Bloedel Reserve, A Place of Peace and Reflection

 This post is photo heavy.

I hope it puts you in the mood for the beauty of Autumn.

The last day of my "live-in gardener" and my visit to his sister

we ventured out to Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

We had heard of this beautiful place for many years and finally

took the time to visit.

The first photo is the gatehouse and gift shop.

Now walk along with me and see the beauty of pumpkins and Autumn.

" Virginia and Prentice Bloedel purchased this property in 1951 and owned it

for more than 30 years.   A naturalist at heart, he is responsible for starting several conservation efforts that are common practice today including the decision to use

Hog Fuel (a mulch-like by-product from logs) to help generate the sawmill's power and to work hand-in-hand with pulp mills to get the most out of each log.  Perhaps the

longest reaching "green" idea of Mr. Bloedel's was this introduction of the

reforestation of clear-cut land."

Above is their home which holds art exhibits in the dining room.

I will share a bit more of the inside another day.

 For now just enjoy Autumn as I walked

through the 150 acres grounds.

 The view behind the house.

 Isn't this tree amazing?

 Part of the Japanese gardens.

If I lived near here I would visit each season.

It is a place of peace and reflection.

They offer classes from time to time on just those things.

I highly recommend a visit here,

but if you are far away find a garden or outdoor venue to visit

for a time of peace and reflection.

Hurricane Ridge, Washington State

Driving along the Highway 101 we passed through a small Indian village.

With a brief stop we enjoyed seeing the totems and found a carver working.

The autumn view was beautiful.

If you look closely you might see the heron sitting in the water.

Then we stopped to say hello to Chloe at the Happy Valley Alpaca Farm.

I just loved having a conversation with the alpaca

and enjoying their sweet faces.

Heading up the mountain to Hurricane Ridge.

This is a National Park I have wanted to visit for a long time.

Finally the cold, windy day arrived.

The crow was gliding in the wind, not having to do much at all.

He held his wings out and just let the wind do the work.

What majestic mountains!

Most of the mountains in the Pacific Northwest are formed

from active volcanoes; so I was surprised these mountains

were formed from glaciers.

The ice caused the mountains to shift and rise and form a jagged

serrated range.  Quite spectacular and so different than what we normally see.

There were many deer along the road,

so driving was taken cautiously.

This year the National Park Service celebrates 100 years.

As part of that celebration in the next year I hope to visit some of the parks.

Hurricane Ridge was a beginning, but not the last of the parks I plan to visit.

Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area in this National Park.

At 5,242 feet, it is located 17 miles up a gently winding road from Port Angeles.

I would love to visit again in the Spring, as I have heard and seen photographs

of the wildflowers here.  It is part of the Olympic National Park.

Welcome to Hurricane Ridge!  I hope one day you can visit here.

Notes from the Garden

An apple tree was added last year as a gift

from a departing pastor.

This year it has produced beautifully.

The grapes came from a twig in my own garden

and have just covered the trellis.

We actually made jelly from some of the grapes this year.

The grape trellis is the entrance to the garden.

There are strawberries and tomatoes too.

A garden is a wonderful place to gather,

let the children explore and run,

and nibble a bit.