Something Blue

On the way to our campsite we stopped at the Cascadian Farms store to stock up on fresh blueberries.  These were huge - some of them were a half inch across.

The Green Frog

We spent last weekend camping at Howard Miller Steelhead  Park on the Skagit River.  On a nature walk along the river we stopped to munch on a patch of ripe blackberries. My daughter spotted this guy sitting on a blackberry leaf and he was polite enough to hold still for a portrait.   I think this is a Pacific Chorus Frog.

Flower Power

The dahlia patch at Hovander Homestead Park is one of my favorite reasons to visit this time of year.  It was so hard to choose my favorite, but I think this is it.

 



Lowell Green

One week to go until school starts here in Bellingham.  It had been one of my summer goals to seek out all the elementary school playgrounds for some summer park fun.  We found one in early summer that we really liked and frequented it often and sort of abandoned the tour.  Well the tour is back on.  Its my goal to visit a different school each day this week.  Yesterday, we met up with friends at Lowell Elementary on South Hill.  It has a beautiful view of Fairhaven and the Bay.  Now to decide which school to visit today.

Duck Days

Two super sweet little girls (yes, I'm probably a bit biased on that fact) look for ducks to feed at the pond at Whatcom Falls Park.  Summer seems to have left us a little early and the last week has required a lot of long sleeved sort of days. 

 

Top of the Pecking Order?

This long billed curlew was wandering about the Seattle waterfront, probably looking for a little lunch.

Skywatch Friday: Cannon Beach

Life's been busy lately so I haven't had a chance to get out and get many pictures, but we're heading out camping this weekend so I'll get a good chance to load up. In the meantime, I'm digging back to a trip to the Cannon Beach and Manzanita area of Oregon that a friend and I took back in April.

Wheel in the Sky

Lizzi spotted this enormous Ferris Wheel on the Seattle waterfront.

Purple Door

 

A beautiful rose bush decorates the front gate of this home.  It opens just enough to sneak a view of this fun front door.

 



Paddling II

I sure hope this little doggy enjoyed his trek across the lake.  I certainly was nervous the whole time for him.  But I noticed he appears to be wearing a little life jacket, so he was safe the whole time after all.

Fan

A fun fan leaves the Seattle Sounders game.  His Mohawk's colors could also have him mistaken as an avid Seahawks fan. 

Cascadia Rivalery

I was lucky enough to attend a fantastic MLS matchup.  The Seattle Sounders hosted the Vancouver Whitecaps at Cenurylink Field.  Both teams are somewhat new to the MLS, but the two have been Cascadia rivals for over 30 years.  Last year the Sounders won the Cascadia Cup, and the fans wanted to show off some pride right before this match started. 

The Sounders prepare to defend a corner kick.  The match was great fun and I'm a happy fan to report that the Sounders emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.

Square Dancing at the Jamboree

Bellingham's annual music festival, the Subdued Stringband Jamboree, is getting bigger and busier every year. Thank goodness some things never change, like the Saturday night square dance.

Lake Diablo

If you haven't had the chance to cross the Cascade Mountain via the north cascades highway, find time to do it! It's the highest pass in the state and brings you up close to some stunning peaks. There are a couple of incredible viewpoints, one at the summit and my personal favorite - the Lake Diablo overlook.  The water is colored by the powdered rock from the surrounding hills that stays suspended in the water.

Bee Calm Bellingham

The lavender fields at Bellingham Technical College smell amazing and offer a relaxing spot to take a break from studying.

On a side note, Bellingham has made some national news over a facebook page titled "Bellingham Costco needs a special time just for Americans".  This has angered many Canadian shoppers and embarrassed many city officials who point out how much tax revenue the Canadian shoppers bring in.  I work right next door to Costco, so I see much of the action.  It is busy and it bit annoying at times, but if you go at the right times the lines aren't too bad.  Come on, buck up Bellingham!

No Coal

Concerned Bellingham residents are fighting to put an initiative on November's ballot to create an ordinance that outlaws the transport of coal through the city–a response to widespread concern about the increase in coal train traffic that could result if the Gateway Pacific Terminal project is built to export coal and other cargoes at Cherry Point.

Lasting Power

National sporting goods chains have come and gone from Bellingham, but Yeager's has always remained.

Dog Days of Summer

Charlie dog swims after his tennis ball on a hot summer day at Lake Whatcom.

A Bird in Hand

After a picnic lunch at Washington Pass, the gray jays moved in to see what we left for them.  The kids took turns luring them with pieces of bread.  A few took the bait and swooped in for a quick snack. 

Treats

The pastry display case at La Patisserie. This restaurant is a favorite for me.  Where else can you get a mix of Vietnamese noodle cuisine and yummy baked goods?

Wet Play

On the hot days like we've been having lately, its hard not to join the kids and run through the fountain at Barkley Village.  

Ocean Play

My girls play in the warmer water of the tide pools of the great Pacific.  We recently visited the small coastal town of Ocean Shores, Wa and enjoyed miles of beach, sand and fun.

Weekend Reflections: Still Life with Miller High Life

I left the camera sitting out and somebody snapped this shot.  My money is on my friend Ben, owner of both the beer and the aviators.

Locust Beach II

A last ray of sunlight lit up the seaweed clinging to these rocks. 

A Movie on the Village Green

On Saturday nights 'Hamsters of all ages gather on Fairhaven's Village Green for a late movie under the stars.  On this night we packed a blanket and sleeping bags (it's still cool in our corner of the country) and settled in for "The Muppets."

Crystal Clear

Okay, this is my last post from our vacation to Fort Worden.  The fantastically clear Puget Sound water off the pier at the Maritime Center made me want to jump, almost.