WALK IN THE REDWOODS

We perused the list of walks in the Redwoods National Park, decided on one that started at the Big Tree Wayside.  Once we found it (that took a u-turn) we stopped for a photo at the Big Tree.

There were lots of trails, we decided on one we thought was a loop trail, the Cathedral Trees trail, but turned out not to be.  It was a beautiful walk, plenty to see.  There were twists and turns, ups and downs, and lots of stepping over roots and rocks.  We saw not only Redwood trees, but lots of ferns and clover ( I was amazed at all of the clover ). 

Yes, that is Darrell standing at the base of that tree.

Plus we encountered a few Banana Slugs and Snails, too.

 

It was a lot of fun - until we got lost.  There was very little signage and we had no map and no internet service.  We encountered a runner and told him we were lost.  He had a map and gave us some directions.  We headed out that way and got lost again.  I got very frustrated and tired, and thirsty.  We eventually encountered the same runner again.  He gave us directions again, we even took a picture of his map.  And we got lost again.  We ended up back in the same spot where we first met the runner, which was near the road.  So, Darrell walked back to the pickup on the road (scarey, because there were no shoulders) and I walked to the Prairie Creek Visitors Center in hopes of water.  

I got a little worried that it took him so long to get back to me.  I began to think he'd been run over on the road.  But, he finally showed up, safe and sound (he had stopped to take pictures ! ).  We made our complaints to the staff there and they agreed the signage was horrible and they've been trying to get it fixed.  They gave us a complaint form.

I got my passport stamped, bought some stickers and then we were off, headed south again.

We love this park though.

EVERGLADES NAT'L PARK

 We left Everglades City early having decided not to do the airboat ride.  Instead we wanted to get to Everglades Park as soon as possible.  

We drove across the state on Hwy 41 and entered the park at the Homestead entrance.

First stop was the Mahogany Hammock Trail - where a very large, old Mahogany tree lives.

Right when we got out of the car, there was a Red-shouldered Hawk sitting in a tree. 

Then we drove down to the far end of the park to the Flamingo Visitor Center.  There is a small marina.  We were told that we might see Manatees there.  And we did!

There was a dam between the fresh water and the sea.  Atop the dam was a very large Osprey nest.

Then we started back out and stopped at one more loop trail.  It was interesting, there were big sink holes everywhere.  

Great day in the Everglades!

DAY 21

 The prompt for today's #30daysketchbookchallenge is "Rooftops".

My plan was to paint the rooftops once the greens were dry.  But, I liked the way it looked like this.

DAY 6

 Day 6 of the #30daysketchbookchallenge and the prompt is 'Trees'.

I did this line drawing with my fountain pen.

WALK IN THE PARK

 

HEDGE TRIMMED

 Today we had some tree trimmers come to tame our hedge.  They did a wonderful job and left everything very tidy and clean.

BEFORE

AFTER

I had them look at our Japanese Maple in the backyard and they cleaned it up for me, too.

WALKING IN THE RAIN

 They forecast an 'atmospheric river' of rain for the next 24 hours, at least.

But, we headed out for a walk in Lincoln Park around 8:30 anyway, just as the rains began.

The colors of the season were absolutely incredible.

It was a very nice walk - and my new rain jacket actually repelled the drops.

OFF THE LONGARM

Seasons is done and off the longarm.  I might make the deadline.

Darrell and I went for an afternoon walk with the dogs.

WINTER LIGHT

The light is so low and intense at this time of year.  

It makes everything so beautiful.

FIRST SATURDAY

We started this first Saturday of November by having breakfast in Burien at Grand Central and left as the sun was rising.

Then, we had a great walk in the park with the dogs.

Then, lunch from the El Camion food truck - sooo gooood!

We cleaned the leaves off from and out of the pond and cleaned up the yard.

It was a great day.

RAINY SATURDAY

Last night we were visited by lightning with very loud thunder that shook the house, strong winds and heavy rains.  

This morning was more of the heavy rains, but, alas, no more thunder and lightning.

We headed up to Carnation to see some spectacular fall colors.  It sounded like fun, but the rains put a bit of a damper on it and cut our outing short.   (But, it was beautiful.)

After a quick lunch at the Issaquah PCC, we headed home and I went straight up to work on my project.  I've got these sections done, and cut out the next section.