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.

Holmburg Park Conservation area North Spokane

Never had ventured back into the open area behind Holmburg Park located off of North Wall in the Whitworth College area until a few days ago. The trails were challenging with the one up to the rim of 5mile almost straight up. Wonderful views toward Mt Spokane and Mead. Probably like 3-3 1/2 miles total going all the way from one side to the other and east and west. Great shorter workout with all the elevation.

Centennial Trail Uprive Drive & fall Water skiers

What a wonderful day's this week for getting out on the trails. Perfect sunshine and mild temps made you glad to be out movin. As I was goin along the Spokane river near Boulder Beach on the Centennial Trail I heard what sounded like a boat comin down the river. Sure enough, and he was pulling a water skier. A little chilly I would guess but they were having fun for sure! One of the pictures I took of them was published in the Outdoor Section of the Spokane Spokesman Review newspaper on Thursday, 9/27. Lots of walkers, bikers, joggers, some with their 4 legged kids were also out and about. The ducks were all enjoying watching the water skier single-file on the log.

Antoine Peak Conservation Area W & E trailheads

Antoine Peak is a huge area located northeast of Spokane. It can be accessed from either the west trailhead at Brevier Rd, east of Bigalow Gulch & Forker  or the east trailhead located off of East Lincoln Rd, Trent to Campbell. The West trailhead has a couple of choices in varying lengths, The Summit loop and the Emerald Necklace loop. The East trailhead has the Canfield Gulch loop. Be prepared for a lot of Up, up, up the trails all wind around, up and down the mountain so are challenging. It was pretty the 2 days I spent this last week but I would image it is absolutely gorgeous earlier in the year when it hasn't been so dry.