Sunday, November 29, 2020
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Monday, November 9, 2020
Sunday, November 8, 2020
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.
Monday, November 2, 2020
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.
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Saturday, October 24, 2020
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.
There are apparently a number of weddings held here weekly, but we didn’t notice any of those.
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.
Friday, October 16, 2020
Monday, September 28, 2020
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.
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.
Among other experiences, this trip has taught us to sympathize with those who have to wear masks and/or shields eight hours a day.
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.
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Barging Down the San Antonio River
A pleasant 25-minute cruise with Tom and Ellyn...
A pleasant and properly socially distanced experience.
A pleasant and properly socially distanced experience.
The Alamo
We made a quick visit. It always (Brian was here once with his parents circa 1960) seems smaller than imagined.
We wander through the statue garden and see several famous heroes of the battle, including Davy Crockett in his coonskin cap.
Like visiting the site of the Battle of Little Big Horn, it is sobering to see a place where so many died in such a small area.
We wander through the statue garden and see several famous heroes of the battle, including Davy Crockett in his coonskin cap.
Pinch Boil: Vietnamese in San Antonio
Quite tasty order-at-the-counter place just across through a parking lot from our Hampton Inn.
The loaded (crab) French Fries must be a local touch for Texans.
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Independence Day
The sun is finally shining.
Kathy's cake is waiting to be eaten.
Happy Fourth of July!
Kathy's cake is waiting to be eaten.
Happy Fourth of July!
