Friday, March 24, 2017

Tolmie & Nisqually #Hikes Revisited - #SaturdaySnapshots

In March of last year I went on my first hike with the senior center group. We visited Tolmie State Park and nearby Billy Frank, Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, and rain poured down on our heads. Last week, I joined the group in exploring both places again ... and again we had rain! But the weather didn't dampen anyone's enjoyment. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we don't let a little wet weather stop us.

[Click on photos to enlarge]

Because the Nisqually hike is so different from others I've been on, I'm just posting photos from that area, rather than include Tolmie too.


This whole area used to be farmland, protected from the encroachment of salt water from Puget Sound by a series of dikes. Those have been removed and the land is slowly returning to its natural state. However, the creators of the wildlife refuge decided to leave the barns as a reminder of the area's history.


This boardwalk stretches out into the estuary. After tromping through mud puddles at Tolmie State Park, the wet at Nisqually didn't bother us at all. The tide was out, and we saw quite a few birds - mostly ducks. Perfect weather for them!

According to the Washington Trails Association website, the walk from the visitor center to the end of the boardwalk and back is about five miles. At least it was flat! 




Here's the link to last year's blog post about both Tolmie and Nisqually:
2016 Tolmie/Nisqually Hike
Here are links to more info, if you're interested:
Tolmie State Park
Nisqually Wildlife Refuge



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14 comments:

  1. That looks like an interesting walk xx Happy weekend

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. Happy weekend to you, too.

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  2. THose barns are so poignant, esp. in the gloomy light.

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    1. They appealed to me, especially in the last photo where they're far in the background. This was a fascinating place to visit.

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  3. I love barns! As I drive through our country here toward the foothills, there are properties with nothing but abandoned barns on them. I feel nostalgic for what once was when I see them.

    I like your hiking trails, always so varied. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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    1. Thank you, Laurel-Rain. I have the same feelings when I see barns, especially when they're surrounded by row after row of houses. I wonder what life must have been like for people who previously lived on the property. I'm glad these have been preserved.

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  4. It's funny that my husband and I will never venture out on walks in our hometown when it's wet, but will never let rain stop us if we're anywhere else. On another note, does the water ever overflow the boardwalks?

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    1. That's a good question, Allison. I've never heard of the boardwalks flooding, and when I did a Google search on the subject, I didn't see any mention of that.

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  5. You go on so many wonderful walks. I'm glad you've found lots of great walking sites.

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    1. Thank you, Deb. I've loved going on hikes and walks with this group. I pay a small fee (usually $8) and they provide transportation. Our leaders are knowledgeable about the areas we visit and their history, plus they carry a back pack that's filled with first aid supplies. I would never venture to these places alone.

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  6. You certainly seem to have found great hiking and walking sites all around you!

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  7. It looks like a beautiful area, Sandra! I especially like the boardwalk out over the low tide area.

    I always enjoy seeing your many varied hikes - thanks for sharing!

    Sue

    Book By Book

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  8. It's usually the other way, with the wetlands being made usable for building, so this is an interesting change. I would love to wander around there taking photos!

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