Tubbs Hill Coeur d'Alene

 Finally got a chance to get over to one of my favorite places to walk, Tubbs Hill in Coeur d'Alene yesterday. The trail along the southern shore is my favorite. The arrowleaf balsam root flowers were popping out all over the place and the forest is lush and green. Saw an Osprey high up in a tree and a nice couple pointed out some deer that were feasting on the hill. For all of you Eastern Washington folks that have never made the trip over to walk this gem of a trail make a point of doing it this year!

Indian Painted Rocks

 Because I was out the Indian Trails direction this morning I was able to walk the Indian Painted Rocks trail. This trail runs along the Little Spokane and is a wonderful place for bird and other critter sightings. It's still a little sleepy without many critters out and about yet. The chipmunks were awake though. You can make a long loop trail by continuing on to the Knothead Valley Trail at the top of the hill. This makes an almost 7 mile loop and brings you back down a little further north on Rutter Parkway. As you can see from the pictures there are a lot of trees laying down. The fire from a few years ago damaged a lot and they have fallen or been cut and left in place for natural habitat. 

Fairmont Memorial Park Cemetery walkabout

 I really enjoy getting my mileage in at the local cemeteries. The beauty and history of the places keeps my eyes and mind engaged as I wander around. These places hold the true history of the area, from the earliest settlers, dignitaries and just regular folks they tell stories. The Fairmont Memorial Gardens along the Spokane River behind the VA hospital is one of the most beautiful with its views of the River and wonderful memorials and architecture. These are not places of mourning but celebrations of the lives that came before us.

 

Sunny day downtown

 Went walking through Riverfront and on the north side of the river today. The sun finally peaked out and brought with it a lot of folks to the park to enjoy the great weather. A domestic goose had somehow found his way into the park and was not happy, honking and wandering around, wondering how he go there. found a hidden gem of a vintage store on north Broadway, Teleport Vintage Clothes. Really a fun shop. Always enjoy our walkabouts downtown. So much to see and experience!

Waikiki Springs Natural Area

 I don't get up north as often as I would like to go walking. The Waikiki Natural area near Fairwood is always a treat when I make it there. It was snowing hard and the springs were flowing, perfect! It just felt like a black and white day so that's how I shot most of my pics. If you get a chance to get out there make sure that you wear some good tread shoes as it can get slippery, especially on the road down into the area off the trailhead.