Saturday, January 20, 2018

Rattle Snake Ledge - Cedar River Watershed - 1/20/18

Today we already had plans to attend the Winter Workshop at the Cedar River Watershed, so we went early and climbed Rattlesnake Ledge before the event. This is a 1.9 mile hike with about a 1200-foot elevation gain. The ledge is a unique lookout, especially on a clear day, but even when the sky is cloudy. About 10 giant boulders dot the landscape on the hike up the mountain-side. We were greeted with snow at the top of the ledge, which added another element of fun. We would classify this hike as moderate, and would recommend it on non-peak days because it gets very crowded. After the hike was over, we met up at the Cedar River Educational Center for story-time and craft, today's topic: Rain. 



Claire, Levi, Jess - With Rattlesnake Ledge in the background.



One of a dozen boulders on the way up.


Sasquatch, dressed up as me.


Climbing up...


Don't fall...


Are we there yet?


View from the top.


A mountain top experience.







Heading back down.


Rattlesnake Ledge


Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Foulweather Bluff Nature Preserve Hike - Kingston - 1-15-18

Today we took the Edmonds-Kingston ferry (WSF) over to the North Kitsap peninsula for a day of adventure, exploring and hiking. Shown in the photos is our wonderful woods and beach hike through Foulweather Bluff Nature Preserve. The hike through the woods was calm and peaceful and the beach was just beautiful on this rare 55F and sunny January day. We found tide-pools with small crabs and anemones and turned over many rocks to watch the crabs scatter. The kids had a wonderful time searching the beach for treasure and we even found some live sand dollars. 

Our day also included a visit to Poulsbo, a fun little Norwegian town. We ate lunch at Cups, enjoyed treats from Sluys Poulsbo Bakery, and spent time in Liberty Bay Books. We also had a hard time getting Jess to leave behind Red Plantation antique furniture store. It really was a neat place with so many cool things to check out. Poulsbo was a super fun town and we recommend it on any sunny day.


Claire on the Ferry


On the Beach



Levi


Little Crab


Anenome






Sand Dollar



Madrona Trees