tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27771011147806023392024-03-13T07:52:05.025-07:00Meandering WashingtonRamblings around Washington State. Natural wonders of my world. I am forever trying to learn. Strong caution, pictures of plants may include bugs,spiders and other "creepy" things.
Natural history plants flowers bugs birds biologies. Geology weather conservation and gentle hikes.Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.comBlogger293125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-36168098283077588782015-04-05T04:57:00.000-07:002015-04-05T04:58:05.641-07:00Rare SightYesterday was one of those beautiful Spring days. All week the dreary rain and clouds made the weekend look unpromising. I had land trust duties to attend to. Cleaning up junk.<br />
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It may not sound like the way to spend a bright Spring morning but a small group got together and set to work on a heavily impacted unit with the Nisqually Land Trust , Wilcox Flats.<br />
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This parcel came to the Land trust at pennies on the pound. Originally platted for over 40 homes, a series of floods quickly showed developers that this was a flood zone with great power. These floods brought down river a mountain of tires and house debris. They also wiped out a few houses already build.<br />
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You would not know such devastation happened 20 years ago. Trees have grown up the land looks healed. Close up,however it is a different story.<br />
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The soil has a thick layer of sand in many areas. Sand is a trick soil to plant in this region but certain areas of planting are doing well. Shore Pine is taking hold and growing well. Elk, however are making sure the Shore Pines of a certain size must be worthy of growing to maturity. Established trees about five to eight feet high are fine scratching posts. The Elk rub them for grooming and territory marking. Many of these trees have bark stripped off and branches broken. Those which completely snap off will eventually return to the soil but others have a sort of bonsai look to them.<br />
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We tackled a mound that had litter at the base and pretty quickly established that the mound was largely household junk. It looks like they had established a burn pile and a garbage pile and eventually pushed them together.<br />
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There were large number of toothbrushes and combs, cosmetics and medicine bottles. Tons of broken bottles and left over stuff from a workshop.We could have kept going like mad archaeologists but since the mound was well covered over by soils we smoothed over the area we cleaned an will likely let nature hide the rest.<br />
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Over on a side channel of the river the tires present a bigger challenge. many of the tires that were left up on land have already bee cleared by several work parties. Now tires which line the channel must be got at.<br />
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The shrubs, the fallen trees and the water all equal a challenging task. Tires line this channel at all levels and we were able to get about a dozen taken out. It was a trek out to the water from the staging area so folks had to run the tires through the woods on what can barely be called a trail.<br />
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Dig the tire out of the bank<br />
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Bring it back and up the fallen tree<br />
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Toss it down to me<br />
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I pick it up out of the water and roll it up the bank and down to the staging area for the woods runners.<br />
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You cannot complain about doing work like this with nice people. Sunny day , singing birds and a fun discovery.<br />
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Beaver skull<br />
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Molars, not something you see everyday.<br />
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It is going to take a strong group from the military base to get at the tires that are in deeper water along the bank. I suggested ropes tied to the tires which those on shore could haul in. Chris said it was a good reason to finally get hip waders.Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com19Pierce County, WA, USA46.873687877960123 -122.4904346466064546.868260377960119 -122.50051964660645 46.879115377960126 -122.48034964660644tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-38899840773150653922015-03-21T16:20:00.000-07:002015-03-21T16:20:05.433-07:00Happy First Day of SpringSince it was bucketing down rain this morning I knew today was an Eastern Washington day. I headed for the area east of Ellensburg beyond the wind farm. It is here where I usually find blooming cactus.<br />
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This day gave proof as to why the wind farms are here. The wind was really whipping and getting decent photos of trembling flowers was a challenge.<br />
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All the early flowers were here. <br />
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Sagebrush Violets<br />
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Bluebells snuggles low and protected around most anything. These were next to an Elk skeleton<br />
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Yellow Bells are the flower most people mention when talking about the early Spring flower of the dry side.<br />
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Dagger-Pod only grew in the sheltered sunny hillside, well below the rough wind at the top.<br />
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Cushon Phlox is just coming on now. <br />
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The Hedgehog Cactus are just starting to make buds, so they are a week or two off.<br />
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I stopped at the Red Horse Diner for lunch and the sunny window, with no wind, was welcome.<br />
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When I come home via I-90 I usually get off at Preston and come via Fall City. It may take a few extra minutes but it is more peaceful than the Bellevue corridor<br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com4Ellensburg, WA, USA46.970882250990755 -120.1547241210937546.797687250990755 -120.47744762109375 47.144077250990755 -119.83200062109375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-15596726068595556032015-03-07T18:01:00.000-08:002015-03-07T18:01:37.148-08:00Spring Forward?Well it is time for the annual Spring forward for Daylight Savings Time. For most of the country I am sure the arrival of Spring is eagerly awaited. For the citizens of Puget Sound country we wonder what we did; right or wrong, to deserve the non-winter.<br />
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I have happy anticipation of an early and potentially brief wildflower season so I started wandering the trails up at Washington Park a few weeks ago. Oh how I love this park. It is so diverse that I can wander for a few hours and each time have a somewhat different experience from the time before. The warm winter we have had appears to have given the flowers a bit of a jump start.<br />
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This is simply bad news. Our snow pack is not going to happen this year. The reservoirs are full enough, but I am sure we are going to hear lectures on conservation. The agriculture areas of Eastern Washington are served largely by the Columbia River and our friends to the north have received enough snow so there should be water for most. The very high mountains have had more snow than the lower watersheds, so that helps as well.<br />
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The Daffodil fields of the Skagit are early and the tulips are not far behind. The beautiful sunny weekends will no doubt drive people to see the fields long before the Tulip Festival starts. Great for the vendors in LaConnor. That is Mt Baker aka Koma Kulshan, peeking over the foothills. <br />
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The snowiest place on earth. This record, long held by Mt Rainier was turned over to Mt Baker several years ago. I think the rangers at Paradise on Mt Rainier are still recovering. They held the record for what seems forever.<br />
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The park is waking up and the most reliable early bloomer is the Red-flowering Currant, <i>Ribes sanguineum </i>. This plant along with Salmonberry, brings the Rufous Hummingbird. I am not yet seeing the Salmonberry bloom and have yet to hear the zing of a Rufous.<br />
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I typically walk the park in a counter-clockwise loop. It is bad of me to ignore the inner part of the peninsula with its deep woods, but I am drawn by the wildflowers that lurk on the stony edges,overlooking the Salish Sea.<br />
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Today I had a darn lucky hit. I can out of some trees and looked down at the water. I noted a splash and revved up my camera. Another splash and I took aim. A third and I fired...<br />
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I was way up there and they way down. Harbour Porpoise, <i>Phocoena phocoena. </i>I took down my camera and they were gone, beyond that tree , around the point.<br />
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The moss woods along my favorite little trail is filled with promise of Calypso Orchids and Fawn Lily. I am seeing the leaves but no sign of buds yet. They are a few weeks off. perhaps. <br />
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A scientist interested in moss could spend a few hours counting species here.<br />
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Out on the south facing slopes the early flowers are here. They are not bountiful but you never know what you are going to find. These slopes are braided with trails that wander along. Years of people following trails blazed by the likes of these little darlings<br />
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The tiny Small-flowered Blue Eyed Mary , <i>Collinsia parviflora</i> is always first to appear. <br />
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Another figwort, Yellow Monkey-flower <i>Mimulus guttatus </i>is just getting started. It almost feels too dry for them. They seem to like a soggy ground.<br />
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I found a few Gold Star, <i>Crocidium multicaule</i> and was happy to catch a busy fly on this one<br />
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The cooler woods still have a surprise. I love mushrooms in all their detail and was very happy with these pictures.<br />
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Some day I would love to learn to stalk the savory mushroom. For now I leave them for the Douglas Squirrels.<br />
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Speaking of stalking<br />
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He was watching Harbor Seals probably hoping for some leftovers. The Harbor Seals were probably enjoying smelt, which are running now. Yum smelt..... I have not made smelt is such a long time.<br />
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I am sure I will be up here almost every week waiting for the orchids and lily to appear. I need to think about when to tackle the slopes of eastern Washington. They have much colder nights, but warmer days and in a week or two it may be time to travel back to Snow Mountain ranch near Yakima. Last time I went I was caught in a snow and hail shower. <br />
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Might have to wait for real Spring for that trip.Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com5Washington Park, 6300 Sunset Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221, USA48.493971202979345 -122.6990032196044948.488709702979342 -122.7090882196045 48.499232702979349 -122.68891821960449tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-57402742864173680592015-01-25T18:43:00.000-08:002015-11-01T16:14:45.175-08:00Beach Clean; Critters GaloreTime for the January Long Beach clean. The local community of Long Beach has a well organized volunteer group which makes every effort to care for the worlds longest beach. Some members of the community walk their portion of the 28 mile beach every day. Every January during the period of highest tides there is a call for a big community wide clean. This effort is repeated every April during Earth Day weekend and on the 5th of July.<br />
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In years past I have worked the beach strip in Long Beach proper. Other years I did the beach near my lodgings; Cranberry Approach. This year I opted to work on one of the more isolated areas.<br />
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The drive down was wet and rainy. It never let up. The radio promised weather in the 50s and possibly 60 by Sunday.<br />
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Hard to believe this weather is going to turn into 55+. Waiting for a train in the rain.<br />
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I was happy to see the little Thai restaurant open after the owners long vacation. These women present the best food with a real charm. From Thanksgiving to Christmas they were enjoying a trip to their homeland.<br />
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Saturday morning dawned as usual. It was not raining so that was a bonus. I elected to wear my windbreaker pants and coat and a fleece hat. No thermal layers, no waterproofs.<br />
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The fog was settled and this was about as good as it got all day.<br />
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This gentleman and his dog walk the beach every day and pick. He was the only citizen aside from me for the first half hour. Eventually we were joined by others and some of the neighbors who live on the beach were seen coming down from their property and work around the front of their properties. My fleece hat was soon in my pouch and the coat undone. I could feel the warm. There was no wind at all.<br />
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It is a worthy effort. Tons of debris comes ashore each year and tons are removed by volunteers. A majority of the debris these days are bite-sized plastics. Caps, broken shards of plastic junk. Several years ago it was tsunami debris; line, floats, household goods. This line has likely been at sea for some time. That is a small Goosneck Barnacle.<br />
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Very rare was the large debris like plastic bags or bottles.<br />
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I did find this little treasure<br />
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Picked two bags which were left for pickup and decanted 1/2 bag to the pickup truck and carried out 1/2 bag for a total of three bags. Almost all of it plastic. It is easy to spot. Bright blue dominates. Anything perfectly symmetrical or evenly colored is likely man-made.<br />
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The beach changes every day. Tides roll in and out giving and taking. The winds can cover over debris and treasures overnight. Sometimes you can spot something just by the way the sand in mounded.<br />
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This winter has been hard on the sea-life. In December it was noted that seabirds were being found dead of starvation in the hundreds. The persistent warm front in the NE Pacific may have driven their food out of reach They are still being found. I easily found 20 small petrels, two gulls and what I think is a shearwater.<br />
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These gulls are gathered around what appears to be a young Elephant Seal. These seals are known to stray north from California and perhaps the warm systems led it astray as well. The Ravens and gulls were feasting.<br />
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A Merlin falcon flew up off the beach as I worked. This was its handwork.<br />
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The day never cleared and I went in search of a bookstore and lunch. After recharging, another short walk on the beach with bag in tow.<br />
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This morning it was sunshine all the way home and the promised 60 degree weather overdid itself. I note that it was 73 degrees near the Willapa Bay NWR and 64 at the beach.<br />
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Cranberry bog in the morning.<br />
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Next trip for beach clean is in April for Earth Day. It will probably snow.Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com2Pacific County, WA, USA46.474517206814127 -124.0600204467773446.45264620681413 -124.10036094677734 46.496388206814125 -124.01967994677734tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-75331217622358370332014-12-17T15:41:00.000-08:002014-12-20T16:20:16.103-08:00There Was No PartridgeI spent the morning with the Nisqually Land Trust working on the historic Van Eaton property in Eatonville. This property borders the Mashel River and consists of the old farm barn and pond along with forest and tiers of land which run down to the river. The Land Trust donated the historic barn and pond to the town.<br />
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Today we had a great turn-out. A group from Edmonds Community College was with us. These students were not traveling during the holiday break and had the option to do community service and have experiences related to their school work. They were staying up the road at Pack Forest and had already done a full days work there.<br />
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We have visited this property several times over the last few years focusing on Scots Broom. My partner and I were assigned the clearing where major work had been done before. We were to scout for new growth and grab up as many as possible.<br />
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It was challenging work as the grass is well grown up and finding the green growth within the tall grass meant we did a lot of slow walking back and forth, scanning for unwanteds<br />
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My shoulders ache<br />
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As I was prowling along I found this shiny brown object.<br />
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At first glance I thought it was a mushroom of some kind but looking closely I tipped up the chewed on side..<br />
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It is a pear. A very large very substantial pear. Around this area I found more, some were just skins with all the flesh eaten out.<br />
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These wonderful trees ringing the opening are the remainders of the original orchard. Most likely these moss and lichen covered pear trees are at least 100 years old.<br />
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If you look very closely at the top of that right arching branch you can see one pear hanging on. I bet they would make great cider.<br />
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After gleaning the meadow we moved on to tackle the blackberry that has invaded the shoreline and backwater areas on the river.<br />
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Saw plenty of evidence of deer, Elk and Coyote in the meadow...<br />
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but not a single Partridge.Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com4Eatonville, WA 98328, USA46.861276758360205 -122.2824668884277346.8585622583602 -122.28750938842774 46.863991258360208 -122.27742438842773tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-49405299438416976702014-11-16T15:09:00.000-08:002014-12-20T16:18:50.089-08:00Live StakesSaturday I returned to a project area I talked about last Spring. We had spent a fine Spring morning burlapping to supress Reed Canary grass.<br />
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Now is the time to get native plants placed in this area. Fast growing plants to fill in this open side channel will help to further choke down the Reed Canary grass. The cold, crisp weather continues and I ventured a look at the Mesonet weather report for the area. Seventeen degrees Fahrenheit with no wind (thank goodness). This is a terrific site and for planning a day out it cannot be beat. Temperature Wind High/Low rainfall all in one handy place.<br />
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http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mesowest/<br />
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Didn't need the Mesonet to tell me what my car window could. Armed with a nice cup of coffee in my thermos mug I drove down to Yelm, enjoying a lovely clear blue sunrise. I was early, as usual and wandered around the meeting area. <br />
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You know it is DARN cold out when a glacier fed river is warmer than the surrounding area and sending up wisps of warmer vapors.<br />
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The ground is covered in Big-leaf Maple leaves and samaras.<br />
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This one is a science experiment in the making as the seed is down in a hole in this post. The surrounding moss guarantees that it will stay insulated and moist. I wonder if it will sprout?<br />
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Today's group included 20 gentlemen from McChord AFB. Young troops and their leaders, these helpers from the base are always eager to work and work hard. One was from El Paso Texas and had never experienced woodlands like we have here. <br />
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The backwater area still has burlap in place and the grasses were tamed down. The beavers who contributed to some of this side-channels construction appear to have moved out of the area in the last season. They left behind an empoundment deeper in the woods that made out usual woodland trail no longer available. We hiked about 1/2 mile along a service road to access the property area.<br />
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Today we are driving live stakes of three native Salix willow species; Pacific Sitka and Scoulers. These stakes were cut from growing plants. The beveled end is plunged into the ground half the length of the stick, which was about 2 feet long. Nodes that make contact with the moist soil will sprout roots, above ground the nodes will send out branches. <br />
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The ground is soft here and there are hardly any stones. A drive bar starts a hole and you simply plunge it in. A few good whacks with the mallet and the live stake is planted. Charlie and I placed the stakes on the steep portions of the creek bank.<br />
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Charlies neoprene hip-waders made this pretty comfortable duty.<br />
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Others working in teams of 4 or 5 placed the willows along the top of meandering bank. There are hidden pitfalls in this area thanks to the handy work of the beavers and the coverage of the Reed Canary grass. Occasional jeering and hoots were heard from the troops when someone came afoul of a slippery place. Happy to say there was only one soggy leg and I believe it was that of an officer which no doubt delighted the younger airmen.<br />
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The live stakes were driven then protected with the usual tubes and wooden stakes. This keeps rodents from chewing and enjoying. A further application of latex paint mixed with sand followed. This can be a good beaver deterrent.<br />
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It took about 2 hours to plant over 450 stakes. What a treat to have such a good turn out of help on such a cold day. No one really felt the cold, the sun and activity once again made this a pleasure.<br />
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Added bonus is that it is a pretty peaceful place. It is going to be fun to watch this area quickly transform into a more complete habitat. Willows grow fast and they are wonderful habitat for many of our native songbirds like warblers and flycatchers. We will be returning in a few months to place transition plants like Salmonberry and roses as well as some tree species.<br />
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Within a few years this place is going to be totally transformed.<br />
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Back in my car, the thermos mug did its job and my morning coffee is still warm. Isn't technology grand.<br />
<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com3Thurston County, WA, USA46.939128821279716 -122.5667381286621146.933707821279718 -122.57682312866211 46.944549821279715 -122.55665312866211tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-81868409873974422042014-11-13T16:55:00.000-08:002014-12-20T16:20:05.664-08:00Berry ColdA combination of a typhoon remnant running into Alaska and the benefit of high mountains to our east we have been socked by the first cold snap of the season.<br />
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The pressure of the storm in Alaska has shifted a low pressure mass out of the Arctic and into the east. As this mass comes south the pressure differences set up. East of the Cascades, cold high pressure to the , warmer low pressure over us in the west. Gaps in the Cascade range sets up a funnel for the high pressure to run into the low. Columbia Gorge is famous for the fierce winds which come with these events. The Enumclaw Gap is another. Wednesday people awoke to downed trees and power lines for 40 - 60 mph winds. This high wind and its cloudless sky has removed our insulating blanket and overnight we have gone from typical 50's to barley making it out of the 30s.<br />
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So heading out to a land trust work party, the mornings rising sun could not do away with this. I love the feathery ice patterns on the glass. Happily it defrosts in a jiffy.<br />
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Driving south the freeway was fine but rounding the corner at Kent I met the outpouring of winds from the Enumclaw Gap. They were light, relative to what had passed through overnight but trees were whipping and bending and my car danced a bit along the road.<br />
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I stopped for hand warmers to share with co-workers<br />
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This new property was donated by a private citizen. It is her hope that in the long term we can return the 40+ acres to what it was in her youth. Today we got started by attacking the blackberry that has over-run this clearcut land<br />
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I left my work gloves at home, they need a bath from last weekends work party. I pulled a leather and fleece combo, just a thing for a cold and sticker filled day like this.<br />
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Blackberry can rapidly overtake cleared areas. Here we have a lot of native plant mixed in so one has to be careful about attacking anything with thorns for good natives like Salmonberry and Snowberry are desired. Even our native Trailing Blackberry is here. It was doing a good job of running and blending in with the undesirable Himmalayan and Mountain ( cut-leaf) blackberry.<br />
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We attack the job. I use a shovel and a pair of clippers. Trim down the long vines and try to get it into some kind of pile, then dig out the root ball.<br />
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Two gas powered cutters were deployed to really attack the bushes that were growing thick and high.<br />
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Those Alder trees are totally engulfed by these plants with vines growing up and over the limbs at lease 12 feet up. The safety gear is needed for sure. There is nothing that saves you when you go hand to hand , however. Even the leather gloves did not save my hands from punctures and my arms and legs are covered in little scratches where thorns got through.<br />
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After the canes were cut through in the base two of us went in and worked out the puzzle of pulling the canes out of the high branches. Sometimes it was pretty straight forward pull this and it comes down. Other times it was sort of figuring out the layers and the ways they entwine. We succeeded, however in getting 5 trees cleared of they vine burden. <br />
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A Robin nest was inside this mass. They will have to make do next season with one of the areas nearer the woodsland<br />
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This property needs a lot of work and some plantings are already planned. By liberating the trees and freeing up the soil and light penetration for the native shrubby plants we already have a head start.<br />
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A cold sunny day and hard work go together. Much easier to work hard when you don't fight the rising temperatures. <br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com2Pierce County, WA, USA46.978378465722621 -122.4334430694580146.972961465722619 -122.44352806945801 46.983795465722622 -122.423358069458tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-4899595916320106102014-11-02T07:56:00.000-08:002014-12-20T16:20:47.769-08:00Landtrust MagicIt is the time of year when my work with the Nisqually Land Trust shifts over to weekend volunteer events. There is ongoing work every day of the week with volunteer Wednesdays staying popular with school, corporate and some members. I have been able to join on a couple of Wednesdays due to over accumulation of vacation days. I have to use them or lose them, so occasional days off, mid-week, keeps me on par. When I feel caught up, I will take something more afield.<br />
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We work, rain or shine. I can only remember one event cancelled and that was for frozen ground, a rare event here. I joke that there is a bit of magic in the Nisqually basin that makes the rain stop at 9am and resume again at noon. So often threatening weather seems to pause for the morning. When it is bad weather, it always seems to be not so very bad. The few times it has <u>really</u> rained, it did not matter for we were in deep woods.<br />
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Last Saturday I joined a small work party on a new property in Eatonville. This little wedge of land goes right to the edge of the Mashel River and the old pasture was starting to support Scots Broom. School children were going to come and plant native shrubs and trees but first we wanted to get a head start on pulling broom. <br />
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It was raining fairly well when I left at 7am but as I got further south, it was lightening up to a simple sprinkle. Arriving at the site I donned my rainproof pants and discovered I had left my jacket at home. Somewhere in the recent weeks I had brought in the supplies for washing and never returned them. Ah well, I thought, I was going to get wet and sweaty anyway so why bother.<br />
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We got ourselves together, had a warming cup of coffee and bravely pushed on across the road.<br />
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And the rain stopped.<br />
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Scots Broom, introduced and encouraged for some foolish reason is a foul invasive that seems to have no normal enemy. Fire will not suppress it for the seeds endure. To make the task of getting these beasts from the ground we use everyone's favorite gadget, a Weed Wrench / Root Jack.<br />
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Clamp the base, pull the lever, toss uprooted invasive aside. Great therapy for whatever frustration ails you.<br />
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We worked for about 15 minutes then stopped. Layers were coming off for the sky went from rainy to this<br />
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The property, facing full east, quickly warmed up and before long we were sharing a gallon of water. Everyone got slower and slower and by noon we had a pooped out, over-dressed work party and four huge mounds of broom.<br />
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We returned to the cars and sure enough, it began to rain.<br />
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Yesterday was the annual Ohop Valley planting. This is my favorite property and I have featured it several times. This day we are planting further south in the valley. The plants from prior work in the area are still quite small, not the impressive regrowth of the areas planted five years ago.<br />
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Having worked on these projects for some time it is rewarding to return to this property in particular where you can see the beautiful red barn up the valley disappear behind the luxurious regrowth of bottomland trees and shrubs.<br />
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Volunteers of all ages and experience join. There was a lot of coffee and Halloween candy for all.<br />
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This year seems like a smaller crew than usual but no matter. There is plenty of hands to get the job done. Once again the weather threatens, but never happens. It remained foggy and cloudy the whole morning. People were pulling off waterproofs and dragging them along as the army progressed.<br />
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We planted cedars, firs, pines, rose, willow, snowberry and cottonwood. The soil was mercifully free of rock and was perfect for digging and planting. The plants were beautifully done in one gallon pots. We found plenty of worms in the potting mix and some plants had little mushrooms and good bugs like spiders and springtails to add to the ecology.<br />
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We started at the far end of this section and worked our way back to the vans. There was a reason for this, the area near the vans was quite wet and every hole dug quickly had water seep in to the bottom. Shovels and gloves were covered in mud. When you stepped in your finished plant, it seemed to sink into the ground a bit further, which is not good for the plant. But they will love the wet rich soil.<br />
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If you think this is impressive , you should see the rest of the elephant.<br />
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It was a great morning of good work, good cheer and silly jokes.Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com2Pierce County, WA, USA46.858782451895046 -122.3502731323242246.847925451895044 -122.37044313232421 46.869639451895047 -122.33010313232423tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-88053860871933930252014-10-12T13:16:00.001-07:002014-12-20T16:21:45.498-08:00Sunday rambleAfter yesterdays wild weather it was good to get out from a walk in the woods. Here in my neighborhood we had some pretty good wind along with thunder and driving rain. Down the Sound there was a waterspout that showed enough rotation that a tornado alert was triggered. Check out the video from the Nisqually Nature Center. It shows the spot from interesting clouds to funnel.<br />
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http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Waterspout-triggers-first-Puget-Sound-tornado-warning-in-17-years-278905011.html?tab=video&c=y<br />
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Professor Mass has posted a discussion about the funnel<br />
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http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2014/10/waterspout-hits-southern-puget-sound.html<br />
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It has been about 50 years since the Columbus Day Storm which saw a F3 tornado hit the Kent valley, so they can happen here.<br />
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And that is why I love this time of year. warm days that make you think summer will never end followed by crisp nights and foggy mornings.<br />
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We don't get the fantastic color in our natural environment, but the local ornamental trees are busting out with colors.<br />
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Our woods are more about a slow and quiet change from green to yellows, browns and blacks.<br />
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I went over to Cougar Mountain Park for a couple hours of rambling. After yesterdays rain the trails, covered with Big-leaf maple leaves are just perfect. The leaves are not crispy, so they are not great for shoofling through. They do, however, make nice quite stepping. Easier to hear what is about.<br />
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The mushrooms are coming on. So many shapes and sizes.<br />
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Tall shiny ones<br />
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Big shaggy ones<br />
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tiny dew covered ones<br />
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and Angel Wings, the ones you want to pick and take home<br />
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I leave them for the critters. Douglas Squirrels and Flying Squirrels will harvest and take these for drying. You will sometimes find them out at the end of fir tree branches, drying.<br />
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Feeding flocks were out and about with Gold and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, the chickadees,nuthatch and Hairy Woodpeckers all over the place. Tree Frogs could be heard most everywhere, impossible to spot.<br />
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This Woolly Bear was easy to find.<br />
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The trails in the park go every which way and a walk all the way out the Wild Side Trail takes you to the entrance of the old Ford Slope Mine.<br />
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It is hard to imagine the saw mill, mine support structures and the town that was once in these woods. Nature has done a pretty wonderful job of covering it all over. These mine entrances pop up, usually with suitable warning signs showing Mr Stick Man in peril.<br />
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One can ramble for hours on many trails. There are good water features here. Even after yesterdays rain, it will take a while longer before we can expect good running creeks. A few of the bridges had shallow rivulets under them. <br />
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Given the forecast for the week ahead, the water will rise soon enough.<br />
I love this time of year.<br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-22317948007315160672014-08-31T15:44:00.000-07:002014-12-20T16:23:14.657-08:00Fair DayNot a sprinkle in sight today so headed for the fair<br />
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Who knew Llamas could drive<br />
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Craft and Grange, always colorful. The Dahlia was the supreme champion and my photo does not do justice.<br />
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Tricky little critters to photograph</div>
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Mechanical things for guys big and small</div>
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I'm not sure I knew there were Hairy sheep.</div>
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But certainly know about "woolly" goats. There was an excellent display of different hairs, wools and furs. The angora goats only outdone by bunny fur<br />
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This lovely Brown Swiss won many awards through the morning.<br />
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These little peewees were champion and reserve does. They had to have their ear tattoos inspected and recorded.<br />
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At the wash rack<br />
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Nap time<br />
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Fun time<br />
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Snack Time<br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com2Snohomish County, WA, USA47.866386235709975 -121.9895267486572347.863723235709976 -121.99456924865723 47.869049235709973 -121.98448424865722tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-31524643551818051412014-07-27T13:02:00.000-07:002014-12-20T16:23:42.546-08:00Berry ScoutingI took Lil Blue out for a spin along the Snoqualmie River Trail, Duvall to Carnation. <br />
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It was super early to beat the heat and I pretty much had the trail to myself. The air was almost chilly to start<br />
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Along the way I noted the bounty of Blackberry, always present in areas like this.<br />
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I think it is going to be a banner year. Many berries already dark and needing just another week of hot sunny day to convert those sugars and loosen up. The forecast is for a good solid week of no rain, so first pick should be next weekend. <br />
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After first pick, which will go into flavored vodka making, there will be waves and waves of berries to come on. Today I note plenty of green and red berries, enough to make a long season<br />
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Birds were everywhere and Robins lead the way. They gorge on these berries and I saw some evidence that Coyote were here about as well.<br />
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Peter Rabbit was plotting his attack on the bounty too. Cottontails dashed and darted across the trail.<br />
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I peddled into Carnation and stopped for a decaf (aren't I wild ) before beginning the five miles back. Along the way I could feel that point where the rising sun had burned off enough fog and it was the start of another warm day.Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com2King County, WA, USA47.730087095193056 -121.9894409179687547.687353595193059 -122.07012191796875 47.772820595193053 -121.90875991796875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-9605580440656680472014-07-04T11:45:00.001-07:002014-12-20T16:24:26.353-08:00Meet Little BlueA new toy and option for getting out and about.<br />
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This is Little Blue, a Dahon Vitesse folding bike. Seven speed weighs slightly less than 30 lbs.<br />
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They say you never forget how to ride a bike. I have not ridden since I was a kid, when I use to ride everywhere on my 1 speed, coaster break bike. Aside from a brief ride on a bike at the beach, nothing. But it does appeal to me in a somewhat limited way. I am not full of the courage that road bikers have, nor the athletic ability of those mountain bikers. No for me a paved bike path is just my speed.<br />
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I took my first ride today. Part of the fun is figuring our where to adjust the seat and handle bar height to. Next is how to sit in the saddle. I am a horsewoman and have sat in many saddles, good and bad. This one is going to take some getting use to. Finding where the sweet spot is will take time. There is always an option to try a different type.<br />
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I drove to Woodinville, the town north of me and headed south on the Sammamish Slough trail, back to Redmond. I was going to head north but my neighbor encouraged me to try the southbound track first.<br />
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It is a pretty trail down the valley. There are several truck farms and small properties on one side of the slough, the other side is more light industrial and there is a large golf course. Most of the way, these are hidden behind trees and shrubs.<br />
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The trail is popular and I really wished I had a sign on my back saying Olde Fart Beginner. The speedsters race up from behind (on left on left) and the joggers and strollers are always present. I made several stops on my way south to enjoy seeing and hearing birds<br />
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There was a large encampment at the soccer fields. Tents, cars from all over the western US and shouts and yells. I thought at first a soccer tournament, but as I got close I saw that they were throwing Frisbees. I asked one woman " Frisbee soccer?" She was a bit aghasted that I did not know "Ultimate Frisbee"</div>
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The whole of the area was ringed with tents. It looks like they are set for a fun, long weekend.</div>
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Other people were out having fun. This looks like a good team building activity. I could get with this.</div>
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I was surprised not to see kayaks and only these two paddle board riders.</div>
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A popular trail gets attention and along the way there were a lot of very nice footbridges and some public art.</div>
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So a two hour round trip is under my belt. My first impression , I would have rather have jumped on a strange young horse. I felt pretty much out of water. Like riding a horse, you do better if you keep your eyes up and ahead. Balance comes to me better when I have something to push against when peddling, so I explored learning the gears and what suits when . The smaller wheels react pretty quickly to a change of balance and I had one brief panic when a speedster snuck up behind me.</div>
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I could feel it in my hands and wrists (numb) and now feel it a little in my shoulder, so conditioning into this is vital. I raised my handlebar height on the return leg of my ride so I will start out higher next time.</div>
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I am hoping Little Blue can come with me and explore some areas not so easily reached on foot or by car. There are some nice trails in eastern Washington that go along old rail beds and get you into some interesting countryside. There is , of course, the 14 mile trail at Long Beach half of which covers some real gain as you climb up to Cape Disappointment. </div>
Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com2Cottage Lake, WA, USA47.75109722475338 -122.1648788452148447.729740724753377 -122.20521934521484 47.772453724753383 -122.12453834521484tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-1545745958768369232014-07-03T16:23:00.000-07:002014-12-20T16:25:20.882-08:00Bonjour Swaledale!While much of the world is busy watching the World Cup, a little corner of England is saying " Bonjour " to the Tour de France. The first leg of the race is in Yorkshire running from Leeds to Harrowgate. They will head north into Yorkshire Dales National Park and be running south down the Swaledale. <br />
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During my journey on the Coast to Coast Path last year, this leg through Swaledale was one of my favorite. Starting with a lovely hike up and over Nine Standards Rigg and a stay at the wonderful Keld Lodge.<br />
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The hike down the dale was chosen so I could divert to Muker to visit Swaledale Woolens, where I was forced to buy a hand-knit sweater.<br />
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http://www.swaledalewoollens.co.uk/<br />
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The dale was a lovely and picturesque as you would imagine starting at the ruins of Crackpot Hall<br />
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and through fields and across a ton of stiles of all shapes and sizes. This was the path to Muker.<br />
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I ripped my favorite hiking pants on this style, the day-lit gap is not more than 6 inches<br />
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Everywhere there were sheep of the most friendly temperament<br />
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Here is a map of the course. I hope it is a lovely day and that I can find a glimpse of the race, simply to relive some of the beauty of what I remember as one of my favorite part of the trail.<br />
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http://tdf.roadworks.org/Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com3Craven District, North Yorkshire, UK54.162433968067809 -2.0874023437553.86446096806781 -2.73284934375 54.460406968067808 -1.4419553437500001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-13607712328964880142014-06-22T11:31:00.000-07:002014-12-20T16:26:21.843-08:00Thank you KarenOnce again our outdoor community has lost a guiding light. Karen Sykes; author photographer and hiking guru to many, was lost on Mt Rainier this week. I never met her in person but her book, Best Wildflower Hikes was my first hiking guidebook. Forums and blogs are filled with tribute to her wisdom, energy and fabulous storytelling.<br />
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Thank you Karen for opening up many areas to me and taking me to places I would not have imagined. I look forward to someday visiting more of the areas you told me about.<br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-1352173114383878332014-05-25T12:23:00.000-07:002014-12-20T16:27:35.256-08:00Like Here, Only Different ~ There's A Hole In The Bottom Of The SeaThis has been a long day on the Golden Circle Tour. <br />
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I could only pick one activity and I wanted to get out and see nature and the marvels of this land. This tour gives only a little taste, but what a taste it is<br />
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https://www.re.is/day-tours/the-golden-circle<br />
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This is a day with a bit of variety.<br />
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We started with a visit to a geothermal greenhouse and see how fresh vegetables are grown year round using the natural heat generated from the volcanic resources. Sorry about the photo orientation.<br />
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Plant seedlings are started in a separate greenhouse then brought into the planters with more mature plants. <br />
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The greenhouse is heated with geothermal heat and the water is processed secondarily. Lights are also powered with geothermal and turbine generated power. The plants are not hydroponic, but are rooted into large peat bales. Water is dripped into the bails and runoff is collected and recycled.<br />
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Vines climb 25cm per week and when in production, the tomatoes are harvested, packaged and transported to town every day. <br />
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Bees are brought in from Belgium and used for pollination. The are charming, fat round and fuzzy, unlike our common honeybee. They produce small bulbous cones and the owner says they sometimes make use of the small amount of tomato honey. Parasitic wasps help keep flies out of the fruit.<br />
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Completely organic and very environmentally sound.<br />
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Gullfoss (golden falls) is a magnificent waterfall dropping staircase fashion and appearing to disappear.<br />
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The Wiki page has some wonderful photos of the winter falls, which must be something to see<br />
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullfoss<br />
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The falls cascade down with amazing flow and speed. As there was freezing in the mountains last week, I assume the Spring run off is just getting underway.<br />
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Early in the 1900s this area was under speculation for a damming. One young woman who lived nearby fought very hard to have the areas natural wonders preserved. Her devotion was complete, including tracking to the city to meet with officials.<br />
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We stopped in Haukadalur to see geysers. Geysir is one of the larger ones and it is from it we get the general term. Geysir is derived from a word that means "to gush"<br />
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haukadalur<br />
Geyser itself no longer erupts like it once did. Earthquakes have changed its character.<br />
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Nearby Strokkur is reliable and erupts with high frequency.<br />
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The whole of the basin is filled with small thermal pools, springs and bubbling pots. Temperatures are around 90C, near boiling. Some of the thermal pools deposit minerals and are a stunning color, even on this stormy day.<br />
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Thingvellir National Park is where we find the hole from the bottom of the sea. Plate tectonics which create the Mid-Atlantic Rift rise from the ocean and cross Iceland. It is here that the North American Plate and the Eurasian plates are splitting apart by several centimeters per year.<br />
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There really is a hole. A long Tear Along The Dotted Line rift.<br />
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http://www.thingvellir.is/english.aspx<br />
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Eingvellir<br />
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This is a crack of the Eurasian plate
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This is the North American plate boundary.<br />
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People actually come and scuba dive in the cracks and chasms.<br />
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Thingvellir is the birthplace of Iceland. It is where the first people held Parliament. The word "thing" originated from this place word. "Thing" originally a word in abstract; talk and consider the subject / issue at hand. Only later did the word start to mean an item.<br />
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Getting out into the environment was a treat. It is wild, complex and ever changing. Moses, lichens short grasses dominate. Lupins are the main plant along with small shrubby trees which appear to be willow family. I even spotted some wild Viola<br />
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Icelandic Horses were seen frequently and we saw more of the sheep that produce wool. Most of the ewes have new lambs and it appears that twins are the norm.<br />
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Tomorrow it is time to return home and back to my work-a-day world.<br />
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It has been quite a time. Now it is time to dream up another adventure.<br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com2South, Iceland64.2445947679819 -21.0937563.802423267981894 -22.3846435 64.6867662679819 -19.8028565tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-22976280837195980262014-05-24T14:23:00.000-07:002014-12-20T16:28:21.612-08:00Like Here, Only Different ~ A Wee DiversionWhen making plans for this holiday I chatted about traveling with a co-worker. She and her husband were planning a trip to London and Paris and told me they were flying Iceland Air. She mentioned that one could lay-over in Reykjavik with no additional charge on the airfare. When I checked it out the round trip fare was certainly a great deal on its own, the opportunity to have a brief visit even more so.<br />
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So here I am, landed in the afternoon and able to have a full day tomorrow with an exciting tour of the Golden Circle. I am staying right near the center of town in the shopping district. Center Hotel Klopp <br />
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http://www.centerhotels.com/our-hotels/hotel-klopp<br />
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I have my priorities. My first is finding a nice Icelandic sweater. Icelandic Handknit Society is two blocks away. So many items labeled Icelandic may be made of Iceland wool and in traditional patterns, but they are knit in far off places rather right here by traditional hand knitters. Like the sweater I picked up last Summer at Swaledale Woolens, I am looking for a sweater I can wear for years to come. I could only window shop today as my flight out of London was an hour late. There is ample time if we get in from tour early enough tomorrow, or Monday first thing.<br />
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I took the opportunity to simply walk around and look at the interesting architecture and view some of the outdoor art. I was dismayed by how much graffiti there is. Senseless. Many buildings are painted in bright colors or fronted with colored aluminum.<br />
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This pretty house had a nice yard and it had bird feeders and water feature. Highly unusual and right in the center of the busy shopping neighborhood. I was excited to see a blooming flower related to or checker lily. Of course I oriented my camera incorrectly.<br />
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I took a walk around. It is pretty windy and gray with sprinkles. <br />
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Along the harbor this viking boat sculpture.<br />
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In the harbor Coast Guard and industry ships of all types<br />
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The abstract Harpa Concert Hall is difficult to capture.<br />
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Many of the sculptures around town are of the same modernist school .<br />
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Around town coffee café culture is huge. This shop is said to be the oldest coffee shop, dating to the early 50s<br />
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Hallgrimskirkja took 34 years to build. The spire is visible for 20Km. The observation platform in the spire costs a small amount to ride to and those funds are used for charity. A gray cement building in a gray sky.<br />
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That is our friend Leif in he front.<br />
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I am looking forward to seeing the natural wonders on tomorrows trip. Currently I am listening to the movie "Ice Age II" dubbed in Icelandic. It is holding my interest for now.<br />
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The sun sets sometime very late tonight and rises around 3am. My east facing room does not have blackout curtains. Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com1Reykjavik, Iceland64.143711903147761 -21.92836761474609464.129859403147762 -21.968708114746093 64.157564403147759 -21.888027114746095tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-63520218457487338872014-05-23T08:20:00.000-07:002014-12-20T16:29:10.752-08:00Like Here, Only Different ~ Walking London, Camden MarketCamden Market. Something for everyone. Street food from around the world. Cute little dresses for cute little ladies.<br />
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Go hungry.<br />
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Much of the market is in old stables. Many horse sculptures.<br />
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Row upon row of food stalls<br />
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Tons of building details.<br />
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Old lock canal house is now a Starbucks<br />
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Main street.<br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com0London Borough of Camden, Greater London, UK51.542224870216415 -0.1399898529052734451.537286870216413 -0.15007485290527345 51.547162870216418 -0.12990485290527343tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-7646139083142138462014-05-20T09:40:00.000-07:002014-12-20T16:29:47.133-08:00Like Here, Only Different ~ Day 7b Lamorna to PenzanceLamorna to Penzance 6 miles; Lamorna, Mousehole, Newlyn, Penzance, St Michaels Mount. I stay at The Pendennis Guest House<br />
www.thependennis.co.UK<br />
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My walk is done.<br />
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Today the weather turned. After a great breakfast I put on my waterproof gear and my long sleeve shirt and headed out in the opposite direction. The Merry Maidens stone circle is about 3/4 mile from the farm. It is the only authentic ancient circle on the route.<br />
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This pair of finches (?) were happy to sing in the rain<br />
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Todays walk started out up and down cliffs. Nothing horrible but the wet made me extra carefull on the boulders and rocks.<br />
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The rustic trail ends at Mousehole. (say "mowzl") This village, once an important fishing port now supports a thriving artists colony. A huge cave outside the village is said to have inspired the name. Dylan Thomas called Mousehole "the loveliest village in England". Records of the village go back to 1266 and the current quay dates to 1390. I have to agree, it was charming and tidy. <br />
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The town is filled with super narrow streets and little surprises around every corner.<br />
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I stopped for lunch at a pub and had to have a crab sandwich. I also had the best cup of coffee since I left home. There are tons of shops to look in and it was no practical to try to take anything away. <br />
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Newlyn it the next town and is another artists colony supporting many galleries. The fishing port dates back to 1435. Fishing boats were coming and going. All along the front street were fishmongers and fishery related businesses.<br />
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This boat arriving had a huge flock of Gull's in tow. That is St Michael's Mount in the background.<br />
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The long run-in to Penzance is along a waterfront bike path. We are off the cliffs and at sea-level.<br />
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East of town is Marazion and it is from there that one can visit St Michaels Mount, a 14th century Benedictine Priory. Records of the island date back to 1st century BC where they show that tin was loaded to ships from here. It is possible to walk to the island at low tide via a causeway. When the tide is up there is a little shuttle boat.<br />
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http://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/<br />
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Tomorrow it is the train back to London. A few days to relax then one more wee adventure.<br />
<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com0Penzance, Cornwall, UK50.1190371656557 -5.541572570800781250.0986781656557 -5.5819130708007814 50.1393961656557 -5.5012320708007811tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-38611258810765038692014-05-19T08:42:00.002-07:002014-12-20T16:30:42.787-08:00Like Here, Only Different ~ Day 6b Porthcurno to LamornaPorthcurno to Lamorna 5 miles; Porthcurno, Tater Du Lighthouse, Lamora.<br />
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I am staying at Trenergow Farmhouse<br />
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http://www.lamorna.biz/<br />
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My room has a canopy bed!<br />
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This stretch of coast has a sub-tropical and it will not be unusual to see gardens with palms and other warm weather loving species. The way, however is filled with ups, downs and many boulder scrambles.<br />
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Though only five or six miles, it is comprised of five headlands which must be climbed up then climbed down. Up I don't mind so much, it is the irregular down which puts a ton of pressure on the knees.<br />
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This is the last day of fair weather. Tomorrow it is guaranteed rain. You can feel the humidity and the low clouds never burned off.<br />
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The view of the sea from my room window will not be filled with sunset tonight.<br />
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There are flat heath upland being managed for bird conservation. The Gorse and other large shrubs have been trimmed down and a small herd of Dartmoor Ponies are in place to keep the area grazed.<br />
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Coming down from a headland you are usually treated with another climb. Today one cove served as a landing for some fishermen.<br />
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Penberth Cove.<br />
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I thought that the catch would be crab or lobster since all along the way there were pots being tended.<br />
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I stopped to chat with a fisherman who was having his catch weighed.<br />
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Beautiful mackerel!<br />
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Just a little cove with some working buildings and a cottage. Lovely<br />
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Some of the tops and edges had oak and maple woods. Most of the way was high hedges and a lot of nettle. Cropland comes right up to the edges.<br />
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Four and a half hours and I am at Lamorna Cove. I decided dinner tonight might have to be a loose affair, so I had a bowl of crab and fish soup (wonderful with a touch of heat) and a nice salad. Plus two massive hunks of homemade bread. I tucked a bread away and bought a bottle of cider.<br />
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Cider, cheese, bread and apple for dinner.<br />
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It was a day filled with little things to enjoy. The Tater Du Lighthouse.<br />
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Many singing birds including this Chaffinch.<br />
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The extra long 1 1/2 mile up the valley and across the plateau to the farm took me past the Lamorna Wink, a pub really in the middle of nowhere. The little valley has been home to many artists but the Wink goes further back. Obviously the fish and shellfish industry has long been part of these many coves, which we will see again tomorrow. The Wink is closed tonight so I planned correctly for dinner. The only option would be about 3 miles round trip walk.<br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com0Saint Buryan, Cornwall, UK50.062208196274341 -5.564489364624023450.05711169627434 -5.5745743646240236 50.067304696274341 -5.5544043646240233tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-75767745650772390002014-05-18T10:02:00.001-07:002014-12-20T16:31:33.579-08:00Like Here, Only Different ~ Day 5b Sennen Cove to PorthcurnoSennen Cove to Porthcurno 6 miles Lands End , Porthgwarra ,St Levans Church, Porthcurno Telegraph Museum, Minack Theater, Porthcurno. I stay at SeaView House<br />
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http://www.seaviewhouseporthcurno.com/default.html<br />
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This is a fast day and there is a ton of things to see and do. The way holds a lot of promise of nature spotting as Gray Seals play hide n seek in the waves. All along this stretch the waves have formed land bridges and arches carved over the eons of time.<br />
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I am glad I returned to the trail exactly at Land's End. I turned left and started down the trail. I heard a bird chattering and there was a Chough! These rare birds have been holding on in the areas east in Devon. Recently they have been reintroduced to Cornwall.<br />
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A small, slim Crow-like bird with a bright red, curved bill and bright red legs. This bird had leg rings on for identification.<br />
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The bird goose-steped around and probed and flipped the turf looking for food. The whole time chattering away. I am sure as soon as the crowds showed up he would have pushed off to quieter ground.<br />
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The way is short and fast and Porthcurno comes up quickly. I strolled along as slow as I could. I sat and watched a Navy helicopter do a rescue drill far off shore. They lifted a stretcher up to the chopper and later I saw them lowering a man on to a smaller craft.<br />
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It is probable that this chopper was attached to the same unit that Prince William flew for. <br />
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As you can see, the weather is a touch cooler and there is a fine fog and light clouds are moving in. I was able to walk without my sun shirt and it was fresh and comfortable.<br />
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The coastline here is noticeably different. We are in the English Channel, but barely. The waves don't roll in as strongly as they did further north. All along this stretch, caves and pillars have been carved. There were no further mine relics, but there was a remnant Iron Age fortress just south of Lands End.<br />
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I managed to dawdle enough to get to Porthgwarra at noon. This was a pretty little cove with a patch of sand, a dozen or so houses to let and the "little place that sells cake". This gives you a feeling for what some of the trails are like. They are somewhat narrow and skirt right along the edges of the cliffs. There is no fence.<br />
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I had a slice of farmhouse cake. A stout vanilla cake with raisins and strawberries. A nice latte and a chat I whittled down the clock. It was delish and I have a source for preserved strawberries, so this cake goes in my mental "to-do" list.<br />
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The door if the shack had a sightings board reporting today's sightings of birds and sea mammals.<br />
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Walking away from the cafe I knew I only had a mile or so of easy walk to go.. My lodgings would not be ready until four. I could see St Levans Church and took the permissive path from the main trail to visit.<br />
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Here St Levans Church, a 12th century structure promises medieval Celtic carvings decorating the pews. Some are more contemporary, to blend in , but sea creatures are the main subjects.<br />
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The Porthcourno Telegraph Museum tells the story of the laying of the first trans-Atlantic telegraph cable. It landed here. There are also an underground WWII communication center was here. Sadly, however, the museum itself is closed for a remodel.<br />
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Minack Theatre is a unique venue. The amphitheater was carved from the stone hillside and outdoor theatre productions take place in the spring and summer. Tonight it is dark as they get ready to start a new production tomorrow. Just my luck, right? But there is a pretty garden with some unique plants.<br />
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It is Sunday and that means Sunday Roast at the pub. Typically this is roast meats and chicken, Yorkshire Pudding and vegetables and potatoes. It was OK, though I wish I had chosen pork over beef. I had a nice chat with two ladies who are also staying at the B&B.<br />
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The weather is changing and it is the land here that will decide what happens. This small strip of land is a type of banana belt, so I will have to carry my poncho the next two days.Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com0Saint Levan, Cornwall, UK50.046336920379659 -5.65109252929687550.025945420379657 -5.6914330292968751 50.066728420379661 -5.6107520292968749tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-39120453661134067842014-05-17T10:45:00.000-07:002014-05-29T07:14:20.269-07:00Like Here, Only Different ~ Day 4b Pendeen Watch to Sennen CovePendeen Watch to Lands End 13 miles I stay at Weavers B&B in Trevescan<br />
http://www.cornwallfarwest.co.uk/cfwweavers.htm<br />
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The trail today is a trip back through time. The start takes me back past the Geevor Tin mine and along the path we come to the Levant Mine then the Crown Mine.<br />
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Then we go further back in history to the ruined Kenidjack Castle.<br />
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http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/4906/kenidjack_castle.html<br />
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The castle bits are the high rocks, the structures are yet more mining relics.<br />
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The coast is dotted with these old settlements and outposts. With clear evidence of important resources nearby ( the mines) this wild area was clearly worth defending. It provided all the tin ore in the known world in ancient times and the mines remained active until South American resources became commercially viable. You can see many of the mine relics on Google Maps / Earth. From Lands End north to Pendeen you can see many round structures. The are not stone circles, the are open air shafts.<br />
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The authorities made sure we were aware.<br />
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Poor Mr Stickman.<br />
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I kept my ears open for birdsong and calls. The rare Chough nests someplace ( secret ) in the region and can be seen from here. A heritage breed cow has been brought here for grazing to help maintain the diversity of the plant environment. I saw some unique looking bovines, but no black crow with red legs.<br />
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Next stop is Cape Cornwall, once thought to be the most westerly point. Bronze Age artifacts have been found here. Ruins of St Helens Chapel, a medieval building are here as well. Further along the Ballow Barrow . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballowall_Barrow an ancient burial chamber.<br />
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Unfortunately, the Ballowall Barrow was not really viewable from the ground level. Photos I have seen look like the were taken from above. While at this spot I stopped and chatted with these ladies and patted there little mare.<br />
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Finally a long sweeping walk to Sennen Cove. The beach here invites sand walking, the first opportunity since St Ives. Once to Sennen Cove it is just a small hop to Lands End, the end of todays walk. I am staying at the crossroads about 1/2 mile away.<br />
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Haahaahaa. I pre-wrote that bit based on my guide notes. The way today was a mix of good footing, ups and downs and rocky bits. I thought very carefully about how I was feeling and how far I had to go. I decided to divert into St Just, about 1 1/2 extra miles, to visit the only ATM between here and trips end. I decided to get a dinner of bread, salami,cheese apple and wine. The dinner options from tonight's place is about a 2 mile round trip walk.<br />
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The way from St Just (pavement) then a tough bit of up and down with a fair amount of rock and boulder scramble. The way above the beach at Sennen Cove was soft sand. That is always a challenge to walk in, particularly in hiking boots.<br />
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By the time I got to Sennen Cove I was ready for this.<br />
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That is Cape Cornwall, the little land knob on the left, about 8 miles away. The sandy beaches (along the right in the shot) were crammed full as the weather is still stunningly hot. The cove is a working crabbing center.<br />
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This is today's new plant, an invasive called Hottentot Fig. It likes the sandy dune area so it is new to the trail.<br />
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Lands End has been built up with all the usual frivolous touristy things which my guide book says detract from the natural beauty of the place. <br />
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I agree, I could not get out of the complex fast enough.<br />
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I am totally content in this little B&B. The room is big and the bathroom is massive. It has A TUB! Also a power shower-head. Drying rack and hanging rack will allow hand washing my walking clothes ready for tomorrow.<br />
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We are turning left and heading easterly along the English Channel. The environment will get curious as we are heading into a rain shadow area a plants will stray towards the tropical. I saw palm trees and plants that were clearly tropical in the gardens in St Just.<br />
<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com0Sennen, Cornwall, UK50.065183476094077 -5.695939064025878950.06263547609408 -5.700981564025879 50.067731476094075 -5.6908965640258788tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-7556525346328536962014-05-16T09:20:00.000-07:002015-11-01T16:09:54.189-08:00Like Here, Only Different ~ Day 3b Zennor to Pendeen WatchZennor to Pendeen Watch, 7 miles: Zennor , Pendeen Lighthouse at Pendeen Watch , Geevor Tin Mine. Tonight I am staying at The Old Manse and dinner is at the North Inn<br />
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Last night, after dinner I revisited the church and graveyard. So quiet and peaceful.<br />
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Way over the way I could hear owls calling. By the time it was dark and I was tucked in bed, an owl was in the churchyard hooting away. It was a rough night of aching kneecaps and vivid, nightmarish dreams.<br />
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At breakfast, we all agreed that yesterday's walk was hellish. Today, I go 7 miles again but the rumor is that it is easier. I started with one of my precious Advil and a modified FryUp.<br />
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The way was much easier. The path was softer and there were many stretches of good path where you could really stride out.<br />
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And the views were spectacular.<br />
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The map this day comments more on boggy or rocky ground than spots of special views or historic value. The rocky cliff is actually the location of a prehistoric "fort" Bosnigran<br />
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All along the way there were ruined building's and rock walls that showed this area under agricultural use way back. This gent had the finest campsight I have seen in some time<br />
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The way was filled with old ruins of mine works. This sign was a little more detailed than the falling off the cliff icon of the other day.<br />
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Ruins popped up out of nowhere. You could see the all along the hilltops on the horizon.<br />
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This beauty is Cove Cottage. It hangs on the cliff and is really in the middle of nowhere. You can rent it. There is a sandy beach below.<br />
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Today the flowers of abundance, along with the bluebells and champion of yesterday, were yellow Primrose and Spring Squill, a tiny lily family member. Carpets of them.<br />
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I made great time. I had a nice sit down at lunchtime and a slow walk and chat with a local woman. She was doing a bird survey.<br />
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I don't think these were the birds she was looking for.<br />
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The lighthouse at Pendeen Watch is the end-point of the Coast Path part. I had another sit down and considered my options. I had a hankering for ice cream, but the ice cream vendor was not at the lighthouse<br />
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I considered the mine and decided I would go up through the complex, which takes me right to my lodgings. Tin and copper mining have been an active concern on the coast since the iron and bronze age. The old ruins of the mine remain and the modern mine is now a museum and education center.<br />
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This is a waterwheel which drove machines that crushed rock.<br />
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The Geevor Mine. http://www.geevor.com/<br />
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I passed through the bookstore on the way through the property. I found two little books, one a Flowers of Cornwall.<br />
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This is my puzzle flower of the day. I thought it was betony but a kind reader tells me it is Orchis mascula, Early Purple Orchid. When I originally looked at it I thought orchid, but it was a tired raggidy example and when I tried to compare my camera picture and the book I wavered. I see now where I went wrong with the basic arrangement of the flowers on stem.<br />
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Further inland the village of Pendeen, The Old Manse is my bed for the night.<br />
http://www.oldmansependeen.co.uk/clients/theoldmanse<br />
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The North Inn for dinner. This award winning pub is known for its curry. I can tell you the reputation is earned. The chicken and apricot curry was good, the lime pickles packed a whallop. Rattler Cider, the perfect compliment. I was advised to watch for this cider.<br />
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http://www.thenorthinnpendeen.co.uk/<br />
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My knees are feeling much better this afternoon. Spice will help I am sure.<br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com1Pendeen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19, UK50.151496322722842 -5.666027069091796950.141321822722844 -5.6861970690917971 50.16167082272284 -5.6458570690917966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-47279475255434149642014-05-15T09:59:00.000-07:002015-11-01T16:07:44.603-08:00Like Here, Only Different ~ Lifeboat DrillWednesday while walking in St Ives I saw a handsome , photogenic boat.<br />
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This is a lifeboat and Wednesday was drill day.<br />
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After dinner I went out and noticed an odd craft in the water. It had treads like an earthmover or a tank.<br />
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This is the machine that pulls the boat up into the big garage where they store it. Notice the person in the water. I was perplexed as this cove was filled with boats. The water is barely six to twelve inches deep!<br />
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I would have loved to stay out to watch them haul the boat in, but it had been a long day.<br />
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This morning the tide was even lower than last night. The pictures I had taken yesterday afternoon when I first arrived were clearly high tide.<br />
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This is a beautiful, lovely town. I didn't get to all the artist venues. There is a branch of the Tate Gallery here. Some of the shops had wonderful artwork. Perhaps when I get to Penzance there will be someplace that has prints that can be rolled in a tube for safe travels.<br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom50.208548992291014 -5.47256469726562550.127244992291011 -5.6339261972656249 50.289852992291017 -5.3112031972656251tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-5723775578158575982014-05-15T09:38:00.000-07:002015-11-01T16:11:51.164-08:00Like Here, Only Different ~ Day 2b St Ives to ZennorSt Ives to Zennor 7 miles St Ives , Trevalgan Stone Circle, The Carracks , Zennor and Sperris Quoits, St Senara Church. Tonight I stay at Tinners Arms and since it is Thursday, there will be live music and entertainment. www.tinnersarms.co.uk<br />
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Well we are back on familiar ground. Walking the National Trails of England are a distinct pleasure. Beautifully signed and easy to follow. There is also the wonderful Trailblazer books which have lavishly detailed maps that point out interesting things along the way.<br />
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Seven miles is not much in distance but this is some tough up and down walking. Last year a couple I met on the Coast to Coast Path ruefully remembered the up and downishness of this trail. The whole of the SW Coast Path covers 630 miles and fills three books. My guide said this is usually said to be the toughest leg of the whole path. A picnic lunch will be needed for there is nothing along the way but wild countryside.<br />
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So I mosied around town and picked up a pasty for lunch. I walked far enough to get out of town and at noon sat down for a lunch.<br />
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Nice place. Wonderful views<br />
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A sweet singer<br />
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Plenty of pretty flowers.<br />
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The way was as tough as the book and my travel companions said. Tough up and downs. Not as long or as steep as last weeks, but a lot of rocks and narrow footing that you had to watch and step carefully through. All the way was along cliff edge so there is a certain level of cautious moving.<br />
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B&Bs are usually not ready to receive check-in until 4 in the afternoon. My days plan had included a visit to the quoits which are a mile east from town, away from the coast path. I am, just to pooped and knee achy to climb up there. Besides, by the time I got here, it WAS after 4.<br />
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The Parish Church of St Senara is a mix of early Norman ( 1100's) and 13 and 15th century construction. <br />
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In the pews, kneeler pads were needleworker in pattern, many with quite distinctive design. In some pews there was a small basket of toys and books to keep a child busy.<br />
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Here a chair 600 years old called The Mermaids Chair.<br />
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D.H. Lawrence lived here and it is here he wrote Woman in Love. He said of Zennor<span style="text-align: justify;">"At Zennor one sees infinite Atlantic, all peacock-mingled colours, and the gorse is sunshine itself. Zennor is a most beautiful place: a tiny granite village nestling under high shaggy moor-hills and a big sweep of lovely sea beyond, such a lovely sea, lovelier even than the Mediterranean...It is the best place I have been in, I think"</span><br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com0Zennor, Cornwall, UK50.1905831038806 -5.566377639770507850.1855001038806 -5.5764626397705079 50.1956661038806 -5.5562926397705077tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2777101114780602339.post-68372459347188732922014-05-14T10:07:00.000-07:002014-05-14T10:08:10.925-07:00Like Here , Only Different ~ A Stroll in St Ives.Took a quick stroll around. A beautiful sunny day and the town is packed. <br />
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First stop was for a Cream Tea with strawberries.<br />
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Narrow twisty lanes and almost no street signs. The map is handy as it lists a lot of landmarks.<br />
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Pretty beach front. Beware the aggressive gulls. They will grab a pasty right from your hand.<br />
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Everyone loving this beautiful spot.<br />
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<br />Upupaepopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840292738185134371noreply@blogger.com2United Kingdom50.2103067588451 -5.48217773437550.1696742588451 -5.562858734375 50.2509392588451 -5.401496734375