Sometimes a few raindrops create magic in the wetlands...

I see that the posts I follow have been unchanged for days now.  There are reports from many countries of similar problems.  I imagine Google will fix it eventually.

Very strange black leaves, and a stowaway underneath!

 Blogger wouldn't let me put a picture on last night when I normally do.  Also I see that the posts I follow have been unchanged for more than a day.  There are reports from many countries of similar problems.  I imagine Google will fix it eventually.

The very tall tree that loves to tickle the clouds when they pass over...

 

"Ah-ha! I see you!" said the Koi, "Did you bring food?"

 

Last light...

 

The lily pads are almost gone, but the flower is still hanging on!

 

Sometimes you can hear a woodpecker doing his thing. Sometimes you just hear the wind.

 

The waterfall is great-- but I love that tree!

 

You meet the nicest critters in the forest!

 

Forest Tapestry!

 

Do you hear something growling at us? Must be my imagination.

 

As darkness falls, they just keep on glowing!

 

The bridge to wherever you want-- just go around the corner...

 

Clouds are amazing! They can take you to different places. And sometimes they can take you to different worlds...

 

It's almost September and the water plants are beginning to fade and fall away. You can see much more of the surface water in the wetlands.

 

The junkyard cat has his eye on you —that's OK; he can be bribed with a can of tuna.

 

About 40 miles north of us, Lewis & Clark State Park has a somewhat different look with its many old-growth trees. While there are ferns and a bit of moss, it's just a bit drier.

 

Is it any wonder that we like to walk in the forest...?

 

What a beautiful bird! With a 7 1/2 foot wingspan the Osprey is only slightly smaller than the American Bald Eagle. I love seeing them.

 

It was a bit coudy and cooler in the woods...

 

Their voices are different, but when they sing together, the harmony is great!

 

The water plants are changing color, but it will be a while before they disappear back into the water. This is what late Summer looks like in the wetlands.

 

Lots of moss and a slight hint of fall-- A beautiful spot near the Sediment Dam on the Toutle River.

 

I still want to see what's around the corner...

 

These are Rose Hips--- they're delightful to see in little clearings in the forest.

 

Remember...

 

Moon and mountain-- in the last light of day.

 

I don't know what this is. But I love the little purple flowers!

 

A forest cathedral...

 

Welcome-- sit over there. We love having guests for dinner...

 

This old tree, bent by the wind, may not be green and growing anymore, but look how graceful it is as it mimics the clouds...

 

It looks like a fine day for a picnic!

 

It's a rather mystical spot, isn't it...? The opening is like a giant eye...

 

The ferns love to dance when it's almost dark...

 

It's a whole different world under the trees...

 

Yes, we still do have wildflowers along the wetlands path in August!

 

The owl and the pussycat! They're in charge of things!

 

So many different parts of the forest...

 

It's very quiet here today...

 

Beautiful light in the forest...

It rained a tiny bit Saturday morning. We could use some more.

 

Here's a tree that was old when Lincoln was President. He knows many things, but won't tell me.... I'll keep asking.

 

There's a hint of change in the air...

Two crows on the unused trestle across the Cowlitz River: "Is it true, Dad, did they really run log trains up here in the old days?" "Sure, son! They made the whole bridge shake!"

 

Another Minnie! Another view of Minnie peak from a different vantage, but still with a magnificent sky!