SQUIRRELY DAY ~Lake Sacajawea Walk

Jared was going to be showing up bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed this morning to clean my windows, skylights, and gutters: I needed coffee, and lots of it.

It was very frosty this morning, when I looked out the windows drinking my coffee: getting on the roof was going to be squirrely, so when Jared showed, I told him to skip the skylights if it looked unsafe to him. He didn’t seem to be concerned, and the skylights got done 😊

The moon was still 'UP' when I got up, this morning! 7:10 AM

BRR; 7:13 AM; even the phone was still on night-mode.

Frosty roofs sparkling like they've been sprinkled with glitter; 7.44 AM

We caught up on the months’ happenings since he’d last been here: he’d been to Europe for two months, giving lectures on Van Gough’s life (and we both laughed and said at the same time, “Imagine! From Longview, a {regular Joe} gets invited to lecture Professor’s on Van Gough!”): I was happy for him – and, he said he noticed that Bob's beautiful Coho Bench was gone …

Coho Bench.

… and I told him I’d asked my BIL to come and get it, in August; and Kerry did when he got off the mountain, and into town. I know it went to a good home (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/10/living-neanderthal-man.html).

After Jared left, the temperature was predicted to get warmer around 1 PM, so I decided to go walking around the Lake; and this time, I remembered to grab the peanuts 😉

The traffic on Ocean Beach Highway was a madhouse, driving to the Lake: back-to-back bumpers coming and going – it looked like Portland traffic!

I knew I’d be driving a different way back home.

The Park turn-out-parking space was full, so I drove around the block twice (and saw a cool house!), before a spot opened up: I nipped in quick before someone else snagged it – this is very desirable “off-street” parking space.

I bundled up with my heavy Carhartt hooded jacket, fingerless gloves, and furry earmuffs; and enjoyed my walk. The squirrels were active … and things got a little squirrely when the gulls and ducks tried to grab the peanuts before the squirrels: but the squirrels managed to snatch their treats and make a clean get-away 😊

Afternoon temps ...

I remembered the peanuts!

Cute corner house with a corner turret; the door on the frontside is pretty cool, too.

Bundled up.

I only did the upper end of the Lake Trail Hike today.

This frisky little squirrel had to scurry quick, because the gills and ducks were after his peanut.

Mallard ducks & Canadian Geese.

Upper end of Lake Sacajawea Park.

Bright color among all the drab ...

Squirrel snatching my thrown peanuts.

Same squirrel enjoying his snatched treat.

An hour brisk pace ... FEELING IT.

Perfect end to my Shabbat Rest.

Bypassed the back-to-back traffic on Ocean Beach Highway, by driving Washington Way to Industrial Way; then, I drove the #432 Industrial Way loop home (the upper lefthand corner is home).

When I got home (and before kicking my shoes off to relax), I refilled the birdfeeder – and slipped a suet block into the suet cage, too, that Bob had affixed to the feeder for me; in 2017. It’s cold: the little birds need the energy suet will provide for them 😉

Restocked the birdfeeder ...

Worked the kinks out, too ;-)

“Shava Tov!” = “To A Good Week!”

AUTUMN WALK ON THE DIKE; Pacific Way Dike Hike

This morning, I pulled on a pair of jeans I have not been able to shimmy into since 2019: I've shed that much weight. I was stoked!.

Then, I drove into town to fill the gas tank – I’m driving to Graysriver tomorrow afternoon to spend the day with  stoked! friends, there. I’m looking forward to seeing the gals 😊

The weather was pleasant with a 65-degree temperature … and matching humidity level, so after putting the gas nozzle back in place, I decided to take a short hike along the lower end of the dike on 42^nd.

Green Day – ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5EXKDlf44M)

There was hardly anyone else on the trail; I saw maybe a total of 5 other people. I was okay with that. I saw a bird I’d never seen before – and looked it up in my Bird Book, when I got home. I saw a cute little Pomeranian: it was friendly and begged for petting, which was surprising because most poms are little barking biters. I talked with its owner for a bit, and she was friendly too 😉

Pacific Way Trail - 2 miles ‘rnd trip a third of the way; 200 calorie loss.

Clouded Autumn sky.

A fat fuzzy-wuzzy caterpillar.

Fuzzy-Wuzzy Weather Prediction:

(https://www.almanac.com/woolly-bear-caterpillars-and-weather-prediction#:~:text=When%20spring%20arrives%2C%20woolly%20bears,bear%20its%20distinctive%20striped%20appearance.)

American Bittern; a medium-sized Heron.

Free floating turtle.

‘All Creatures Of Our God and King’ Hymn:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d3gO6qDLNA)

A Great Blue Heron.

Mallard ducks.

'Lilly'. I call her 'Foxy Lady' because she has a fox face; Lilly is 13 years old.

Jimi Hendrix – ‘Foxy Lady’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9kLEpvHWAw)

When I got home, I collected the mail … and instantly saw red when I read why the car licensing has gone up. WTH – Longview does not have a ferry! Longview is now charging us for driving through the city we live in; don’t they collect enough damned taxes from us already for the “privilege” of living in this shithole … meant literally, as city “council” is 100% demonrat and insists on running Longview like calimexarabia where tent cities reign, and people behave like uncivilized animals??? The ‘State Parks’ fee is laughable since the State Parks are now charging parking fees and insisting, we schedule a ‘visit registration online’ – why should I be required to pay an additional fee through the car licensing department? And why the hell should Washingtonians be forced to comply with a mandated Law to adhere to calimexarabian ‘laws’ that are nonsensical and illogical! I do not live in calimexarabia … I live in Washington. If insleeze wants to brown-nose and kiss newsom’s ass, he can move to calimexarabia.

The annual car licensing goes waaaaay beyond licensing – it has become another political tool to bludgeon The People with ☹

95% of this billing is 100% bullshit.

I needed to bring a relaxing peace vibe into the day because Shabbat Eve would quickly be arriving … so, I quickly refolded the paper and stuck it back in its envelope – and out of sight until the Due Date arrives.

I also pulled out my small stash of Jasmine tea, and used a bag – I bought this tea with Bob, and I’ve been hoarding what little is left for special occasions: today qualifies. Autumn is filled with memories of Bob; Bob was born on the cusp of Autumn’s arrival in 1949, I met him when Autumn started in 1966, our daughter was conceived the first Autumn of our first year of married life in 1974 (and her daughter was born in Autumn), our Anniversary date always heralded the arrival of Autumn … and Bob got the devine summons to 'Come Home. Son' in the Autumn of 2018.

I want to meet tonight’s Shabbat hour with peaceful thoughts 😉

There's only 5 left ...

Benefits of drinking Jasmine Tea

(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/jasmine-tea-benefits)

4 MILE HIKE IN 3 PARTS

Recommendations from health and fitness experts is that one should walk 5 miles daily – even at 60+; I can’t do that with my gimpy leg.

WALKING BENEFITS: https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/average-walking-speed#takeaway

But I think I should be able to handle 4-miles without inflaming that piriformis muscle.

So that is what my starting point is … and I got that underway this morning.

I stopped at the Short Stop Store, across from the Boondox, to grab a quick bite; it’s been a while since I’ve been there. It was strange walking into that store without Bob – I’d always been with Bob and the kids (all the kids; grands, includes). For 44 years, Bob and I had stopped there, off-n-on; getting from point A to point B along Ocean Beach Highway. Walking through the door went okay: my stomach did not get queasy, and tears did not sting my eyes. I found I could speak without a shaky voice while the cashier checked me. My heart is healing.

It was 60-degrees outside, and the Plan was to walk Lake Sacajawea, because that is a guaranteed 4-mile hike if one walks the entire Lake Trail. The trail was workable today (flood waters had abated) – parking was not. I drove around the lake three times hoping for open spot to slide into, before going elsewhere to do my 4-mile walk. There was curb-side parking, but I would rather park off-road, in the little off-road parking lot.

I left downtown Longview, and parked in the parking lot on 30^th and Pacific Way; to walk that end of the Pacific Way Trail.

I didn’t get very far into the hike (31 minutes – 15 minutes walking, turn around; 15 minutes back), before I had to leave due to drifting smoke on the air.

30th & Pacific Way.

A bedraggled fuzzy-wuzzy; did not look healthy, at all.

Mating Mallard Ducks.

“We’re Having a Baby, My Baby & Me”

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrTPaa9kJ1o)

Goldeneye Ducks.

The Dike Hike ended after 31 minutes; due to brush burn smoke.

Brush burn with drifting smoke.

The 2nd fuzzy-wuzzy was a little livelier; healthier.

(https://www.raritanheadwaters.org/2020/04/02/creature-feature-woolly-bear-caterpillar/)

I was really beginning to think my walking aspirations were jinxed: no parking at the Lake … and now being run off the Pacific Way Trail by smoke.

But I was determined to get my 4-miles in!

So far, I’d only managed 1½ miles.

After the drifting smoke clouds forced me into the Highlander; I drove to Willow Grove, which is closer to home.

I added 2 more miles to my goal 😊

Exiting the Highlander at Willow Grove, I saw Mt. St. Helens - and a fluttering kite.

High tide.

The covered picnic areas are finished; last time I was here, the construction hadn't even begun yet - the founation was being laid.

The play area gym has been freed up - no more asinine covid barrier.

Kite man.

Snow-topped Mt. St. Helen's showing herself.

Busy Ocean Beach Highway - seen across Willow Grove's width.

All that is left of the white kite from 2019, is shredded tatters.

”Kites” 1969 song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQAm4wcK0vo)

Winter's sun in an afternoon sky.

Activities at Willow Grove.

Another reason masks are not a good idea.

The sun sliding over the horizon.

Moving into phase 3 of this 4-mile goal.

Willow Grove from Heron Pointe; 8 minutes.

The moon making an appearance.

Mt. St. Helens dominates the skyline; 3 mins to home.

After collecting the mail, and parking in the carport at home; I decided to relax my leg a bit. I balanced the checkbook, shredded the junk mail, and checked social media messages before putting my coat on and walking the final mile around the Park.

It was close to the dusking hour, but still light enough to walk without a light source.

The setting sun was lovely at the far end of the Park.

Sunset at the upper end of Heron Pointe; Industrial Way Rd in background.

Sunset over the Columbia; seen near my street.

Walking a daily 4 miles is doable without stressing that gimpy leg – and if necessary, I can even break it down into a 2-mile walk/twice a day 😉

SPECTRUM

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrDkL-6jwik)

When I checked the phone this morning, I saw that steady rainfall is predicted to start around midnight tonight – and run through next Friday.

So, I put the notion of walking on the treadmill aside; and decided to walk a lap around the Lake downtown, instead.

I have dropped 6 pounds since getting my treadmill (and only eating one hearty meal a day), so I decided to see if my “1-size-down” charcoal-colored jeans would fit comfortably now. (((YES!))) They slid up right my legs and hips without having to wiggle and jiggle myself into them – and they settled nicely over my thighs and fanny; I did a happy dance for about 5 minutes before finishing dressing, and lacing my hiking boots on 😉

It’s been months since I’d given any thought at all to the Lake: I’ve only walked the Lake Hike twice this year! I’ve been on the road – exploring and enjoying new places – just about every day, until September.

The walk was due.

I stopped at Mr. Bill’s, and got a Pumpkin Spice latte; then nipped into Baker’s corner and was happy to see that the deli was up and running, again: I got 3 pieces of bacon, and 3 skinny jo’s for breakfast 😊

Reaching the Lake Park, I was able to find a parking spot off roadside, on the Kessler side of the Lake – I was thankful. I pulled my camo jacket on, belted my fanny pack in place, grabbed my walking stick out of the back end of the Horizon; locked the car, and started walking with joy juice in hand.

Walking along, sipping my latte, I noticed the grass was littered nicely with a golden carpet of fallen leaves.

Kessler Boulevard, Longview-WA

Fallen gold was littering the grass on Kessler Boulevard side of the Lake.

I was sipping my latte, and swiveling my head around to gladden my eyes with all the vibrant Fall foliage … when I happened to catch sight of Hotai Kazumi (or “Joe”, as he laughingly refers to himself among friends). So, I walked over to say “hi” to him.

I spotted Hotai getting ready to set his camera for some great shots.

We had a nice 20-minute chat. Joe is a professional photographer; he worked as a photographer in Japan for 40 years, before retiring in America. His pictures are amazing: and he is very friendly and personable.

Continuing along the hike route, I started feeling hemmed in as I neared the hospital area … I was in a wide-open space, but I really do not like passing by that hospital – we were always rushing Stacey to ER following her baby boosters (she nearly died the last time at age 3: she never got another childhood jab – for anything): and Bob spent a few months there too, in 1981: and again, from August 30^th to November 24^th, 2018, before he was shifted to OHSU and never came home again alive. I have no warm feelings towards that hospital.

As I was quickly rushing up the gravel path, past it, into the gloominess of the overlapping leaf canopy; I noticed bright red leaves intermingled among the darkening overhang.

It was dark under the trees near the hospital; but this red tree brightened things up.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8T1R2szl_M)

I snapped the picture, and scooted to a more relaxing section of the pathway.

The outside edge gravel trail at the Washington Way end of the Lake Hike, spurs off onto an inner bike trail – I took that spur. I had used my asthma inhaler before starting the hike … but I still avoid the traffic fumes whenever I am able to do so: that’s why I pretty much stick to the Pacific Way Trail along the backroad dikes, and rarely walk the Lake Hike.

Along this bike trail spur, there are metal planet plaques dotting the landscape at specific intervals. The plaque markers are measured to a smaller scale that matches the planetary distancing in outer space: the last plaque marker is at the other end of the Lake, near Ocean Beach Highway.

Making the 15th St. turn around the lake, the blooming yucca plants add contrast to the scarlets and golds.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77rinB5pYqA)

MAP Nichols Boulevard, Longview-WA

The walk was enjoyable; the afternoon was still a bit on the chill side due to the wet front looming on the horizon, but it wasn’t bone chilling. Actually, for me, the air temperature was perfect. Occasionally, the sun was peeking out of the shifting gray clouds.

I was smiling and nodding at the smiling and nodding strangers surrounding me as they also enjoyed the walk.

I was enjoying the fallen – and falling leaves – and found myself captivated by the picturesque symmetry of the Washington Way Bridge: it was just the way my eye saw it.

Silver and browns litter the grass on the Nichol's Boulevard side of the Lake.

Washington Way Bridge is open to traffic again, since the last time I was here, in July.

Beautiful symmetry; Washington Way Bridge.

I’m glad that my heart has healed to the point of where I can enjoy Fall again with all my senses. It’s been a long, hard, 37 months.

I am sure Yeshua and Bob and sharing an exuberant {high-5} in appreciation of my getting to this point 😉

This 2-tone tree reminded me of a flame.

On both sides of the lake, the trees are switching out their dresses ... and trying to out-do each other.

The tip of the lake's Pioneer Lion's Island.

LION'S ISLAND at Lake Sacajawea; the island was built by the city’s Lion’s Club in the 1960’s. People enjoy walking/fishing there – and every year, there is a large Christmas Lights display, and fireworks are set off there for a magnificent 4^th of July air show.

A bachelor mallard treading water ... pardon the pun 😉

This tree's leaves are barely hanging on ...

This White Ash tree will be the first to shed her dress after this year's Autumn Dance.

I took a side stroll through the flower garden; I wasn’t sure what I’d see there since most flowers have died off, but I smiled when I saw two flowering plants still in late blossom.

They are not ready to bow out of the Fall Party spectrum, yet.

This Floribunda Rose is fading slowly - hips are showing, but she's determined to age gracefully 😊

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_VlNGJvUwY)

A Black-eyed Susan - in full dress - is peeking shyly around the deadheads.

About now, I was a little over the half-way mark along the hike route.

Footbridge across from RA Long High School - this bridge leads into the 15th Avenue hiking loop.

Locations of Sacajawea Statue & Japanese Garden Island.

Sacajawea Statue at the school end of the footbridge.

Gorgeous maroon hued tree at the side of the footbridge.

I spent a few minutes reading the names on the brick pavement: I was trying to find the brick a friend of mine had bought and dedicated to his mother after she had passed – I never did find it, but I’ll look again, next time I walk the hike.

I started walking again, and sipping my latte, when … oh, my!

I came across a colorful spectrum of leafy bonanza!

I love color: and here was a carpet of Fall’s bejeweled colors, at the toes of my hiking boots.

My eyes were happy 😊

BONANZA!

A tiny bit of Elk Horn Moss - a pretty powder blue contrast to all the scattered jewel-toned leaves.

Senses rocking-and-rolling with sensory overload, I practically skipped along the trail as I moved forward.

The fanciful carpet of color – coupled with the spiced latte, was adding zip to my day; and making my steps pretty spritely 😉

Sighting signs of abounding wildlife was an added bonus.

These birdhouse columns are new; to me, anyway. They weren't here last time I was here, in July.

A flock of mallards, and a lone seagull.

Dark purple leaves - they leaned heavily towards black-hued.

A scampering cutie ...

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SRUrz4I54A)

Beaver gnawing activity ...

A beaver's fanciful romantic declaration?

Nearing the upper end of the Lake, I saw that the Japanese Garden was open, again.

And I saw geese, too; meandering around, and totally ignoring the background sounds of the busy traffic behind them.

The footbridge to the Japanese Garden - around the upper end, and on the opposite side of the Lake.

The simplicity of this just caught my eye ...

Canadian Geese at the upper end of the Lake – undisturbed by the busy activity on Ocean Beach Highway.

I startled a Great Blue Heron that was hiding in the tall grass along the lake's edge.

Ocean Beach Highway - upper end of Lake Hike.

Making the bend at the upper end of the Lake, I was in the final lap.

I turned at the Japanese Garden pathway: Bob always liked this side tour, and I do, too 😊

It’s pretty any time of the year … but it really vibrates with life in the Fall.

Ironic: isn’t it?

The Japanese Garden is open for foot traffic.

Entering a soothing zone.

Beautiful burnt orange foliage.

So relaxing.

This stone slab appeals to me.

I really enjoy strolling through this little habitat.

Exiting the Garden, I noticed that the gray clouds were effectively closing out the sun … and there was a definite nauseating odor drifting over from the mills on Industrial Way.

Time to beat feet for the car … and get my lungs safely home, away from the {environmental asthma} causing hazard.

Gray clouds were moving in; and the mill odor was getting strong. It was time to call it a day.

Industrial Way is at the riverside end of Washington Way that runs past the Lake Sacajawea Park.

Nearly 4 miles. That's a pretty fair hike.

I had spent 4 hours dinking around at the Lake, before the mill stench drove me back to the car.

The day really did unfold well; and ended well. I was glad I went 😊

Calories burned by the Mile (https://www.verywellfit.com/walking-calories-burned-by-miles-3887154)