The Heron of Queen Lucas Lake

 Went walking on the end of the Fish Lake trail which takes you right past Queen Lucas Lake. The water was way down in the lake. Most of the end with the boggy marsh was dry. A blue Heron was hunting  in the little bit of march that was still wet. He was so excited when he caught a turtle. Then the hard work began for him, trying to get into the turtle shell to enjoy his meal. He jumped, ran and did all manner of contortions trying to get in. I'm not sure wether he ended up dropping it or swallowing it whole as it was gone but I'm not sure were. He was off for a quick rinse off and to look for something else, maybe a frog, that would be easier to eat.

                                  

Sunshine with feathers

 The Gold Finch are back in Cheney. Their bright yellow plumage makes you think of sunshine and spring. 

Spokane's upper falls video

 Witness the sheer power of Spokane's upper falls.

Fishtrap Lake trail

 Went walking on the Fishtrap Lake trail yesterday. This area is so different from the Spokane, North, Idaho area. The landscape is volcanic rock and sage brush. As the season progresses there will be more wildflowers scattered among the sage brush. The lake sits down into what looks like a crater with sheer rock cliffs. There is a lot of waterfowl and other beasties. In fact I almost stepped on the little Garter Snake as I was walking on the trail. The trail goes through the grass and rock lands and then loops back along the lake. It's about 6 1/2-7 miles. The house seen in the last photo is seen just after you come off the freeway headed for Fishtrap Lake.

                                                                 

Mystic Waterfall, Indian Canyon Park

 As you walk down the steep winding trail into the ravine that the Mystic Waterfall falls into you feel as though you are entering another world. You can imagine you are in the Congo, a Hawaiian forest or some other tropical local. The waterfall falls into a wide area in the ravine and then the stream continues on. You are able to get right up under the waterfall and feel the spray. It is a seasonal waterfall and by summer will dry up until it starts again in late fall/winter. If you haven't experienced it you really should. 

Coeur d'alene Idaho Easter Weekend

 Went walkin on the beautiful Tubbs Hill trail in Coeur d'alene, Idaho. This walk is always a pleasure. The trail was full of families enjoying the wonderful early spring weather. The landscape and activity level are starting to come alive.