Happy Monday! Welcome back...
I hope that you had a wonderful weekend that was filled with special moments with your loved ones and friends. What did you do this weekend? Maybe you went to a zoo or park...or maybe you had a "date night" filled with dinner, dancing or a movie. Perhaps, you had a quiet weekend at home and read your favorite novel. You might have decided to begin a decorating project that you had been planning. Whatever the weekend held for you, one thing is certain. Monday morning is always a busy day! Why not take a little time and go on a mental field trip today. Let's pack a lunch and head to a place that I love to go to in the springtime and summer with my family that is not too far from where we live.
Let's head to the top of one of Hurricane Ridge!
I hope you brought your camera because...
As the road winds around to the top, you may notice that someone was there to welcome you...
You may see a deer or two grazing in the grass of the fields near the flowers...
The Lupines and other wild flowers are beautiful!
Welcome to one of my favorite spots to clear the mind and renew the soul.
The first time I came to see Hurricane Ridge, I was in awe of the beauty around me.
I could visualize Julie Andrews from the Sound of Music.
I could picture her in the open fields spinning around with open arms.
I could almost hear her beautiful voice singing, "The hills are alive with the sound of music!"
The air is crisp and cool...
I love to take photos of our family and friends in this majestic spot. Have a seat on the stone wall and let's capture this moment...
There is always something magical about Hurricane Ridge.
Do you see the heart that was left by the melting snow?
As we walk around the trails and make photographs, the deer continue to graze and don't seem to pay us any attention. They are used to the many visitors who come to their little piece ofheaven on earth.
We enjoy our basket lunch at one of the picnic tables. We make a few more photos and say goodbye to the deer.
We head back down the winding road...
Our music in the car is playing softly as we drive back down the ridge. We spot a fawn or another patch of lupine flowers as we make our way down.
As we head into a short tunnel through the rock, we think about our wonderful day.
What was your favorite memory of the day? Maybe you loved the mountains or the deer that approached you...or maybe it was the beautiful flowers...
My favorite thing was being able to share it all with you. Hope you enjoyed the relaxing tour of this special place. When you visit Hurricane Ridge, you know why they call Washington the "evergreen state." Thank you for taking a moment on your busy Monday to go on this refreshing field trip with me. I hope you have a wonderful day! xoxo Kim
Hi Kim, what a Beautiful place, thanks for the pictures I am amazed how close the deer let you get to them. I can't really pick a favourite picture I like them all. I have never seen snow the snow fields are about 6 hours drive from me or I could catch a plane to New Zealand in about two I will have to do that one day. I spent the weekend looking after my cousins 4 children while Mum and Dad attended a Wedding in Queensland I had a lot of fun teaching the youngest (8 years old) to knit now she is over the moon because she is knitting her own scarf and can't wait to show Mum and may I say she is doing a fantastic job!! once again thanks for those Beautiful pictures have a great day. Hooroo Trish xox ;)
Posted by: Trish Rowley | Monday, March 14, 2011 at 02:16 PM
Absolutely stunning! Found you blog hopping today. I think it was from a comment you left on another blog:) Wow, I would so love to see these views in person!
Blessings,
Amanda
Posted by: Amanda | Monday, March 14, 2011 at 02:53 PM
Hi Amanda,
I have indeed visited some of the places I love to go to online today! There are some very beautiful blogs out there in "blogland!" I have some personal favorites that I always go to but I love visiting and discovering new ones, too! There are some very talented people out there in the world and I love seeing their creativity. I am drawn to anything warm and welcoming and so many are! Thanks for stopping by to say hello. I took a moment to visit your blog and I love the chalkboard idea. I have a gold chalkboard in my kitchen that I write different things on that is attached to the side of my refrigerator. I liked the list you shared regarding things to do to be organized--something we all need to think about. The "use your crockpot" (or slow cooker) more is one that I am going to use. If anyone has some great low-cal crockpot recipes, I would love them! Have a great day, Amanda! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Monday, March 14, 2011 at 03:32 PM
My hubby just got home from work and asked how far from Seattle this is? Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by: Amanda | Monday, March 14, 2011 at 04:02 PM
Hi Trish,
So good to hear from you today! I do hope you have an opportunity to make that trip to New Zealand and see the beautiful "snow fields" sometime! Traveling is on my list, too! I am so glad you enjoyed the photos of Hurricane Ridge and thanks for the nice comments. Sounds like you had a great time with your cousins children! How exciting for the little budding knitter! She will always remember you teaching her to knit. I am somewhat of a new knitter myself. There is a wonderful place in Bainbridge Island, WA, called Churchmouse Yarns and Tea. I will be doing a little field trip on my blog there. It is a beautiful little shop and so inspiring to browse the many completed projects on display there. I am working on scarf myself as a project and also hoping to go back to a class at "Churchmouse" to finish my cuffed fingerless gloves. I know you are so proud of your cousin's daughter and her handmade scarf! Happy knitting!
Sounds like a "Bluebird Day" for both of you!
hugs, Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Monday, March 14, 2011 at 04:19 PM
Hi Amanda,
Hurricane Ridge is about a l l/2 hour drive away from the Seattle area and is towards Port Angeles, WA. It is a well-known landmark in the area here. We always take our guests there on a little day trip when they visit from the South. Great place for family picnicing and fabulous photo opportunity. The best time of year to go is in later spring/summer and on into early fall. There are many deer who make their home on Hurricane Ridge. These deer are very comfortable around the many visitors who explore the Ridge. There are several picnic tables for a lunch not far from the little house pictured at the top. This building is the giftshop/educational center/small snack bar and restrooms. The stone wall in the photos is right past that building. Great family picnic area and also fabulous photo opportunity. Can't you picture an Easter basket and that background? Bring a jacket as it can get cool there. Hope you get to visit sometime. Hurricane Ridge is part of the National Parks here in our area of the Northwest. The drive up the mountain to the visitor area is 18 miles long. Thanks for asking and give hubby a hug.
Have a great day,
Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Monday, March 14, 2011 at 04:30 PM
What a beautiful part of the country...somewhere that I've never been! I'm so glad you took lots of photos to share! The tunnels look like the ones in Western NC, cut right into the mountain! Love the Lupine...looks a lot like lavender! Does it smell good? ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 04:56 PM
Lavender Dreams,
Thank you for the nice comments on Hurricane Ridge. It is such a beautiful area! Maybe someday you can visit Seattle and go there. There is much to do in this area, and I am just beginning to share ideas on places to go. You mentioned lavender, we actually have a yearly lavender festival here in the Northwest area of Sequim, WA. I'll share about that very soon... Have a wonderful day! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 09:20 PM