It is that time of year. If you followed my blog last year you might remember the multiple visits to this gem of a park. I went to see what the status of the wildflowers is for this La Nina year. This point of land is part of the upper Puget Sound area that got hit hard several times this winter with snow and wind events.
I saw a lot of new green bits that are going to Spring into those wonderful Deer Lily and Orchids from last year. All over the south facing slope new growth of all wildflowers is poking up.
In the woods there is a lot of evidence that the wind storms of the last week kept the rangers busy clearing the road and paths. Some of the minor trails still have fallen trees to duck around. Overall it is less than I would have thought. Only the strongest live on this point of land.
Given the variety and vast views, it was also a chance to play with my camera again. When I was underway, I sadly realized that I left my glasses at home. Gaaaah!
And I got my first speeding ticket on the highway ( Gaaaaah !! ). Tricky part about being on a divided highway after coming off the freeway where you have been doing the legal 70. ( grrrrr)
Enjoy the show.
First part of the walk goes along the Guemes Channel, looking out to the San Juan Islands.
It is always possible you might see Black Oystercatchers here.
I selected some trails I have never walked. Through the woods looking for something fun.
Making my way to the wonderful south side. This Towhee greeted me. I only got two shots, he was so busy.
This bench at Burrows Channel overlooks the Rosario Strait and the confluence of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. You can sometimes spot Orca from here.
The south facing slope is mostly Serpentine soils and bare rock. Many of the rocks show evidence of glacier etching. If you go down the right trail you can find a huge glacial tube etched into the rocks.
Juniper trees are not common in this region, but here they dominate.
There is also a lot of Madrone. Madrone loves slopes and bare soils.
This will not be the last you see of this park in the coming months. I hope to get into some of the lesser areas of Skagit county as well.
That towhee is gorgeous. And, glasses or no glasses, your pictures are gorgeous. That new camera is doing a good job.
ReplyDeleteToo bad about the ticket, though. I agree that it's always hard to gauge speed after you come off of an expressway. Hope that they don't hit you with too heavy a fine.
Beautiful pictures. That camera looks like a good investment.
ReplyDeleteI must have missed the new camera blog -- blame it on my husband now being here. The pictures are gorgeous, but then I thought the old ones were too. Sounds like you had a great time, except for the ticket.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone. It is a nice little toy. I need to find a charger for the batteries. They can charge in camera and I need an external one if this is going on vacation with me.
ReplyDeleteThis weekend I am doing a work party at one of my favorite NLC project sites. There will be a lot of neat subjects to keep my camera busy.
I just wanted to comment on the picture of the bench, underneath you may notice the metal compass in the cement. That is a memorial to my mother, and i just wanted to thank you for the picture. I searched the internet a lot and finally found this one picture where you can see the compass. Thank you for making my day.
ReplyDeleteThank you Eliza. I would be happy to provide you with a copy of the photo if you wish to provide me with an e-mail
ReplyDeleteGreat photo artist!
ReplyDelete..wish that Glacial Tube hike were clearly marked :)
Great photo artist!
ReplyDelete..wish that Glacial Tube hike were clearly marked :)