Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Now that was a hike! Big 4 Ice Caves
Never was there such a payoff for such a short hike, 2.2 miles round trip!
A drive north on the Mountain Loop Highway brought us to Big 4 Mountain, known mostly for its (dangerous) ice caves. I remember hiking to those caves once on a very, rainy day, sometime in the last century, but totally missing the mountain above shrouded in clouds.
Not this time; it was clear and sunny, a perfect day for a hike.
We first stopped for a look at the mountain, at the site of a resort that stood here back in the 1930’s. Only part of the old fireplace remained standing.
We made our way to the trailhead, warned not to venture near or into the caves, which we did not intend to do.
The trail took us across the Stillaguamish River and into the forest.
It wasn’t long before the face of the mountain was in full view, and even these seasoned hikers were a bit awestruck.
We stopped at the end of the trail not venturing further out, though some did.
Look closely and you can see tiny people. The ice caves were still buried under the snow, not usually visible until August.
If you’re ever in the neighborhood (that would be in the great state of Washington,) I highly recommend you swing by Big 4 to see it for yourself. Even without the ice caves visible, the mountain is a sight to behold.
~ Susanne
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Mornings in the Garden with the Cats and the Birds
I’ve always enjoyed spending time outdoors, in my garden, and lately it starts earlier in the day.
As a tripod, Benji must be supervised outside, and I’ve been yielding to his demands first thing in the morning, only fair since he lost his night out privileges (that got him into trouble in the first place.)
I make my coffee, grab some reading material, phone and camera, and settle down for an hour or two. Mornings are special with a cool breeze and birdsong; don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.
So what’s in my garden? Plants, of course and lots of them, a tangled mess of herbs in my garden beds to be enjoyed by cats and birds alike.
Next to it, is the shady corner bounded by the garden shed, trees, and a stream, built by my husband.
It’s a favorite spot of the birds. This chestnut-backed chickadee hangs from the branches of the Douglas Fir above, while feasting on insects.
Recently, I caught sight of a wren, collecting dinner for the young back in the birdhouse. I hadn’t even realized they’d been nesting in there.
All these are regulars as are the hummingbirds that visit throughout the day, starting at the feeder.
Afterwards they swing by the garden beds and hover, so delightful to watch, as they move about from blossom to blossom. I’m often sitting nearby, unfortunately without my camera. At least I had my phone with me this morning to capture them as best I could.
Finally, I look around and see work to be done and dig in; amazing what a little bit each day can do.
Sharing with Sunday Stills, #Plant Life in the Great Outdoors.
~ Susanne
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Thank You from Benji
When my sweet boy was injured and became a tripod kitty (here if you missed it), I received many wonderful well wishes from cats and humans alike.
“Tell them, I appreciate it, Sue.”
“Absolutely, Benji. A big thanks to all!”
And a special thanks to our friends at 15andmeowing for sending catnip infused gifts!
“I love the blanket, Sue.”
“I know you do, Benji. So does Tiger. Thank you for sharing it with him, even though he has all four paws.”
Benji has adapted well to his new world, navigating inside normally, running up and down the stairs faster than his older brother. He still craves the outdoors and I take him out every day for an hour or two, starting first thing in the morning, like today, the hottest day of the year.
I’m still working on keeping him both confined and happy in the yard, and that has been the biggest challenge. I see him look longingly at the fence and wonder how long it will be till he tries to scale it. And so, I continue to monitor all his visits outside. It will have to do for now.
~ Susanne & Benji
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Wildlife of Hood Canal – Elk, Eagles, Seals, and Surprised by Killer Whales!
On our first camping trip of the year, we parked our trailer at Dosewallips State Park on Hood Canal and enjoyed a bonanza of wildlife, some expected, some not.
Roosevelt Elk welcomed us our first night; we often see them here.
There were oysters galore, lining the beaches, no surprise,
and there were seals and eagles, both expected.
And then we got a treat, finally seeing orcas in the wild, swimming in the canal (which is not a canal at all but a fjord just so you know.) We pulled over where other cars had stopped, and I managed to snap a few photos as the orcas kept moving in the opposite direction. And though the pictures aren’t great, the experience was!
I’ve lived in Washington state my whole life and killer whales are regularly spotted in the waters of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea, but not by me. What a surprise to find them in Hood Canal, apparently not residents but transients drawn by the abundance of seals.
Honestly it made my day and the whole trip special. Back with more, later.
Susanne
P.S. For those who wondered where Hood Canal is, I’ve added a map.
And a link to an earlier post of Childhood Memories from Hood Canal
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Take a Memo, Benji
“Ready, Sue.”
~ From the desk of Susanne and Benji
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In the Garden with the Cats and the Birds
It’s different than it was, but I still enjoy spending time in the garden with the cats and the birds.
Tiger is free to go outside by himself, but Benji must be supervised.
I’m hoping he can learn from Tiger to stay safely within the confines of the backyard. There’s plenty of space to sit and ponder, nibble on the grass and the catmint, and watch the birds (who stand a better chance of survival now that Benji is slower to the chase.)
The side hedge makes a nice screen and is a favorite place for house finches to nest.
I love listening to their birdsong and watching their courtship. The males have a beautiful red crown, face and upper breast.
The female’s garb is bland but she’s still attractive to the male. Here she’s lit up by maple leaves behind her; I had to brighten them to see her more clearly in the shadows.
Unfortunately, the bottom of the hedge is a tangle of branches and ivy, with tunnels and pathways from which an adventurous cat might escape (and did.)
We’re still trying to figure out how to plug those gaps. In the meantime, there are supervised visits a couple times a day for Benji, not quite as relaxed as it once was for both of us, but still pleasant.
~ Susanne
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Soothing Pastels in Flowers and Sunsets
Some days are too full of bold, brilliant color (or no color at all) when what you really need are pastels.
So here you go.
Every May, Montana Clematis begins its climb upward in my backyard and I relish its soothing pink color.
I found this fragrant rose last week at Soos Creek Botanical Garden, I can almost smell its old fashioned fragrance.
No fragrance but lots of color in these tulips from the Skagit Valley earlier this year.
Sunsets often begin in pastels like this one over the Grand Canyon.
and the one below in Astoria, Oregon.
Sharing for #Sunday Stills.
~ Susanne
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Life is full of Adjustments, Just ask Benji
I don’t know if I would have adapted as well as Benji had I lost a limb, but that boy is adjusting well.
The surgery was three weeks ago, and the stitches and bandage removed one week ago. His right back leg is gone, so he’s down to three paws, hence he’s a tri-pawed or tripod, if you will.
From the start, walking downstairs has been easier than going upstairs, jumping down, than jumping up, though he’s figuring it out, and I’m helping him when needed.
I’ve made adjustments in my office so he can get to his perch without having to jump straight up as he did before.
Now he can use the piano bench as a steppingstone, or take the path from my chair, across my desk and printer to get there.
It’s a good thing since his perch remains a favorite place for him to look out the window, take a nap and bask in the sunshine.
He still has his favorite toys and loves to play, especially when I dangle the mouse on a stick.
We’ve figured out the indoors but are still working on the outdoors. Bob plugged the obvious holes under the back wooden fence, but Benji showed us there are other escape routes. Showed us by escaping of course, through a tunnel in the hedge, around a chain link fence and into the front yard, still not sure how he pulled that off.
So supervision is needed until we are all more comfortable with our new reality. Today, I gave him ten minutes outside, hovering over him all the while, fearful of losing him. There was a visit to the stream, a trip into the garden shed with lots of sniffing around the door, and best of all, a pit stop in a garden bed, much more natural than a cat box, just like old times.
~ Susanne
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Time to Tell You About Benji
First of all, he’s as sweet as ever and adjusting to his new normal. It’s been a rough road the past couple weeks and I’m finally ready to tell you the story.
“Is it okay with you, Benji?”
“Sure, Sue. Just no bad pictures of me, please.”
“Of course, Benji. I’m always respectful and know the boundaries.”
A couple weeks ago, Benji was late coming home. After repeated calling, I went to bed, a bit worried and listening for his cry. I finally heard it and let him in, and as he crossed the threshold, I knew something was wrong. Bob looked closer and thought he had a broken leg. We took him immediately to the local emergency pet hospital.
After triage, the attending vet gave us the news: it was a bad break and the only remedy was amputation. Since Benji was otherwise healthy, they thought he’d do fine and assured us that cats get along very well with 3 legs. (It was amazing he’d managed to get himself home on the bad leg, he was determined and strong.)
The alternative was clear. It was amputation or nothing.
We were left alone to confer. What should we do?
“If Benji could talk, I think he would tell us he wants to live,” were Bob’s words to me. I agreed, happy he made that decision.
He had surgery the next day and it went well. (The surgeon himself had a ‘tri-pawed,’ who still climbed trees!)
He wore a soft cone when out of our presence and his other leg remained bandaged with a surface injury.
I babied him. Prayed for him. Gave him his meds. Kept him in my presence as much as I could. Gave over my office to him, removing his perch so he wouldn’t be tempted to jump. He adapted quickly, moving about the very next day.
It was a long, two weeks of being housebound, for us and him. The stitches came out this week and Benji was freed from both cone and bandage, and according to the vet, free to be a cat again.
He still needs time to fully heal but he’s getting around well. Lots of treats, new toys, love and attention.
We’re plugging up holes under the fence to keep him in the backyard when we allow him to go outside. No more overnight adventures. In the meantime, there are supervised visits, this one from this morning.
It’s a new world for all of us, but I’m so glad we chose life for Benji. He’s a smart cat and I believe he’s thankful too.
~ Susanne
P.S. I hesitated posting this, fearful of criticism, either for allowing Benji to be an outdoor cat or for the decision we made. Both choices were made in love.
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Not the same Species – A Story from Tiger Long Ago
Okay everyone, this is Tiger and I have something to say.
I have it pretty good here, indoors and out; the food, the sleeping arrangements, the toys, I can’t complain. The humans that live here are great too and I guess you could say that Sue is my favorite.
Even so, it’s not easy. Take today for example. I was outside hunting to bring her the catch of the day. I’m coiled and ready to spring, when suddenly she’s on the scene, running, clapping her hands, totally blowing my cover. What kind of hunter is she? And occasionally when I do catch something, she’s half-hearted in her appreciation (maybe even disgusted?) when I bring it to her.
But then I realize she can’t help it. She’s only human after all.
Not the same species
~ Tiger
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 