The last stretch of June proved to be the hottest on record in many places here in Washington. I believe our average high temperature was about 111 degrees over twelve or thirteen days. A few substantial fires started over the holiday weekend, but none nearby and we have avoided the smoke as well. Keeping firefighters and those affected in prayer. Wildfire has become the new norm in the west, and it's no joke.
My friend, Elizabeth, who is joining my sister and me on this adventure, drove out to the ranch on Saturday and we had a glorious hike in the cool mountain air. Wildflowers, birds, serviceberries ripening and importantly...no bears. Plenty of sign but they must have been finding their cool spot for the day. Six miles!! Wahoo! That may not sound like much but I have not been able to walk that far in over a year.
I took in a 3.5 mile walk Monday morning before physical therapy and then had a great 4.5 miler this morning. I have a very low tolerance for the heat so early morning is my favorite time to walk. Lots of critters out today, another benefit to walking early. I saw a cedar waxwing in her nest. She must have been sitting on eggs because she didn't budge when I walked by, giving her a little room of course.
Others hanging out in the neighborhood: red-winged blackbirds, many families of quail with babies just learning to fly (they are adorable!), the ravens were telling interesting tales in the aspen grove, a pileated woodpecker found a really great tree to broadcast his message, mourning doves, and a couple of red-tailed hawks looking for breakfast. The highlight was a doe and her two teeny, tiny, spotted fawns.
Today's walk puts my grand total at 19 miles, which puts me at waypoint 5 - Kamiak Butte County Park. This was a favorite getaway when I was going to school at WSU. Why? It is a beautifully forested high spot with great walking trails. I love the forest. You can check out specifics and see photos here: Kamiak Butte County Park
Most of my childhood was spent in Bellingham, we moved there from Pullman when I was about four. Bellingham has amazing trail systems that wind all around and through town, most with tree lined paths. Kamiak Butte was a little reminder of home out in those rolling wheat fields.
I try to see the landscape around me, where ever I am, with appreciative eyes. If I were standing on top of Kamiak Butte today I would see rolling fields for miles. Different planting times and crops create a pattern across the landscape like an heirloom quilt. If you watch for it, you can see the wind blow through the wheat like waves at the ocean, switching directions and cresting the hills. Occasionally, there are 'eyebrows' at the crest of a hill, planted with fir and pine trees or shrubs. However, Kamiak Butte is much bigger than an eyebrow and is an enchanting little forest and I am thankful for being able to enjoy it.
Off I go! North on Hwy 27 to Rosalia and then north US 95. Next waypoint 65 miles away: Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA. Hope to see you there!
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