Same Place. Different Week.

For a couple of months I've been meeting two friends every Thursday to hike on trails near our homes. And although we often cover the same territory, there's always something new to see. Here are a few photos of the sights we encountered last week.

Thimbleberries (Rubus parviflorus). Some were ripe, so we tasted a few. Pretty good!

Blackberries in bloom. The fruit won't be ready until later this summer.

The PlantSnap app on my phone identified this plant as rockspirea (Holodiscus dumosus)... probably.

It has a lovely scent.

Does this say "Wow" or "Mom?" I'm guessing Mom.

This Pacific banana slug (Ariolimax columbianus) slimed its way across my front sidewalk. We saw a big one (4+ inches long) on the trail today, too.

As summer progresses, different plants line the paths. I can't wait to see what's in bloom next week.

I'm linked with:

Jo's Monday Walk -  Johanna at Restless Jo - Link HERE

Our World Tuesday - Link HERE

Saturday Snapshot - Melinda at A Web of Stories - Link HERE 

"Juneuary"

Sometimes in the Pacific Northwest, we have a month called "Juneuary." That's when summer starts but the weather remains cool and rainy. However, when we have sunbreaks, it's a great time to take a few photos.

A bunny decided to sunbathe in my front yard! I was afraid he might be injured, but when I walked onto the porch, he hopped away.

The hummingbirds are hungry! It's unusual to see two at the feeder at the same time. I love the green iridescence of these two.

This little guy glowed!

Wildflowers are blooming along a nearby hiking trail. These daisies brightened my day.

Mock orange created a delicious scent.

Foxgloves added a splash of color.

I'm linked with:

Jo's Monday Walk -  Johanna at Restless Jo - Link HERE

Our World Tuesday - Link HERE

Saturday Snapshot - Melinda at A Web of Stories - Link HERE 

At Home in Springtime

The world may be in lockdown, but nobody told the flowers! When we bought our house in the Pacific Northwest U.S., I knew the previous owner had been an avid gardener. Now I'm enjoying the benefits of her hard work.

Clematis

Lilac

These climbing yellow roses have a delightful scent.

A few tulips that the deer missed!

Viburnum

Bleeding hearts.

Rhododendron (and bear, on lookout duty)

I hope everyone is healthy and coping well.

I'm linked with:

Jo's Monday Walk -  Johanna at Restless Jo - Link HERE

Our World Tuesday - Link HERE

Saturday Snapshot - Melinda at A Web of Stories - Link HERE 

#Hike Deprivation

It's been two months since I posted on my blog. Two months without a hike! Lucky for me, I have two friends who understand the value of time in the woods. Recently they led me down trails not far from our homes, staying six feet apart at all times and with our masks at hand. Here are a few photos from our outing.

Mount Rainier dominated the horizon on this perfect spring day.

Thanks, Melanie and Diane, for a great day. My soul is revived.

I'm linked with:

Jo's Monday Walk -  Johanna at Restless Jo - Link HERE

Our World Tuesday - Link HERE

Saturday Snapshot - Melinda at A Web of Stories - Link HERE