Washington Park #Arboretum - #Seattle - #SaturdaySnapshots

Although I've lived in the Seattle area for thirteen years, I had only visited the Arboretum once and that visit was brief. Last week, however, the senior group hiked all over the garden's paths. [Click on photos for a closer look.] 

The garden's entrance gave a taste of what we'd see inside.

The pink flowers are a type of primrose; the blue ones are ajuga.

Blooming trees put on quite a show.

This dogwood is from Mexico. Strange blooms.
I should have written down the botanical name.

Tulip tree.

Magnolia blossom reminds me of Georgia O'Keeffe.

Spectacular evergreen.

Rhododendrons and azaleas bloomed everywhere in a wide range of colors. Many of the rhodies were tree-size.

I could have parked myself on a bench and spent the whole afternoon just breathing in the beauty of the Japanese garden.

Because of excavation work (new plantings!) we had to detour off our intended route, but then we came across this totem pole - "Origin of the Eagle Clan!"

Beautiful spot for our lunch break.

I'd like to go back again this summer to see what's blooming then. I'm sure it's lovely in autumn too, when the leaves turn.

More info about the University of Washington Botanic Gardens HERE.

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Saturday Snapshots - #Hiking Around the Montlake & Capitol Hill Neighborhoods, #Seattle

I've been on another hike with the Auburn Senior Center group! This time we ventured to the Washington Park Arboretum and then hiked to Volunteer Park (and back to the Arboretum) in the Montlake and Capitol Hill neighborhoods of Seattle. Both are beautiful urban parks, and the neighborhoods in between are charming. According to my FitBit, we walked over eight miles; and although my legs agree, I think it may have been exaggerating a little bit.
[Click on photos to enlarge.]

I know what goes up, must come down. But this hike seemed like it was all UP.

And UP some more!

And even UP a staircase between streets - one of many staircases in Seattle. This one has 100+ steps.

Some of us even climbed UP to the observation deck of the water tower in Volunteer Park - 107 steps to the top - and we were rewarded with amazing views of the city and surrounding areas.

Downtown Seattle

Next weekend I'll post photos of the beautiful azaleas and rhododendrons we saw at the Washington Arboretum. What a fun day we had!

Volunteer Park Info and History HERE.

[Click on map to zoom in or out.]

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads.

To enjoy a variety of beautiful pictures from around the world, 

click HERE or on the box below.  

To participate in Saturday Snapshots: post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) 

have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on the host blogsite. 

Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you.