The Big Tank
The BIG tank – 110 gallons, eight foot long – is set up and functioning perfectly. Click on the picture to see a bigger version. It is really looking quite nice, and is the centerpiece of our living room.
Curious George especially enjoys all the extra space. He’s almost a foot long, and was feeling a bit crowded in the 55 gallon tank. Now he has twice as much room to roam!
It’s all about Alki…
As my friends know, things have been a little out of sorts here lately, and I just haven’t felt like taking pictures, just spending a lot of time with Alki while we can. But I’m trying to keep this going, so here’s a frog 🙂
Llama hike with the 4H club
Our 4H club took a little hike around the CASEE center. There’a a big pond there with lots of wildlife.
Like these two flickers who were either courting or fighting. Couldn’t tell which.
This redwing black bird who kept and eye on our group as we passed his bush.
And several big old bullfrogs. What fun!
Another walk in the park
Alki and I went back to the lake today, and actually walked down to the water. Unfortunately trout season just opened, and that always brings the worst sorts to the park. I picked up two garbage bags of litter, beer cans and bottles, and fishing debris! I also saw a bunch of dead fish along the shore, something that only seems to happen after a heavy fishing weekend. It was stinky and gross, so we headed back up the trail to the campground.
I should have noticed that the blue-sky-puffy-cloud day was turning a bit more sinister as dark grey thunderheads moved in.
Halfway to the campground the skies opened up and dumped pea-sized hail on us! We hunkered down under a tree and I tucked Alki under me so she wouldn’t get pummelled. She was scared, never having been out in that before – she’s a house dog!
When it let up we made our way back to the car, dashing from tree to tree and waiting out the worst of it as it passed over in waves. We were almost back when a ranger drove by in her golf-cart and offered us a lift, but by then the worst was past. Just as we got to the parking lot a loud clap of thunder went off, and Alki paniced. I’ve never seen her so happy to get back in the car – wet, muddy, and safe at last.
We went for a walk at Battle Ground Lake…
Sometimes I forget how wonderful it is to have a state park right next door. Alki goes nuts when I offer to take her to the park. No wonder! It’s a beautiful, peaceful place. So today we went over after work and had a nice stroll around.
After wandering around the old orchard a bit, we headed down the horse trail, flanked by towering trees on both sides.
We took a shortcut back up to the campground, and ran across this little beauty, deep in the shade of the woods.
What a way to spend a relaxing afternoon. Myabe next time we’ll make it to the lake itself. This park certainly has a lot more to offer than just the water!
Steff Does Stuff! 