Cats and Trails and Garden Tales

Cedar River Walk and Surprise! – It’s the Blue Angels!

Posted on August 4, 2019 by Susanne Swanson

My walk on the Cedar River Trail today yielded more than steps on my Fitbit. For it’s Seafair Weekend and the Blue Angels took to the sky just after I made it to the southern shores of Lake Washington. I wish I could say it was perfect planning on my part – but no – I stumbled upon the occasion and enjoyed it along with the rest.

It was perfect weather – sunshine – blue skies – and a little breeze to cut the heat – so I took a seat and waited for the show to begin.

A festive atmosphere prevailed among those of us gathered on the dock. Pleasant chattering, oohs and ahhhs, listening for the roar of the jets which was out of synch with the visuals.

Lots of birds gathered too and they occasionally took to the sky and got into the picture.

Next up are the Hydroplane Races, part of Seattle’s Seafair history and tradition – part of my husband’s history too. You many remember his story if you’ve followed my blog for a while; if not, feel free to look back at an earlier time – It Happened at Seafair.

~ Susanne

CFFC – Animals

Posted on August 3, 2019 by Susanne Swanson

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I love animals and am always thrilled to see them in the wild.

I saw this herd of Roosevelt Elk at Dosewallips State Park on the Olympic Peninsula.

I watched from a safe distance while they were feeding and this handsome boy reminded me it was the right course of action.

I enjoyed these traffic-stopping Bison (more commonly known as Buffalo) at Yellowstone National Park. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because they are abundant in the park they are tame. They are not. They let us visit them in their habitat and it is wise – even imperative – to always give them the right-of-way.

I saw these fearless, nimble-footed Desert Bighorn Sheep inside the South Rim of the Grand Canyon where they were completely at home.

Last but not least, I was happy to see this Grizzly Bear at Glacier National Park.

Happier still to see him from the safety of our truck.

I’m thankful there are still places these beautiful animals are allowed to live wild – mostly in preserves and national parks which demand protection.

Shared for this week’s CFFC photo challenge, ‘Animals.’

~ Susanne

Rialto Beach Walk to Hole in the Wall

Posted on August 2, 2019 by Susanne Swanson

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This week we visited Olympic National Park for what should have been four days of camping but ended up to be a simple overnight stay. Bob came down with a bad cold and after a rough night we decided we’d head back home – but not before I managed to sneak in a walk.

I left him resting in the camper and headed for Rialto Beach where the sky was blue, the sun was shining and visitors were out enjoying the elements.

I headed north up the beach on a mile and a half trek to see the giant sea-carved arch aptly named Hole in the Wall. My steps were slow and clumsy as I sank into the slippery rocks and pebbles forming the beach;

but I continued on and soon enough the sand became smooth and compact.

I picked up the pace remembering my husband back at camp. Well, as much as you can when you’re stopping to watch the waves crash onto the shore – who can get enough of that? – and seagulls overhead and seals bobbing in the water, all the while looking for whales (I saw none.)

As I approached my destination I passed by beautiful sea stacks and saw an eagle take flight.

Finally I scrambled over giant drift logs to reach Hole in the Wall.

The tide was in so there’d be no walk through the arch which was probably a good thing. It was time to get back to the camper and head for home.

~ Susanne

Welcome August

Posted on August 1, 2019 by Susanne Swanson

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Welcome August – the last full month of summer – where the sunshine may completely zap you of all your energy.

Just ask Benji.

For August photo a day challenge.

~ Susanne

A Walk at Seward Park

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Susanne Swanson

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There’s nothing better than summertime in Seattle, and no better place for an evening walk than Seward Park,

especially when the Mountain is out.

~ Susanne

A Perfect Getaway to Sun Mountain Lodge

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Susanne Swanson

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Earlier this month we took a trip to Sun Mountain Lodge via the scenic North Cascades Highway. The drive was wonderful providing views like this.

It was gray and rainy on the west side but as we crossed over the mountains we entered into a realm where rain is in short supply and the sun always shines.

We passed through the tiny town of Winthrop, restored to an old west theme and fun for shopping.

Then it was on to the Lodge where we spent the next couple of days off the grid – no TV and spotty cell service – surrounded by views like these – a fair tradeoff.

While Bob went fly fishing I had the day to myself to relax by the pool,

and wander the grounds taking pictures of the flowers

and the bees working them.

There were many trails to explore and I ventured onto one of them but not very far,

because of this.

I guess no travel is without its risks, right?

At night there was dinner with a view and sunsets over the mountains,

a perfect getaway.

~ Susanne

A Quick Tour of Washington’s National Parks

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Susanne Swanson

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Did you know that Washington State has three National Parks? They are Mt. Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades! All are marvelous and worth many visits, especially if you live here as I do. 🙂

Lets start with Mt. Rainier National Park – just two hours south of Seattle, this one is closest and has everything, including the most beautiful mountain in the country! Some may beg to differ – I can hear protests from as far away as Alaska and California. Still, Rainier gets my vote and here’s one of my favorite pictures of the mountain at Reflection Lakes. Notice the brave ones on thin ice pointing out the view.

Not that you will find a bad view of the mountain anywhere.

And though it’s surely the centerpiece, there’s more to the park than Mt. Rainier. You’ll also find old-growth forest, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.

Next up is Olympic National Park – just a few hours west of Seattle, it has the most diverse landscape of the three. In addition to the mountain range, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, Olympic has a rainforest and ocean beaches too!

Hurricane Ridge provides the best view of the Olympic Mountains;

Lake Crescent is my favorite lake.

And here’s a sampling of the ocean beaches, some of the wildest and most remote in the country.

Finally, there’s North Cascades National Park – a hidden gem a couple hours north of Seattle. The rugged North Cascades are known as the American Alps, and are most accessible by hiking. The Skagit River flows through the park supplying hydroelectric power to the City of Seattle through several dams. We recently drove the scenic highway through the park and even on a gray and rainy day the colors were magnificent at the Gorge Trail Overlook;