SPRING AT THE LAKE

I had breakfast with a friend this morning; and after our 3-hour chat, I decided to walk around the Lake. I found a spot to nip into, in the small parking turnout on Kessler, and started my hike at the Rhododendron Garden.

Rhododendron Garden at Lake Sacajawea.

I like lots of color in my life – and I got that in spades, this afternoon 😊

2-tone coral bell-shaped blossoms, with a brushed yellow interior w-brown spots.

Exiting the colorful mini-trail, I dodged geese that ambled the main hiking trail, in slo-mo mode, for a good 10 minutes.

And noticed parents with children going in and out of the restrooms: it’s about time the city opened those necessity rooms up.

Geese along the hiking path.

It's about time! These bathrooms have been closed for an entire year.

As I walked, I thought about all the political BS going on: it seems that the demonrats are very deliberately sucking the fun right out of life in any (and every) way they can.

It happens every time the demonrats seize power and run with it.

I truly believe the demonrat party exists to make life on Earth as cheerless as possible.

Gas is high, so I have to be more selective of where I go. Today it was local.

My wings haven't been totally clipped; but they've been weighed down with political BS.

This political BS happens every time there is a demonrat in the White House - it's their toxic M.O.

And, I also got to thinking about my recent citified driving experience.

I said I’d never drive that route again … but … there are going to be times during my adventuring forays that I may encounter citified areas: I have got to get comfortable in that type of situation.

So, I may drive that route a few more times again, just to push past that uncomfortable hurdle.

I have to bite the bullet and get used to citified driving.

I also received an invite to an upcoming BD-Reunion shindig; another important testing of my comfort zone … I like Bob’s Uncle Cliff, and he likes me too – but it will be difficult dealing with some other relative hostility.

But: I was invited: I have a right to be there.  

I'm going.

I will go to represent Bob; and Bob’s love for me. 

And I will enjoy the day.

Tranquility surrounded me; on every level, today.

In my thoughts.

In my heart.

In my forward vision (present & future).

I passed a beautiful large shrub.

White Lacecap Hydrangea.

A guy was mowing the grass and kicking up a dust cloud on the upper trail … so, I veered off to the lower trail.

I took the lower path ... and I'm glad I did!

Yellow Flag Irises were in bloom everywhere around the lake.

The red hued hedge bushes contrast beautifully with the Yellow Flag's. And I caught sight of Gus, the lake's resident Great Blue Heron, too.

He appeared to be preening.

But the nipping and scratching seemed to intensifying - like a dog with fleas.

Then, he flew towards me, and I thought he'd cross the hiking trail. But he didn't.

Imagine my surprise to see him set down so close! It was pretty exciting 😉

As I got closer, I saw a pretty large raw spot on his back. Was he injured - or does he have a skin disease?

I've never heard a Heron before; this afternoon, I did.

Nearing the upper end of the Lake, I was surprised again to see a small heron – its beautiful iridescent plumage sparking in the sunlight is what caught my attention.

I also saw a baby gosling; the gander stood guard, while the goose moved to put herself between me and the baby goose, who was still a little unstable on its feet. It was a sweet wildlife family moment.

I saw a turtle basking in the warm Spring sunshine.

I saw a beautiful variegated Columbine flower – obviously a hybrid.

And I saw a gorgeous hued rhododendron when I passed the Japanese Garden … which is still closed to the public.

Iridescent Rock Pigeons.

A Mallard and his hen.

Wren haven ... under the Louisiana St. overpass.

The white waterlilies are starting to bloom.

A little Green Heron.

(https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/green-heron)

Green Heron in flight.

Variegated Columbine.

Footbridge to the Japanese Garden.

A goose family; parents were very protective.

A turtle sunning itself in the 78-degree sunrays.

Yellow waterlilies are blooming.

Entrance door to the Japanese Garden; still closed ...

Blush pink rhododendron with a flame highlight on upper petal.

Then I was back where I had parked my car – and ready to come home.

It was an altogether enjoyable day 😊