Canada Geese on Thunderbird Lake

Pretty at a distance...

A Rainbow Over Birch Bay Village

Onion Soup for Lunch

A delicious way to pass the time...

A Sunday Stroll in Lake Whatcom Park

Another day, another lake. This time it's Lake Padden Park, adjacent to the 10-mile long lake that's the water supply for about 85,000 people, half of the residents of Bellingham. 

It's a beautiful Sunday and rain is predicted for the next several days, so we decide to drive to Bellingham and take a walk along Hertz Trail.

From the sign near the parking lot, it's about a half-mile walk down a gentle slope to the trail.

The trees are majestic.

We arrive at the Hertz Trail that runs along the lake. It was formerly a railroad right-of-way and makes for a gentle walk.

We walk for a mile, find a bench with a view, and stop to eat the sandwiches we've brought along.

We then retrace our way back to the car, racking up a gentle and exceedingly pleasant three miles as we share the trail with friendly singles, couples, and families with children and pets. It's so nice to see people again, even when socially distanced.

A Visit to Whatcom County's Lake Padden

This is the second day in a row we've taken advantage of the sunny weather for a modest hike, this one being a 2 3/4-mile walk around Lake Padden, a park at the south end of Bellingham. 

What a great day!

The path around the lake is wide with only a few ups and downs.

 

We learn about a new invasive species, New Zealand mudsnails, discovered in this lake in 2018.

We mainly enjoy the beautiful scenery, particularly the Fall Colors.

The trees are impressive as well. We never feel bored, no matter how many times we find ourselves in a Northwest Rain Forest.

Back to the car and home, feeling invigorated and ready to face some rainy days. 

Jet Trail Over Birch Bay

Halloween evening so perhaps a witch?

Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve

A beautiful day at Whatcom County's Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, just a few miles from home.

Peace Arch Park Picnics

We were out for a little drive on this sunny and windy Saturday, and decided to stop in at the Peace Arch Park.

While it’s deserted around the Peace Arch itself, with hardly any cars crossing the border, the park itself was absolutely jammed with visitors, 

We assume the vast majority are enjoying cross-border reunions. Other than the breeze and the cool temperatures, they chose a fine day.

There are apparently a number of weddings held here weekly, but we didn’t notice any of those.

Sunset Over Thunderbird Lake

Home Again

A beautiful wedding in Texas Hill Country in Wimberley near the town of Kyle also gave us a chance to catch up with Kathy’s family, including the latest additions.

A nice shot of most of the Hamilton clan and spouses who were present. Kathy enjoyed her encounters with a five-year-old grand-niece and an even younger grand-nephew.

Right now we’re using up a couple of our Alaska Lounge passes to relax at SEA for a few hours before flying up to Bellingham.

It’s a quiet lounge.

Among other experiences, this trip has taught us to sympathize with those who have to wear masks and/or shields eight hours a day.

We’re looking forward to wandering around our own house maskless, as well as drinking our own house coffee after a week of weak motel-room brews and sometimes even powdered “coffee whitener.”

Other than that, it’s been a great little trip.