Downtown Spokane, Gonzaga, centennial trail

Went walking through downtown Spokane yesterday to enjoy some of the holiday sights and then back around along the edge of Gonzaga on the Centennial trail. Lotso' people out taking it all in. Some neat new ducks on the river and even a guy fishing.

Hayes Conservation area, Shady Slope

This area runs along the Spokane River off of Leona Drive, off of Shady Slope. While not a large area if you go off on the side trails you can get a lot of up and down work. I figured about 3 miles goin along the outer trails. There were a couple of horses being loaded up that had been brught in to ride the trails. There was also a memorial stone for the original owner of the property. Nice hidden gem.

Trip to exotic animal farm

What fun it is to get up close and personal with animals you only normally see in a zoo or on TV. Zebra's, Camels, flamingos and a few others are lovingly cared for at this Cheney area farm.

Woodard Bay Conservation area Olympia, Washington

We found ourselves in Olympia, Washington over the weekend and went to get a look at the Seal Lions that congregate on the logs around the Woodard Bay Conservation Area. They were sleeping out a ways so got some shots but didn't get very close. It is looks almost tropical in this area, hanging moss, dense foliage and very large old growth trees. And of course the briney smell of the ocean water in the bays. Such a neat different experience from our inland trails in the Spokane area.

Cheney Wetlands Conservation area.

This neat gravel trail loop is located off the Columbia Plateau Trail going east off of the Cheney/Spangle trailhead. The water birds were just crazy today, so many of them. Swans, different ducks and Redwing Black Birds were all in attendance and voicing their opinions on the wonderful fall day. The colors were eye popping! Such a glorious time to be out on the trails!

Secret Garden

Went to an estate sale and the back yard of the place just mesmerized me. Although in the middle of town it was an oasis of peace and tranquility. Wanted to share a few pics.

Riverside State Park, Bowl & Pitcher

What a glorious day for a walk! Parked in the main area and headed up for a look over the edge then across the suspended bridge. There were a lot of folks and their 4 legged kids out enjoying the sunshine. Ringo and Cooper were taking a breather while their dads discussed life. The Blue Heron was fighting with another one in the air when I got there but I wasn't close enough to get a shot. The one on the rock evidently won as he stayed there the whole time I was there. A couple of Red Headed Mergansers were enjoying the river as well. There was even someone out fishing along the edge.