Skagit Bay Estuary

It's amazing the things you never knew existed that are in your own backyard.  I've lived here in Skagit Valley my whole life, but I confess, until very recently I never knew what people were talking about when they mentioned Fir Island. This was basically because there's nothing on Fir Island to see. (Well, almost nothing.) Also, it doesn't look anything like an island-- I mean, look at the picture; do you look at that and think island? Because I now work in a tourist town (La Conner) and deal with tourists who ask "how do I get to Fir Island," I had to look it up...and wonder, "why do you want to go there?"

Last weekend I was introduced to a reason for going to Fir Island--it's a dog paradise!  This was my first hike with Corinne...another dog person. I never thought I would EVER label myself a dog person. Never mind that when I was young I had a dog I carried around in a backpack and treated like it was my baby. When she died, I detached from dogs. I decided dogs were a stupid pain the butt, and why would anyone with four kids want to clean up after a damn dog anyway.

I couldn't believe when 5 years ago I was overcome with the desire to get a dog.  I read everything I could about dogs...I became obsessed with the "Dog Whisperer."  I was going to rescue some poor dog and turn it into the best behaved dog in history. Ha.  

So, after my dog attacked several dogs, I decided she just needed to stay away from other canines. (She doesn't hurt them...she's just extremely dominate. Dog people know what I'm talking about.) Corinne assured me she was willing to chance a dog fight--she wanted to show me the estuary and let the dogs run free.  

Peg and Lexi...BFFs 

When Corinne pulled in to take us to Fir Island, I discovered she was on a whole nother level of dog person. She had a dog limousine. A seat for me, a seat for her, and the whole stinkin' back open for the dogs...plenty of room for a cage fight. This was going to be a fun ride.

I'm so glad Corinne chanced this hike with me and my anti-social dog, because I found out she's not the crazy bitch I thought she was. (Lexi, not Corinne!) The dogs got along reasonably well, and they had an absolute blast running around in the water. It's a beautiful hike to boot--I plan on returning many times. For anyone thinking about checking it out for themselves, just know you have to have a "Discover Pass" to park, and that there is hunting allowed from September to mid March.  Maybe I should train Lexi to be a hunting dog? Maybe not. 

I just love when people will do stupid poses for me...thanks Corinne! 

Padilla Bay Shore Trail

Here is a hike that gives a whole different taste of what the Northwest is all about.  Nobody is going to feel like they are on the set of a Twilight movie on this trail!  One piece of advice if you decide to come here (maybe I'll even call this hiking lesson #14)...use the bathroom facility when you start, whether you think you need to or not. ("Wizards of Ooze"...what a name for a port-o-potty company, right?) Trust me, there is NO place to sneak off to take a pee--and a lot of people use this trail, so your not going to want to chance squatting behind any of the unsubstantial shrubbery. (even a male would have a hard time being inconspicuous)

Just some of the runners and dog walkers

This is such an ideal place to get an easy walk in.  Flat...not even so much as a bump.  I've taken my kids here with their bikes when they were little, and I'd recommend it for bike riding if it weren't for the wind.  I don't care if you get there and it's calm...there will be wind before your done.  And it's strong--I was making just as good progress walking as some people riding their bikes. Which brings me to a funny story. I had my head phones on, (held together with duct tape...is there anything I own that my kids haven't lost or broken?) and I was really getting into the music.

My barely hanging together headphones

Now, I have to confess...my music is a little less than wholesome. (sorry--but I like good beat) Well, I get a little carried away sometimes and end up singing out loud.  I don't mean to...it just happens. So, without realizing it, I sang out "I'm gonna have you naked by the end of this song"...and then realized a bike rider was right beside me.  And like I said--she was going slow.  Neck and neck, right there, for way too long kind of slow.  Ugh...lesson #15, learn to keep your mouth shut when hiking with headphones.


Speaking of hiking lessons, I broke # 8. (don't hike with your camera in hand)  I figured I would have to have a stroke to fall on this trail, and I wanted my camera ready for when I saw a heron. (I just had to see a heron...this is like heron heaven) Guess what?  No herons...until I put my camera away, of course.  I did manage to get an OK picture before he flew off...but those buggers are tough to get close to!

Can you see Mr. Heron?

About half way through my hike (it's approximately 5 miles round trip) I stopped at a bench to eat my snack. (an apple, fruit leather, and an energy bar...quite an upgrade from the rice krispie treat last time)  Again, it was a bench dedicated to a loved one.  Again, I took a picture...and again, I couldn't find any information on this person.
  

The bench

This bums me out--I love the idea of knowing the story and appreciating the life that these lovely benches are dedicated to.  If I ever dedicate anything to anyone, I'm going to make sure to have a webpage about their life as well.  And when I die, I would love to have something useful dedicated in my honor...maybe even a port-o-potty. (just don't call it wizards of ooze, please ;)

If your going to make a sign, shouldn't you at least come up with a name?

First Hike of 2012!

I was almost feeling like a real hiker last year.  I should have kept going through the winter--maybe bought some snow shoes or something.  I could have gone with the hiking group my friend Cindy belongs to--she's invited me enough times. (I did go once...in the summer, of course)  But because I'm such a wimp and don't like getting cold, here it is spring and I am totally off my game.  I know... I didn't have much game to start with, but now it feels like I'm back to square one.


When I mentioned in my last post that I wanted to hike in Florida, I really was serious. That would have been a much more exciting beginning to 2012--maybe even with pictures of alligators!  But alas, Anacortes will have to do.  Did you know that Anacortes gets about 6 inches less rainfall per year than Mount Vernon? (no fair, right? It's only a half hour away) This makes it a good option for hiking though--and there are a LOT of hiking trials. Enough to make a person like me hopelessly lost; which is why I spent a whole $10 on maps...practically my largest purchase thus far on hiking gear. (unless you count my ipod)


But as I drove into Anacortes and the sun was really shining, I found I was uninspired to hike through forest mazes, and opted to head for Washington Park.  I used to take my kids here often when they were little, and I knew there was some hiking close to the water. (more sun!)

A deer greeted me as I drove into the parking lot

As I hiked along through the bushes, gazing out at the water, I noticed the trail was just paralleling the paved road, (for campers) and finally gave in and just started walking on it instead.  "Sheesh, this doesn't feel much like hiking," I thought, but at least I wasn't having to fight the spider webs.

Hiking?

The 'real' trail

Kids playing by the water...brings back so many memories.

When I came to where the road looped back around, there was a trail that kept going straight. Hooray, some real hiking!  I didn't have a map, and the trail signs were pretty useless in my opinion; so I figured I would just go for as long as I felt comfortable, and then turn around.

This trail was amazing!  Such great views of the water, and I even came to a nice bench to sit and eat my healthy hiking snack. (a rice krispie treat--food for champions)  I figured I should look up the person who the bench was dedicated to when I got home, so I took a picture. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any info...please get back to me if anyone reading this knows her.

This trail was pretty narrow, and in places a little sketchy if you had small kids.  But, I just couldn't stop following it--it was so orange and bright and just seemed to say, "go a little further". (I thought it amusing when I caught myself humming "follow the yellow brick road")

A little like yellow bricks?

The trail finally ended at the cutest little cove.  It seemed like a great place for an otter or mermaid or something to hang out--so I sat down and waited. "God...if there is an otter or seal nearby...could you send it over here?"  I always chuckle at myself when I make these sort of requests to God--it sort of feels like I'm ordering fries with my happy meal.  (can I have a toy too?)  But I think God has a sense of humor, and I figure it never hurts to ask. (no sea creature pics...so the answer was no)

Wait...I think I see a tail.

Getting up to head back, I noticed a sign with actual words on it. "Loop Road"...I saw this sign in the parking lot and thought it was the lame trail that was just next to the road. Humm...seems if I just follow this trail, it should lead back around to the parking lot.  My navigational history told me just to go back the same way I came...but you know how I love a loop.  So I chanced it, and found my way back without a problem. (no thanks to the useless signs) 

Ummm...and this is helpful because....

A sign with directions...what a concept.

So, there you have it...I'm back in the saddle.  Looking at the passing ferries on the way back reminded me of the many trails on the San Juan Islands--Mount Constitution, here I come!

Better save my money...these ferries aren't cheap.

The skies directly over my house.  Why do I live here again?

25 Dates, 255 Apologies, and 5 Romantic Trips In Year 25

  

I made this my Facebook wall.  So corny.

My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary this month. I'm sure my friends and family are sick to death of me bragging about it...but they haven't lived the last five years of our marriage. I'm just amazed and thrilled we got here! I remember hearing the second year of marriage is the hardest, and of course everyone knows about the "7 year itch"...but you kind of figure once you have 20 years under your belt, you're good. Funny how life has a way of throwing you punches you never saw coming.

Sometimes there comes a time in your life when everything you believed and worked for and stood on as solid ground suddenly shifts...and you fall off. (my other blog explains all this) You don't want to leave everything that was safe and sure, but you just can't stand on that ground anymore. And most likely those around you can't come with you, because their ground hasn't shifted. There's nothing more scary, heartbreaking, confusing, and especially lonely, that I have ever experienced. And it's hard not to have resentment; especially toward the one person you really wanted to understand and be beside you.

It's a strange thing that resentment and forgiveness are bedfellows.  You need one to experience the other...how can you forgive unless you've felt hurt? I know there have been much, MUCH greater offenses done to people, (if you can even call 'not understanding' an offense) and situations so painful that forgiveness feels like an impossibility. But I can't compare my life with others; I can only live my own. And for me, the lessons forgiveness teach are worth the pain. Because once you've learned to forgive, you start to experience what grace really is. Grace is freedom, grace is joy...living in grace is experiencing what life can really be. When you give grace, you start to truly understand how much you need it yourself. And then your joy doubles; because not only can you stop expecting others to be perfect, you can finally let go of trying to be perfect yourself, and simply cling to the grace that you know is yours.


I hope to have 25 dates and 5 romantic trips this year, (we've got one down...a trip to Miami for our anniversary) though the "255 apologies" part I could live without. Giving an apology can be difficult, because it requires owning up to a mistake; but I honestly think for me, it's easier than asking for an apology, because that requires a confrontation. Both are important in any truly loving relationship, because giving grace just for the sake of avoiding conflict doesn't really work in the long run. Though what do you do, when for whatever reason, that apology doesn't come? Compassion and understanding for other's shortcomings (because you have them yourself) once again. 

Miami, baby!

Sorry there is no hike to talk about, though I did look to see if there was any good hiking in Miami. (such a shock that there wasn't--so sad we had to settle for laying on the beach with drinks in hand instead.) The weather here in the Great Northwest is starting to improve, so hopefully I'll get out there soon. Maybe I'll get Ken to come with me...do you think that will count as a date? I think if I pack a picnic basket and a bottle of wine I most definitely can.  Time to start planning. 

My kind of hike!

Can I Call This a Hike?

   
It's winter in Washington...which can mean so much rain you don't want to even step out of your doorway, much less do any sort of outdoor activity.  We've had our exchange student come back for a visit this month...poor thing forgot how miserable the weather is around here.  (thankfully, it didn't dampen her shopping abilities ;)  So, I was pretty excited when, despite the weatherman's row of gray clouds stretching on for days, there were blue sky's on Lisa's last day before returning to Germany.  When she was here last time, she missed seeing one of our state's major tourist attractions (Deception Pass Bridge)--but, today was the day.

There are tons of trails all around the area; why not throw in a hike and make the most of the opportunity?  Looking online, I found "Goose Rock", and concluded it was ideal for our needs--right next to the bridge and not too difficult.  Deception Pass Bridge is always fun to show people for the first time, because most people have at least a little fear of heights...and it's high. (180 feet or so, depending on the tide)  Lisa didn't disappoint; she was freaked walking across--but got used to it pretty quickly.  (unlike the lady we had to carefully walk around because she was frozen in her tracks; not easy to do considering the walkways are only about three feet wide with big trucks whizzing by.  That's what freaks me out)
 


The best part, for me at least, is the possibility of seeing seals, whales, or otters...which has happened on occasion.  And being our lucky day, sure enough, an otter poked his head out of the water for a bit. (unfortunately, I don't have a very good camera, so I didn't even try knowing the pictures would have just looked like a dot in the water)  Once we were off the bridge, it was time to hike. (so I could justify writing about this little adventure)  But how far constitutes 'hiking', really?  When my youngest saw the sign for a .4 mile route (one way), she insisted that was as much as she was willing to do.

I understood she was still traumatized from last time, when I tricked everyone into doing an eight mile hike.  (You can read about it on the 'Family Hiking Day' post, but I must say despite it being so difficult, she did awesome.  I credit that to letting her use my ipod, which wasn't charged this time. So, if she only wanted to hike a mile, I wasn't going to argue)


It was over pretty quickly; nevertheless, Lisa seemed to enjoy it and took a ton of pictures.  She always says the forests around here remind her of "Twilight"...the Northwest's claim to fame.  (although, as most people know, it wasn't even filmed here)


Because it was still so early in the day, we decided to drive on to one of my very favorite places ever; Deception Pass State Park.  This is a hot day place, with the ocean on one side and a swimming lake on the other.  I don't know if I've ever gone in the winter, and so I wasn't expecting much.  But when your 11, it doesn't matter if it's freezing...you run into the water anyway. 


Oops Mom, I didn't know the waves would come up so fast.  Yeah, right.




Captains of the washed up shipwreck


We all 'hiked' a little farther down the path to what Summer calls 'the family tree', because whenever we are there everyone has to get in the branches and take a picture.  It brought back a lot of memories...it really is a special place. 



Being as it was Lisa's last day, we thought we should hit one more place of interest that she missed last time.  I don't think our pitiful mile of hiking justified the dozen doughnuts we bought...but they were hot and delicious and we didn't care.  And so, auf wiedersehen to you, Lisa;  I hope your memories of our beautiful Northwest last a lifetime, but your extra pounds of American fat and sugar do not. :)

Thunder Creek Trail

I have a good friend whom I've mentioned on here a couple of times named Debbie. (I won't say her last name, because she's a little paranoid about cyber weirdos) I figured she only reads my blog because I bug her to, and so she can appreciate all the reasons she dislikes camping. (And to check and make sure I'm not razzing her too much!;))

Imagine my surprise when she asked to go on a backpacking trip with me! I won't say I had the impression she's too prissy, because I know she's not. However, I will say she's a bit of a contradiction. How can someone who didn't want to go to a bed and breakfast because they might have to share a bathroom with a stranger be OK with the possibility of pooping in the woods? But then I realized we are all paradoxes in one way or another. Why would someone who won't cry in a movie because they hate anyone seeing them emotional, then go and blab about their life for anyone to read about in cyberspace? Humans are too complex to put in boxes--and aren't you glad?

And so, Princess Debbie made sure to let me know just what kind of hike she was willing to do. (Calling her a princess is funny because I just said we can't label people...and don't forget Debbie can take some razzing!) It couldn't be too long, too steep, too cold, too wet, or too buggy. Thank God for http://www.nwhikers.net/ where you can get all and any information about every hike in the Northwest. (And from real hikers...not posers like me ;))  I finally settled on Thunder Creek trail, though I was a little nervous about the 12 miles. Debbie warned me she hadn't exercised consistently for over a year...and she struggles with shoulder and knee issues. One of the great things about this hike is there's a camp just two miles in, so I knew we had that option if things didn't go well. 

The day of the hike I almost cancelled.  After the forecast changed from rain to sun to cloudy to back to sun, I did a final check to find the possibility of snow. I was thinking that would be a deal breaker for Debbie, and I was pretty disappointed because I already had our packs all set up.

Everything once again borrowed from my friend Melissa and her husband...
if anyone wants to take their place as benefactors, please let me know :)

Ken's solution when I complained that we probably wouldn't be going...don't tell Debbie the forecast. (Deception...why didn't I think of that?) But when Debbie got to our house, she was game on. When I spilled the beans about possible snow, she was all in anyway. When we got to Marblemount to get our over-night pass and the ranger said bear sightings are common, "paranoid" Debbie was actually excited. When we got to the two mile mark, she was barely warmed up. Trees over the path...nothin' but twigs for my princess suddenly turned bushwoman friend.

I was surprised and humbled by her at every turn...especially when I had her lead and she completely left me in the dust. She said not to feel bad, because she's learned to walk extra fast to keep up with her 6'6" husband; but because I'm always trying to catch up with Mel too, I have to face the fact I may just be slow. And when it was time to make the fire, Debbie was all over it. I won't use the word "obsessed", but she was definitely into keeping that fire going.

The only thing Debbie found difficult about this whole trip was going to bed at 9:00 pm. Granted, most people under the age of sixty don't like to go to bed that early, but Debbie is a true night owl and usually doesn't retire until well past midnight. But poking a fire is only entertaining for so long, so what else is there to do but hit the hay? We did extend our fun to a more acceptable 10:00pm by taking some silly pictures in the tent, but then it was lights out for both of us.

In the morning Debbie was back at the fire...a little more challenging without the dura-log (see P.S.) but successful none the less. I think she was stalling packing up by not letting that fire die.  I finally said, "You are not allowed to put anything else on that fire!", but even so she could poke and blow on that thing and get it going even when it looked hopelessly dead.

The next day way gorgeous, (it never even got close to snowing) and neither of us was nearly as sore or tired hiking out as we thought we'd be. It was a completely successful trip--but the best part was hearing Debbie say "Next time we have too...", because I knew she was hooked.  Guess I need to learn to hike faster.

                                                                 

PS.  I almost forgot my hiking lessons.  Lesson # 12-   when camping in an area that is so damp you can practically wring out any wood that's been on the ground, bring a dura-log. They make a tiny one that fits easily in a pack...I wouldn't have known this except for the kind man we passed on the trail who gave us one. (we never would have got that fire going without it)  Lesson #13, make sure you put your water bladder bag in with the tube on the bottom so that the water actually comes out when you suck on it.  (can't believe I'm confessing that...but I figure there has to be someone out there as stupid as me ;)