s Sunday Stills challenge I thought I’d take you on a tour of my backyard garden much of which lies under the shade of giant Douglas Fir trees. When we moved to our house a few years ago the backyard was rather… Continue Reading “Under the Trees in my Garden”

Trees at the Golden Hour

“Listen to the trees talking in their sleep,’ she whispered, as he lifted her to the ground. ‘What nice dreams they must have!” _ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables I don’t doubt that trees dream at night, but I like to catch them… Continue Reading “Trees at the Golden Hour”

A Magical Walk in the Woods

You never know what you’ll find on a walk in the woods. But in the Pacific Northwest you’ll see douglas fir trees accented with vine maples. And if you’re lucky you’ll see a stream with waterfalls and pools, like we did at Whatcom Falls… Continue Reading “A Magical Walk in the Woods”

My first Square Tree

It’s an ordinary tree perhaps – if any tree can be called ordinary – but it was also striking against a clear blue sky and fit nicely into a square. “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the… Continue Reading “My first Square Tree”

Summer Weed or Flower?

The dandelion is an herb with medicinal properties, traditionally used to treat various ailments and infections; it can be made into tea or wine and used in soups and salads. I’ve never eaten one. I still consider it a weed, growing tenaciously where it… Continue Reading “Summer Weed or Flower?”

Outdoors in the Pacific Northwest

Last week we enjoyed the great outdoors on our trip to Oregon where we found giant bubbles at Seaside, took a cool walk at Cannon Beach and visited Herman the Sturgeon at the Bonneville Fishery. Herman is over 10 feet long and 80 years… Continue Reading “Outdoors in the Pacific Northwest”

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”