Family Day Hike – Theler Wetlands

Aug 10, 2020

It was quite a rainy and cloudy weekend. We were happy we chose not to go camping but we were also looking for something fun to do outdoors with the kids. We decided to check out Theler Wetlands in Belfair, WA. I’ve never been and neither has our 2 younger children but my husband has been there. It was fairly quiet with a few families and individuals out walking or jogging the trails. We decided to take just a short tour around a small part of it to accommodate our 5 year old and myself (*wink – it’s been a while since I’ve done any exercise.)

Lots of bird and bat houses.

Thought this dead tree would make a cool shot.

It was neat trail. Perfect for families with small children. Lots of different trees and plants. There were art and informational kiosks about native species along the way. There was also a big skeleton of a whale hanging from the ceiling of a shelter.

The woodpeckers and insects sure made this into a piece of art.

We were able to walk down a wooden pier and see the wetlands up close. It was low-tide so it was especially cool to see how deep the crevices ran in the marsh.

Someday I’d like to go back to extend our walk in towards the river side and hopefully catch some shots of birds with my camera. There’s no cost and no pass required to go on a hike there but there is a donation box to help with the upkeep and storm clean up.

The two pictures above are of the same gate just taken from different angles.

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White Flower – FOTD August 10

Aug 10, 2020

This is either a Wild Carrot (Queen Anne’s Lace) or poisonous hemlock. I didn’t get a close enough look to gather which type it is. Both are noxious weeds to Washington State. It was found on our walk through Theler Wetlands in Belfair, WA. It’s quite pretty to look at against the dense, forest like greenery.

Wild Carrot (Queen Anne’s Lace)

Poison-hemlock

Cee’s FOTD Photo Challenge

A Quick Visit to Lake Cushman

Jul 18, 2020

Our attempt to visit the famous hiking trail “Staircase Loop”, located along Lake Cushman in Hoodsport, WA, was thwarted by a Park Ranger and his truck with blinking lights. The trail head area was congested with too many other hikers. We were a little bummed but understood and knew that we were taking a chance of even getting to the trail on a Saturday. Note to self for next visit: Go early!

Instead we parked and walked across a bridge at the headwaters of the lake that allows residents to get to their homes on the other side of the lake. It was a pretty chilly day but there were so many visitors. Some were lounging next the water and others braved it and jumped in. It was great to just people watch. It was almost like things were somewhat normal.

It is such a beautiful lake. Everything is lush, green and and serene. The private campground that we’ve stayed at before is closed for the season, due to Covid-19. Hopefully things will be back to normal by next Summer so we can enjoy a stay. Skokomish Park

Here are just a few pictures on the lake. Not the best pictures because I’m still figuring out using the manual setting on my camera for distance and moving pictures.

Some white flower weeds found alongside the lake.

Madrona Tree

Skokomish Park

Our First Trip to Bloedel Reserve

Jul 17, 2016

Our trip today to Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, Washington was amazing. It was very quiet and serene. The hike was pretty decent in length but it was really neat to see the different landscapes of the Reserve. We especially loved the Japanese house and garden, the ponds, the lookout over the bay, and the wild life.

We decided to purchase the Friends and Family annual pass so that we can return. It’ll be great to go on “Date Walks” with my husband. It’ll also be great to be able to take visiting family and friends to see the beautiful grounds.

I’m still working on learning how to use my camera. I was a little disappointed that some of my pictures didn’t come out as well as I had hoped. Hopefully with research and practice I’ll be able to return to Bloedel Reserve and take some worthy photos. I hope you enjoy these. They were of the best pictures taken today with my camera and phone.