Sunset at Kalaloch

Every time we drive south from Forks, we stop at an overlook of Kalaloch (prounounced klay-lock) Beach. We get out of the car and enjoy the fresh air coming in from the Pacific Ocean, the sound of waves rushing in and somtimes crashing on the edge below us. We watch the seagulls soar and swoop over the tumbling water, sometimes seeing pelicans and herons, eagles and hawks. We stand next to the berm looking down over the edge to see trees being tossed in the surf of high tide or tiny people walking on the exposed beach at low tide.
It never fails to inspire, awe, and take our breath away.

Sea Ducks in peril

These are sea ducks, scoters. This group was doing some basking on First Beach in La Push; but, many of them are being found dead on the beaches here, possibly from a sea algae blooming offshore that washes off the oils that keep them from freezing in the sea.

Forks skies

These are the Forks skies we like so much.

The Twilight fans might even call them Vampire skies. [grin]

Doe and Fawn

A quickly-snapped shot of a doe and fawn along the road around Lake Crescent.

We see them often, and they don't seem to mind the cars.

They are a very good reason to mind the speed limit.

We just can't understand why people would want to speed through this area, and miss all of the beautiful scenery. So many of the treasures can only be seen and appreciated when you slow down.

We don't ever want to become jaded to all of the precious sights here.

Roses

This is a single rosebush, bearing two different colors of rose - one a pink and one a deep red.

This picture is of some roses that are a little past prime, but it shows the two colors.

Skywatch Friday over Lake Crescent

The drive around Lake Crescent is always pretty, but these clouds were a little different. The lowest level of clouds are slowing 'pouring' over the top of the hill onto the trees. Very cool.

For more beautiful skies, go to the Skywatch Friday site, at:

http://skyley.blogspot.com/ .

Flying (well, perching) Visitors

This little guy sat in the bush and waited for me to take his picture, sort of.

This one found something of interest on the flagpole, though not for long. I had to be very quick to get this guy!
We really enjoy watching the birds, which is why we fill the feeder even in the summer.
We get all shapes and sizes flying by our windows! From hummingbirds to ravens, chickadees to bluejays.
Unfortunately, the squirrel has found a way to the feeder as well. This will be war! [grin]

A Flier of a different sort

After hearing unusual engine sounds overhead,

we spotted this craft.
It seemed the pilot was putting it through its paces.
After watching from home for a little bit,
we drove to the airport and watched a little closer.
We weren't the only ones.
It looked like fun, and like the pilot was very experienced.

Flier in Forks

Seen flying in our garden, finally caught sunning itself.

International Space Station

It isn't a great shot, but it is of the International Space Station as it moved across the sky.

We have been enjoying going out and looking for it when the sky is clear enough.

It is amazing to watch with the naked eye - no telescope needed, and is fairly unmistakable. It moves quickly, but is usually visible for about 5 minutes.

You can check the NASA website for when it is visible where you are at
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html .

The shuttle is flying with it right now, too.

Colorful Sunset

The sky turned very colorful at sunset tonight.

It makes interesting silhouettes of the trees, and creates wonderful contrasts.

Twilight Welcome

One of many signs in town about Twilight.

We are enjoying the influx and entertainment of Twilight fans.

Their enthusiasm is delightful.

Most of us help when we can: taking pictures, giving directions.

As a fan of the original Twilight Zone, this one made me smile.

We think Rod Serling would have liked it.

A Twilight Moon and Fireworks

Heading out to sit and watch the fireworks last night (we can see the city display, and 5 or 6 other 'displays' from home), this interesting shot presented itself. It's a contrail that seems to cut the moon. I took quite a few shots of course, and the contrail "moved" across the moon.

I had to take pictures of the fireworks, of course. Some turned out and some didn't, but they were great to watch. The only "festivities" we felt up to because we didn't have to leave home.

Independence Day Parade

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

We woke up not feeling well today, so decided we needed to take a holiday from holiday festivities.

This picture is from last year's parade, but is what the parade and festivities are about - celebrating our independence as a country, and as a way of life.

THANK YOU to those who have served our country, and are now serving all over the world.

We are the Land of the Free, BECAUSE of the Brave.

Forks Old Fashioned Fourth of July begins

with Midnight Madness. Our main street, Forks Avenue, is blocked by our local police department.

We are then free to wander, looking at tables set up for various reasons - items for sale or raffles, shop the stores and indulge in food and goodies, and meet up with neighbors we just don't seem to see often enough. Though it was difficult to make our way through a couple of the stores, it was good to see so many people enjoying the "Madness".

For a tour of the street, hop on the Rayonier Express, sponsored by several of our local stores and Lunsford Real Estate.

This being the "Twilight" zone - a look-alike contest was held to benefit the local Relay for Life - Bella and Edward look-alikes were found and will be riding in Bella's truck in the parade tomorrow.

Rhododendrons, Azaleas

Red Rhododendrons
Apricot Azaleas

Rhododendrons grow wild here, 30 and 40 feet tall, are evergreen, and are the state flower.
Rhodies set their blooms in fall for the next spring.
Azaleas are a cousin, come in more colors, are domestic, but lose their leaves in winter.
Azaleas don't seem to grow as large either.
Both are pretty in bloom, though!

More Flying over Forks

... wa-a-ay over Forks.

We've had some aerobatics being performed overhead lately.

These are pictures of two aircraft this one day, obviously military.

They seem to be practice-dogfighting.

Fascinating to watch.

They are too quick to get many decent pictures, and the planes aren't always the same.

Sometimes I don't even have time to go in after the camera - I'd miss some of the 'show'!

Very cool to watch, though.

Defying the law..

..the laws of physics, anyway. This bee seems to not know that the laws of physics say he just can't fly. He's just enjoying the treats he is finding in this pretty Chinese Coins tree. What he doesn't know ... seems to working well for him!

Flag Day, U.S.

Happy Flag Day!

Long may our star-spangled banner wave.

"Twilight Territory" launched, Thunder Weekend

Chris Cook, editor of the Forks Forum (weekly newspaper), has published a guide book of the Forks/La Push area for the "Twilight" books fans, named "Twilight Territory." He was at Thriftway (grocery store here in Forks) today to sign books and talk with people. When we were there, he was inundated a few times with fans, some traveling in packs - or are groups of fans called giggles? [Geese are gaggles, so fans should be giggles, don't you think?] Along with Chris, were Traci Kettel (shown in the picture) and Janeen Howell, who was away helping a group of fans find the Twilight clothing in the store. I tried to take a picture while Janeen was there, but she didn't stay still for long... There is more information about the book here : http://www.forksforum.com/twilight .

We got three copies, one for us, and two for daughter and granddaughter who are fans.

This is also the first West End Thunder weekend of the year. West End Thunder is a local car club which hosts car races at the local airport. We aren't racing fans, but there seem to be a lot of them who come to watch. These pictures were taken from the road as we went by.

After the heat...

Revving up...

They also have a Show and Shine of cars and bikes.

Forks fliers (3)

Grounded fliers - seagulls massing in the field. Stayed there quite a while, actually.

Forks fliers (2)

more of Mother Nature's fliers

Fliers in Forks

Mother Nature's Flying Machines taking a seed break.

We get a lot of different types of birds here, and have gotten pictures of a few, so here goes...

More flying in Forks

Well, almost flying.
Another ultralight.

Flight in Forks

Another flying machine.

Forks Open Aire Market ...

... is finally open for the summer. Hooray!

It opened last Saturday, the 23rd.

We like going to the FOAM. The local artisans have

interesting items; we get to catch up with people we haven't

seen in a while; and, it's a fun day out.