Nurse-ing a tree

This is a tree growing on a nurse log. You can see the older, nurse log inside the growing tree, with the new roots growing down the sides. It is so interesting to see these growing - new growth out of old. Sometimes the nurse log will be a downed tree and new trees will be growing along its length, along with ferns, flowers, and nesting animals. Nothing is wasted, everything is used in the forest.

I almost expect to see elves or Ents in these forests, gnomes or hobbits amongst these tree roots.

Full moon rising

My husband took this one tonight as the full moon rose over the hill and trees. The clouds give such a beautiful effect.

Underwater Lake Crescent

This is an underwater picture we took while canoeing on Lake Crescent, taken in shallower water. I like the way the yellow plants stand out, just wish I could remember what they are. We went for a paddle on the lake and the west end of it was too choppy for a canoe; so, we decided to drive to the east end, about 10 miles around the crescent, and found almost glassy water - perfect for a relaxing paddle.

Lake Crescent is a little farther from Forks, northeast about 25 miles, but is so very beautiful, I just have to share pictures of it from time to time. Highway 101 runs along the southern lake edge, sometimes right on the edge. It makes for a breathtaking ride full of Kodak moments.

The West End of the Olympic Peninsula has one city, Forks, several very small towns, and a LOT of beautiful natural scenery. Most of the Olympic Peninsula is National Forest and National Park. Forks has a lot of artistic people who gain inspiration from just living here, I think.

Forks from U of W Resource Center

This is the view of Forks from the University of Washington Natural Resource Center - the end of the forest hike that began behind the Timber Museum.
The (small) cleared area in the middle left of the photo is our airport - used by small planes, ultralights, Coast Guard and Airlift helicopters, the West End Thunder car club, and the local elk herd in the winter.

Local not-so-wildlife

This is an ultralight that seems to take great advantage whenever the skies are clear enough. I liked the way he looked to be flying in these cirro-stratus clouds.
We live near the Forks airport, and can hear whenever he's in the air. He buzzed the house when we were adding on to see what we were up to, while we were on the ground watching him.
I'm posting an extra today, since I'm not sure I'll be able to post tomorrow.

Lookout View

This is the view (in one direction) to the Olympic Mountains from a lookout point only about 20 minutes from Forks. The path to the lookout is rough, but worth the views.

Walking path

This is the beginning of a walking path behind our Timber Museum and Visitors Center, across a creek and up through forest to the University of Washington Natural Resources Center at the top of the hill. A beautiful, quiet walk in the woods.

This little guy is a frequent visitor these days. It had been a long time since I'd seen a hummingbird at rest, or flying. Living too many years in big cities made me appreciate little things like this. When we saw him today, we also heard him. I don't think I've heard a hummingbird's hum since I was a kid. One of the many joys of living in Forks.

Forks knows how to do a real old-fashioned 4th of July. It actually lasted 5 days this year, beginning the weekend before the 4th. The theme this year was "Every Heart Beats True for the Red, White and Blue."

This is the 4th of July Parade Float for the Forks Community Hospital Long Term Care.

The oldest woman at Long Term Care was chosen to ride on the float portraying Betsy Ross.

To get rainforest, you need rain - lots of rain. We measure rain in feet here - average 10-11 feet per year.

This shot of 15" leaves was taken during a sunshine break.

Forks is just a few miles from the only rainforests in the continental US, and is surrounded by forest.

Beauty Abounds

Living surrounded by natural beauty is a dream for a lot of people; but, we've made it come true. Nearby Ruby Beach is just one example.