Wildflowers and Whales

Different views of Arrowleaf balsamroot

 Day trip to Leavenworth and a quick side trip to Wenatchee was a treat for the eyes. The hills of arrowleaf balsamroot were at their peak with yellow blooms brightening the background of a blue blue sky. This was my first road trip of the year and my first trip in the new truck. I even spent some time in 4-wheel drive up a steep rutted road. That was fun! Vintage AC DC, Rolling Stones, and Bon Jovi helped pass the time- not my typical musical choice but helpful when trying to wake up. I spent the day up Olalla Canyon, Nahaha Canyon, Ski Hill, Camas Creek Natural Area Preserve, Mountain Home Road, and Canyon 2 in Wenatchee. That last destination was about the latest Washington wolf sighting; I wanted to see where they were (too close to residential areas!). No blue camas at the preserve or anywhere. I wasn't feeling in tip-top shape, plus it was pretty warm so I didn't get out much. Only saw a family of yellow-bellied marmots and heard a few birds. The wildflowers were my focus and they didn't disappoint!

 

 

Gray whales with Island adventures.

A couple of weekends ago I spent 3 hours out in Port Gardner Bay on an Island Adventures cruise. I wanted to experience the whales up close. The weather started out cool with a light rain. As soon as we headed out into the bay it became partly sunny and warmer. I experienced the wonder of these gentle giants close up; such amazing water-borne mammals cavorting in water as deep as they are long. Spy hopping to observe us? Critters that scrape the bottom mud to filter out small invertebrates through their baleen to fill that huge belly. They usually slide along the right side of their body and often eventually lose the sight in that eye. I can't swim and I'm not much for being on the water. Pushing my comfort zone is pretty rewarding, though. Later this summer or fall I plan to take their cruise out of Anacortes to check out orcas, minkes, and maybe even a humpback. The closer the better!

 

In order below: California sea lion, gray whale back, spouting, spouting, rostrum (basically nostrils), more sea lions, two different whales spyhopping.