Llamas on the Trail

These llamas and their handlers passed us on the Fragrance Lake trail. I believe they were bringing supplies to backpackers-- there were a couple trailers in the parking lot when we got back down that had wording alluding to that type of service. A couple of the llamas are carrying packs, so they must have been on their way to bring back campers with their supplies.

Cliff Jumping is not for Sissies...

...so go ahead and call me a sissy, because I just took pictures! Whatcom Falls Park is the hot spot for jumping in Bellingham. If the temperature keeps climbing, I might just be brave enough to try it, because it does look like a fun way to cool off! Some guys were playing a drinking game-- throw the can of beer down, jump in after it, drink and repeat. It looked like quite a nice way to spend a couple hours.

Bloedel Donovan Park on a Hot Evening

It has hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit here the last few days, which is not the norm around here. I took this at about 8:30 last night-- if I'd taken it earlier in the day, you wouldn't have seen the grass for all the people. There were some brave souls jumping off the bridge into the water, which looked quite refreshing!

Bikes at Boundary Bay

Another oh-so-Bellingham image-- the pile of bikes in front of Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro. Rain or shine, most of us like to leave the cars home when we can... but it's a much nicer experience to bike in summer! My preferred method of cooling off after a sweaty bike ride is to hang out in the Boundary Bay beer garden and enjoy their world-famous scotch ale while listening to Yogoman Burning Band. I close my eyes and imprint the feeling in my soul, to help me get through the long rainy months ahead!

"Please Bus Your Own Table"

It's not a very picturesque shot, but I just love how "Bellingham" this scene is. This is the scenario at most of our casual dining spots-- you bus your own table and separate your trash carefully so as to create as little landfill as possible. The goal is zero waste. I just love that you need a degree in ecological sustainability to eat out!

Duchess in the Sky

I took this at the edge of the Van Boven Gravel Company. Our friends' land borders the quarry, and their dog Duchess apparently enjoys watching the machines below.

I had a great time camping but am so glad to be back in Bellingham!

Bellingham Towers

The Bellingham Towers building mostly contains offices, although there is a lovely restaurant on the top floor called Nimbus. It has good drinks, a scrumptious cheese plate, and an amazing view.

I posted several pictures at once because we're heading out camping for the week. I hope to pop in to a coffee shop with wi-fi here and there to upload some pictures, but you gotta be flexible when traveling with others! Hopefully these will tide you guys over for now, and I'll post more when I can.

Boulevard Boardwalk

One more shot from Boulevard Park. This boardwalk connects to the South Bay trail, so you can walk or bike from downtown Bellingham to Fairhaven.

Boat on the Bay

Another shot taken at Boulevard Park. It was a mild summer evening-- perfect for sailing.

Walk-Up Window

I love the Woods Coffee in the middle of Boulevard Park. We Hamsters want our coffee easily accessible at all times! All activities are better with an espresso, be it strolling on the boardwalk, watching the sunset, or catching a frisbee.

Honey Moon

Honey Moon, a small urban winery that makes meads, wines and cider all from local sources. It has an alley-only entrance, which gives it a hidden, cozy feel. This was taken from the State Street alley in the market disctrict.

Hope

The American Cancer Society held their annual Relay for Life fundraiser this last weekend. People walk the block around the city library all day and night to raise awareness and funds. There are many beautiful sights-- flowers, glowing luminarias, beaming cancer survivors... but I think this sign is the essence of the Relay for Life.

Cornwall Rose Garden

Some of the beautiful roses at the Cornwall Rose Garden

Winter Mist

I cheated a little and used this picture from January. It suited my mood this morning-- calm and quiet. My next photos will be more current!

Sunset at the Bellingham Marina

Eli took this photo on the 4th of July. We were resigned to spending the evening packed cheek-by-jowl on a picnic blanket with the rest of the landlubbers, but were lucky enough to run into some friends who invited us out on their boat.