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.