I saw this wild rhody blooming along the Larry Scott Trail near Port Townsend … just before PT’s big Rhody Weekend (with parade, kids’ trike race, beard contest, etc.). This is the native rhody, which is the Washington State flower. (There are a fair number of them growing in the woods along SR 19 coming into town.)
Just found this is my archive. Why, I wonder, did I think it would belong in the archive? It’s a nice reminder that I need to weed out my archive.
These images were both taken at Kubota Gardens in Seattle at the first of April. That is a little early for Rhododendrons (below) and a little late late for camellias (above). Of course, it depends on the variety, and the weather conditions. But I was pleased to see the Rhody…. a real sign of Spring.
The trillium above were not wild, but in a garden (Kubota Garden in Seattle). Wild varieties typically do not clump like this. But they sure are a nice display … and a wonderful sign that spring is here. Another sign of spring are blossoms on trees as below. I found these in Fort Worden State Park, but I haven’t been able to identify the species of tree. When I have visited in the summer, I don’t see any fruit.
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.
