It will have mostly a blanket of new snow by the end of the weekend. We're OK in the lowlands.

 

And on this sunny afternoon, our favorite tree stands proudly along the wetlands path. It's always a bit late with leaves-- It will begin popping in April, but it won't really be in its glory until May. We're glad to see it in any season.

 

The tree and promises of a fine tomorrow...

 

The tree and the mountain...

 

This is our favorite tree in the wetlands. Soon it will have leaves again. Some of the fruit trees in town are blooming already.

 

A heavy shower to the north...

 

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Softly glowing... Currant! Sweet smelling Currant!

 

Skunk Cabbage with raindrops...

 

I swear--- at least 8 of these popped out of nowhere in one day! Isn't that an amazing shade of red! I love Camellias!

 

A hug and a kiss from a friend...

 

Keeping watch...

 

The waves are small, but the pier still rocks--- especially when you're walking. Inside the Brusco Tugboat yard on the Columbia River.

 

Nothing much ever changes at the barn near Olequa Crossing...

 

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A very quiet time in the forest...

 

As a line of Bufflehead Ducks floats by, the clouds are waltzing over the bridge from Cathlamet to Puget Island. The slightly warmer temperatures make being outside much more pleasant.

 

The heron strikes a pose next to the fresh water plants popping out...

 

She looked at him suspiciously and said, "Where have you been! And what did you bring me?"

 

Fresh snow on Minnie Peak (far left) and surrounding ridges...

 

A few minutes and a few miles later...

 

An explosion of light on the mountain snow...

 

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Lots of sunshine and mild temperatures Saturday-- Expecting lots of rain for the next few days.

 

Pussy Willows and raindrops

 

Is it safe to come out? The first wild rose in the wetlands!

 

It's a quiet place to sit...

 

Good neighbors!

 

It's just a leaf. But isn't it beautiful!

 

He's back with bright plumage and a sweet song, and he's looking for a mate!

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The mountain is hidden by clouds, but there's snow at lower elevations as we look across the wetlands and Silver Lake.

 

Deeper in the woods, some mushroom magic...

 

With blossoms not much bigger than a small coin, this little guy at the edge of the forest seems to know that Spring isn't too far away. A fallen maple leaf provides the background.

 

It's quiet along the river as the sun goes down...

 

Looking like some ancient artifact, this abandoned half-viaduct was part of the Ocean Beach Highway on the Columbia River. It was built close to 100 years ago and abandoned about 40 years later. Even as a child I always loved seeing bits and pieces of "the old road" whenever we traveled.

 

Quietly together...

 

Graceful!

 

Winter can be beautiful, but I'll be welcoming Spring when it shows up.

 

Mallard meeting!

 

No new snow today-- just icy!

 

Everybody, and I mean everybody, got surprised by snow today. Here's the view from our kitchen window.

 

He lives there too! I named him Alastair.

 

Here's a surprise-- a fluffy, sweet-looking Scottish Highlands cow on that farm in Willow Grove!

 

Willow Grove farmland, next to the Columbia River...

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The boys are keeping a low profile...

 

I've stood here so many times, and very little changes except the weather and the seasons. It's always beautiful.

 

Winter tree....

 

Just a small farm...

 

Run away!!!

 

A beautiful calm spot on the mighty Columbia River-- Oregon's Larch Mountain is the peak in the background.

 

Wow-- that was quite a party! Anybody catch who won?

 

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Cold but beautiful...

 

A beautiful calmness in the wetlands...