As much as I enjoy the high country, this time of year there just isn’t much access available in the Olympics. So it’s the lowlands. There are plenty of good hikes that are (mostly) snow-free all year, with pleasant views and interesting features. This trail runs out of Dosewallips State Park on the east side of the Olympic Peninsula. The Nurse Stump was amazing and the small creek provided a wonderful sound track.
I have often posted images from Fort Worden State Park. There are still a lot of gun emplacements around the park … as it was one of a set of Forts (along with Forts Flagler and Casey) that provided protection for the entrance to Puget Sound. While they practiced a lot, thankfully they were never needed in battle. Some of the buildings have fallen into ruin (see below) … the State Parks budget doesn’t have the funds to maintain all the buildings. In fact, the State Park system turned the management of the park and facilities over to a Public Development Authority in a budget cutting move.
I liked the way the splash of sunlight was coming through the trees and shining on the hydrant. It was just designed for a photo. I’m not sure if this one is operational … it is in Fort Worden State Park and well away from any housing. Not sure if the standpipe below is in use either, but I loved the patina.
While it is astronomical spring, someone hasn’t told the plants yet. These were taken in a couple of the local parks (Fort Flagler (above) and Fort Worden (below) located in or near Port Townsend. A good time to emphasize that we should support our local parks!
Another sunny day at the beach in the middle of winter along the Washington coast. There’s nothing quite as nice as a winter beach walk in the sun.
