Tulip Time in Iowa

We attended a tulip festival in Pella, Iowa.
It is a three day event every year.
We stayed for two days.



Pella is a Dutch community in south central Iowa.



This tulip is known as the "Pella" tulip.
It was developed for the town of Pella by growers in Holland.

The town is charming and Tulip Time is beautiful!

The tulips are fantastic!

There were two parades each day.
These two napped on their shoes after dancing in the parade.



I did some shopping.
So I needed a shopping bag.



I have begun collecting pottery mugs from the different festivals we attend.

A storm blew in while we were walking about on the square.

A downpour to water the tulips.

It quickly passed.

We heard about a kite festival that was being held in the small town of Grennell,

just north of Pella.

Saturday morning we drove up to see kites!

A windy beautiful day.

Perfect for kites!

I was "Wowed!"

I love kites.

They are beautiful.

They are fun!

A strong 25 mph wind kept the kites flying high.

I so enjoyed watching the proformance kites.

Some kites had small kites on their strings

and some had super long tails!

One small delicate kite was blown onto the netting of the kite field.

I waited to see if she would be claimed.

After awhile I took her off the netting.

She came home with me!

People came from all over

to fly their kites.

Kites are so beautiful and fun!

I bought an umbrella.

An umbrella for summertime festivals.

Perfect Hostess

Bunny sits on her desk.
He tells the time and gives the forecast.
In Portland he normally says, "Rain."

If I had a Bunny our Bunnies would be ear friends.
I need a Bunny.

The four of us played cribbage after supper each night.
Little Red won the tourney.
She long ago won our hearts.

We planted an indoor herb garden together.
The chives took right off.

The boys planted strawberries in planter boxes

for the patio.

I hope they get enough sun.

Since it rained while we were at Lake Quinault we were not able to take our sketch books into the forest and do our watercolors. My daughter knew I was a little disappointed. Lake Quinault Lodge has a water color class on Saturdays. We would not be there for it since we had to leave on Tuesday. No worries, my daughter gave a water color class for just the two of us at her

kitchen table!

She knows all about watercolors.

She taught me the joy of letting go of the outcome and enjoying the process.
I need a set of watercolor pencils.

While our pages dried we went to the yarn shop. We both want to learn to knit. Even though we are 1,500 miles away from each other we both can learn to knit! We can chat about knit one and pearl two. We can both knit a scarf.

I was fascinated with her moss.

She is fascinated with the slugs that call her backyard home.

We are careful not to step on a slug!

I finished my book about the Pacific Northwest. I left it for her library.

She loaned me a book for the plane from her stacks.

Flowers filled her rooms with light.

She filled my heart with joy.

Thank you for a wonderful time in Portland, Oregon!

"Knit one, pearl two...ear friend."

I miss you dear Daughter!

Lake Quinault, Washington

When we arrived at Lake Quinault
there was a slight mist.

By the time we were unpacked and in our rooms it was raining.


We enjoyed a fire in the lodge and our books.

We played cribbage and drank tea and ate cookies.

We had fun.

The next morning it was still raining.

After breakfast we bundle into our rain gear

and went for a hike in the old growth forest.

Some of the areas around the lodge are being replanted with native plants.

In the ditches by the road Skunk Cabbages were in bud.

Steller's Jay flew near in the rain.

The temperate rain forest is my favorite forest.

It is managed by Mother Nature.

There were some birds in the rain.

This Varied Thrush was spotted by my husband.

A flock of Bushtits chattered.

I loved seeing the birds but I came to be with the trees.

Even in the rain they were full of magic.

We were able to take two hikes in the Forest.

I visited my tree, my Ent.

In the Quinault rain forest I feel alive.

Long Beach, Washington

We stopped at Long Beach, Washington.

It was very windy and the waves of the Pacific Ocean roared.

We stopped so we could visit the World Kite Museum.

I have been looking forward to seeing this museum.

I love kites.
I am a kite enthusiast!

I was inspired at the Kite Museum.

Local artist sell their creations in the gift shop.

They are not available on line just yet.

This is a busy beach town!

Celebrating the kite is a year long event.

Kites have a remarkable history.

There are fighter kites.

There are stunt kites.

There are kites that have saved people.

The kite is an important part of our history.

Plus they are beautiful!

There are so many different styles.

This is a Wau Bulan or Moon Kite, from Malaysia.

These are still made and flown today.

I love the way the Chinese have meanings for their symbols.

I brought home two small silk kites for my travel room.

They mean, "Happy Memories."

I could attend a conference and learn to make kites.

I could meet other kite people.

I would love to raise kites in the backyard!

Farmer's Market

On Saturday the Farmer's Market opened for the season.

We were up bright and early.

Lots of Portlanders were also at the market first thing.

The open air market smelled delicious and looked beautiful.

We needed supplies for a short road trip we were planning.
I found some incredible cookies to go with our evening tea


and a cinnamon loaf that would be nice for breakfast on the road.



Spring blooms were just opening.

The city was beautiful.


Ferns growing out of moss laden trees fascinated me.



After shopping at the Farmer's Market we stopped at the Saturday Market.
Here artist sell their creations.
We found a few must haves and some things that were on our lists.

I love supporting local artists.



All over the city this lovely red bush was in bloom.
I never did find out what it is called.

I know it as " beautiful"!

Portland, Oregon

The rain stopped so we went for a walk in the park.

The pond was full of gulls and ducks.

We enjoyed watching two pairs of
Hooded Mergansers.

The Mallards swam with the gulls.

I was charmed when I saw English Daisies growing wild.

We did not make daisy chains.

Perhaps next time we will pack a picinic and bring a kite.

Preparing for Portland, Oregon

I am gathering my things.
I have chosen a pallet of earth tone colors.
I have put together traveling outfits.

An artist pallet will be the foundation for my found art project.
Perhaps I will find a shell or press a leaf or wild flower.
Maybe my daughter will share some moss from her garden.

My motif for this trip is the salmon.

I made my bookmark this afternoon.

I have my travel journal and my plane tickets.

I am reading about the history of the Pacific Northwest.
I am getting ready to see my daughter.
I am hoping to see her Spring.

The road home

We said, "Goodbye," to Texas.

We took the back roads in Louisiana

and wiggled our way into Arkansas.

Healing waters and a hot meal sounded delicious!

Bath House Row is the focal point of this National Park.

The Arlington looked intriguing.

This grand old Hotel has many stories.

I wonder who else has taken healing baths and had massages?

I enjoyed mine!

This is a resort town.

Scary stuff!


We brought home a few little reminders of Texas.

We hung our cowboy in the travel room and put our pins into the map.

The photographs are processed.

We will choose one to print and frame.

This was a very fun trip.

Aransas, Texas

We came upon a flock of Sandhill Cranes
in the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
They were feeding in a grassy patch.
When we stopped they flew.
They are so beautiful.

We were told at the visitor center that a pair of Whooping Cranes were nesting on the refuge.
We climbed the observation tower and looked out but the birds we saw were very far away.
I am not sure I saw Whooping Cranes. I do so want to see them.
We are hoping to see some during the Spring migration.
I am planning a weekend trip in April to a refuge closer to home.

This is a large refuge with plenty of deer

and flocks of Black Vultures.

I was awed by them.

Turkey Vultures mingled in.

I think I have my photographs for Halloween cards.


It was here we saw the Javelina.

We saw our first "alive" Armadillo.

This friendly fellow came right up to us.

There were alligators also.

Much smaller than the pair we saw in Atascosa.

This marsh was accessible from a trail.

Nice to be up close to the turtles.

Many American Robins.




A little sweet bee buzzed me and my husband.
Bee whispers.
It was time for us to leave.



The visitors center was closing.
We needed to start heading north.

Boca Chica

When a prescribed burn closed the wildlife drive
at Atascosa we decided to head over to
Boca Chica.

The pavement ended and we were out on the beach.

When Brown Pelicans flew over I gasped.
"Wow!"

We parked right away.
I had never driven on a beach before.

There were all sorts of cars on the beach.
I felt pleased to have seen any birds.

It was warm on the beach in the sun.

Living in the Mid-west means I seldom see shore birds.
The Ringed Billed Gulls were easy to identify!

The other shore birds I am not certain of.

As we drove back to the Inn we stopped a few times.

The Prickly Pears were starting to bloom.

Laguna Atascosa

On the way to Laguna Atascosa, Texas,
we stopped to watch Roseate Spoonbills.

I believe this juvenile White Ibis enjoyed the company of the Spoonbill.

This area was near the road.

I saw abondoned tires and blowing trash.

The birds did not mind the passing cars.
They did weary of me taking photographs!

Roadrunners greeted us near the entrance of the refuge.

This refuge is made up of 46,000 acres at the southern tip of the Central Flyway.

7,000 acres are marshland, saltwater and freshwater.

We watch in wonder as this Sora fished.

The Common Yellow Throat did not seem to mind us.

Black-necked Stilts,

Northern Pintail ducks and





Glossy Ibis fed with a pair of alligators.

A Great Southern White flew about as we hiked.

I loved seeing the bugs!

We spotted a Tri-colored Heron

and a Green Jay taking a bath.

This was a wonderful birding day.

Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge

The Santa Ana wildlife refuge
is concidered the gem of the region.
It is brimming with birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

Great Blue Herons were wading in road side pools on the drive to Santa Ana.

As were Great Egrets.

We stopped for photographs and a, "Hello."

We drove the "farm to market" and the "ranch to market"
roads when ever we could.

I saw many butterflies I had never seen before.
This looks to be a Ceraunus Blue.


A Queen was resting in the grass.

This beauty is not in my Texas butterfly guide.

Four Great Kiskadees made such a noise when we were birding.

The Mexican Bluewing nectered on grapefruit that the staff had placed for the Green Jays and for the Chachalacas.

The Black Crested Tufted Titmouse was so cute!

Dragonflies and damselflies

patrolled their territories.


Spanish moss dripped from the trees.

and Zebra Longwings nectered on wild ageratum.
Heaven on earth!

The Inn at Chachalaca Bend

A flock of Chachalacas live at
The Inn at Chachalaca Bend.



I enjoyed them in the trees and on the grounds.





The Inn is located on 40 acres.





The mesquite fence inspired me!
I can do something similar in my gardens.

We explored the grounds.

Rain lilies were in bloom.

Huge prickly pears were scattered about.

I saw a few new to me butterflies.

I cannot find this one in my Butterflies of the Lower Rio Grande Valley book.

It was a joy to go to bed each night.

A joy to awake!

I am spoild by the sweet, freshly picked,

ruby red grapefruit we had for breakfast.

The way cook peeled and sectioned each fruit was so amazing.

This was welt in your mouth grapefreuit.

There were two different water sources on the property.

I enjoyed watching the Common Moorhens and all sorts of Herons and Egrets.

The inn keepers live on the property.

The mail boxes are fantastic!

The morning dew was caught in the rain chains.

Many song birds

and White Winged Doves to watch.

Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures

would circle in the afternoon and perch in the trees.

Hawks hunted


and Zebra Longwings roosted in the evenings.



I have many photographs of this remarkable place.

Wonderful memories of the birds and the butterflies and the inn keepers.

I can hardly wait to return!

San Antonio, Texas

We arrived in San Antonio
in the late afternoon.

This bronze statue of San Antonio
was given to the city from the people in Portugal.

Perhaps they have a sister city in Portugal.

We found lodging on the River Walk.
Our balcony over looked the river.

A quick change of shoes and we were walking.
Temperatures were in the mid 60's.

Along the walk were tributes to the San Antonio river.
Names carved into the flesh of the cactus.


We could only stay a short time.

We enjoyed the art
and the music.

We watched a Southern Dogface butterfly find nectar
and a Double Crested Cormorant fish in the river.

White-winged Doves kept watch.

The Northern Mockingbird is the State bird of Texas.

We saw several while we were walking.

A mother Mallard duck took her chicks for a swim.

I have a fondness for baby ducks.

I have a fondness for San Antonio.

On Safari

Christmas in Portland

We stayed home.
We watched the birds.
We read new books and listened to music.

The House Wren found seed under the feeder.

The Northern Flickers found bugs.




The Robins ate berries.

We played cribbage while the fire crackled.
The Mujadarrah, lentils and rice with fried onions,
is simmering while I write. Brussels sprouts and carrots
with sesame seeds, are ready to compliment our Holiday meal.
Staying with gourmet cooks makes for delicious dining!

We leave tomorrow. We will miss these birds and the laughter.

Christmas Eve

My daughter and I walked
in her neighborhood.

We listened to the Robins.
We listened to the Scrub Jays and the Crows.

We laughed with the Gulls.
Merry Christmas Eve.

A different sort of bird

We took a drive in the rain.
We went to see the Spruce Goose.

The Evergreen Aviation Museum
contained many airplanes.



I did see birds.
Birds I do not know.




It rains in Portland, Oregon in December.

We are in the middle of a winter cribbage tourney.

We do not mind the rain.

Solstice

We flew south to go north.

We watched the solstice sun rise.

We flew over the snow and ice.

We arrived in Portland, Oregon.
We arrive to hugs, laughter and flowers.
We began the Winter Cribbage Tournament.
We celebrated the Full Cold Moon with mugs of Kona coffee.

We are having fun.

We are creating memories.

We are sharing love.

Time to pack

My husband ate wild blackberries
while we hiked in the woods.


Each morning and evening I watched the Swans.


At sunset the Swallows flew over.

We had a morning ferry to catch.
We packed our bags and said our farewells.
It was time to travel home.

Hike to the Lagoon

The Great Blue Heron flew in while I was resting near the shore.

A River Otter swam and feed.

A small flock of Sandpipers flew in

I think this shore bird is a Phalarope.
Witty's Lagoon was a very busy place.

A day in the gardens

Anniversary Dinner

Sooke Harbour House Inn
has a remarkable restaurant.

They also have remarkable organic herb gardens.
From the gardens the chef picks edible flowers and herbs
to prepare creative gourmet meals.

We arrived early so we could tour the gardens.

Although I did not see any butterflies
I was pleased to see lots of bees.

Many of the perennial herbs here are annuals in my herb gardens.
I talked with one of the gardeners.
She and I talked about companion planting and climate change.
I asked about butterflies. She said many butterflies come to the gardens. She did not know the varieties.
Dinner was sublime.
Each course was beautifully presented. Our meal was nicely paced. We ate flowers.
I left full and inspired.

The Light House

Near our B&B
the oldest light house on the
Pacific Coast of British Columbia
still warns ships of danger.


I was looking for butterflies.

I saw skippers.

A Pine White flew onto my shoulder.
I gently moved her to a flower.
Back to our room.
It was time to dress for anniversary dinner.

A crane fly greeted me on the balcony.

Great Blue Heron

I spent many hours watching

the Great Blue Heron.

A solitary hunter and a magnificent bird with patience.

Indoor gardens

The butterfly garden we visited is a habitat for
birds and butterflies
that are native to the tropics.

Here seed and berry eating birds live with the butterflies.

The Common Glass Wing is a resident of Pacific rain forests.

The Flamingos stayed near the water.

The Tailed Jays are green and black. Perfect coloration for the sun dappled forest they are common in.
I think I need to plan a trip to the tropics.

Butterfly Gardens

We saw a sign for a butterfly garden.
We stopped and asked for directions.

This indoor garden is the one I had read about.
Right away a Leaf Mimic perched on my hat.

Even when I took my hat off the butterfly stayed.
I think it liked my hat.

This garden also was home for a few tropical birds.
The Ibis did not mind all the attention.

The Atlas Moth of Southeast Asia has the largest wing surface of any moth in the world. When the wings are closed they look like a snake's head.
As adults they do not feed; they attract mates with pheromones.
The Luna Moths in North America also are non-feeders as adults and attract their mates with pheromones.

Butterfly World

A Large Tree Nymph came onto my shoulder.
She walked around with me while I greeted the other wonders of the tropics.



The Doris Longwing reminded me of our Monarchs.

The Blue Morpho dazzled our eyes.

My husband was patient and waited for the Blue Morpho to open her wings.
I was chatting with the other jewels.
I was so happy to see these darlings.

Tropical Butterflies

We stopped at a Tropical Butterfly habitat.

The large Tree Nymphs

the Zebra Longwings,

the Postman

and the Orange Julia were a few of the tropical wonders we watched.

City of Totems

We took a drive on our second day in British Columbia.

We stopped in Duncan on our way to see tropical butterflies.

This small city celebrates the First Nations.

I too have an animal totem.

My trip reminded me to honour my Totem.
I am inspired to build a totem.

Swans

We were greeted at Birds of a Feather by a flock of
Mute Swans.

Sol Duc to Victoria

The Sol Duc Hot Springs resort is near the Sol Duc River.
Here the chinoock and coho salmon ascend the river to spawn.
We hiked through old growth forest and watched the Sol Duc waterfall.
I wondered how any fish would ever be able to leap these falls.

It was time to pack the car and head to Port Angeles. Our time in Olympic National forest was too short. I made plans to return.
We had reservations on the Coho Ferry.

After an hour and half ferry ride we arrived in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

We were on our way to Birds of a Feather, a bed and breakfast.
Here we nested for the next seven days.

Shore Birds

I need a field guide for Gulls.

Kalaloch Lodge by the sea

We arrived at Kalaloch Lodge long before our rooms were ready.

We changed our shoes and went on a long beach walk.

The air was warm and the ocean cool.

Families played in the waves and near the birds.

We rested and watched the birds.

The end of the trail....

was at the Quinault Mercantile.

I bought a hat that was made by an Quinault woman.
Later on our trip a Swan gave me a feather for my cap!

Lake Quinault Lodge

We checked out of the lodge.
I made notes in my travel journal.
I would like to return soon.

Before leaving the temperate rain forest we went on one more hike.

The Lake

A quiet approach,

respect of homes,

language,

and hunting grounds.

We coexist.

Earth time

The forest tells it's story.
Walk softly.

Allow all the time you need.

I do not need to walk the world today.

I need to be quiet.

I need to listen.

Hiking

We took two different trails on our first afternoon in the rain forest.
Our 3.2 mile hike was an easy walk in the woods.

We were slow and deliberate as we studied the undergrowth.
We began to see the relationships of ferns, fungi, moss and trees.

The waterfalls provided humidity but the air was cool.
High in the canopy we could hear the birds.
The sun was shining. The play of light and shadow was magical.

I came to listen to the forest.
I came to smell the forest floor.
I came to honor.

On the road

We gave last hugs and waved goodbye.
We headed north.
Leg two of our Pacific Northwest adventure had begun.

Lovely coastal communities through Oregon and Washington State offered opportunities for coffee and iced drinks. We stopped at the Tourist Information Center when we reached Washington State. It is here we picked up our state map. When we, road trip, I always like stopping at the "I" some states call it the "?". I can learn about the natural history of an area, ask questions and pick up post cards. Long Beach, Washington, was preparing for their annual Kite Festival. I would have enjoyed staying but we had reservations and an afternoon hike planned. The weather was delightful, sunny and cool, so top down driving with the windows up made for pleasant full sky viewing. My hat kept my face shaded.

Our four hour drive was nicely paced, not too fast, not too slow.
We arrived before check-in time so we were able to drive a little into the forest. We began getting a feel for our area. Not very many roads are in the interior of Olympic National Forest. To experience the temperate rain forest we would be hiking.
A glimpse through the trees let us know it would be fine hiking.

We checked into our room, made reservations for dinner and packed the backpack. While we ate our tomato sandwiches, that I had packed from my daughter's house, we planned our afternoon hike. Lake Quinault Lodge is beautiful. The lake is pristine. Across the street is the Mercantile. I had a list of items I was hoping to find while on my trip. I always enjoy a new hat and I wear deerskin moccasins.

Sauvie Island

A twenty minute drive
from downtown Portland is a shore birds habitat.

We watched the gulls and the herons.
Skippers visited the wild flowers.

An Osprey watched us.

Birds, butterflies, blooms, fresh peach cobbler, corn on the cob, top down birding, laughter and music; life in Portland is lovely.
Daughter's hugs, tomato sandwiches, fresh figs and Farmer's market, sweet sleep and theater: I will miss her.
Off to Olympic National Park.

Ommm......

I look.

I listen.

I see my daughter.




She is laughing.

A Robin hunts for worms.

I am comfortable.

City Of Roses

Portland, Oregon

is known as the City of Roses.

Rose gardens dot the city landscape.

It could also be known as the City of Hydrangeas.

Today I visited the Japanese Garden.

Packing

I pack light.



I always think if I need something I can pick it up while I am away.
This is exciting.



My camera equipment is another story.
I need everything.
I bought another battery.
I am almost ready to leave on Holiday.

Countdown

We leave in two weeks.

I am ready.
I have checked off everything on my list of needs.
Tomorrow I get my hair cut, pedicure and manicure.

I am excited.

All set

Our Passports arrived last week.
I found pretty little dress shoes for my Anniversary dress.
I am all set.

I might want to get my hair fixed while I am in Victoria.
Maybe I could "google" Victoria Spas.
A manicure and a facial would be nice too.

Car Stuff

I have packed a small picnic basket
with things we will need when we leave Portland, Oregon, and head north.
I like to have snacks on the road and my water bottle.
I like to be prepared.

Also in my basket I have our bicycle backpack and my bicycle gloves and shorts.
I need to find out if I will need to bring my bike helmet.
There are field guides too. Ones I will not need until I reach Canada.

All of this I am shipping to my daughter.
That way I have the car things without having to mess with them at the airport.
I will ship it home before I leave Victoria.
I think there will be room for a couple of treasures too, in case I find something I want for the home gardens.

Making Plans

I began with a large travel bag.

Something big enough to hold regular purse necessities and a few lens and filters for the camera, a travel journal and a few field guides and binoculars.
My water bottle also will fit nicely.

The brown leather bag should hold up well.
It set my color scheme for our 35th Anniversary Trip.

I am making lists.
This is a three legged journey.
We stay with our daughter, we road trip to Olympic National Park , we lodge in Victoria, British Columbia for a week.
We fly, drive, bicycle and boat.

Our house sitter is arranged.
I have the camera outfitted.
Today I outfitted me.