Library Trail Walk

At the suggestion of a neighbor, Debby and I went to our local library to take a walk yesterday. From the library parking lot, one crosses Big Gulch Creek on a bridge and then descends down the Big Gulch trail. In dry weather, one could get farther than we did. I don't know yet how far it goes, but it is planned for this trail to go all the way to the Sound when completed. There will be a park at the estuary end to create a more favorable salmon environment.

It was a gentle hike except for the wet patches. The main excitement was spotting a strange white bird that my instinct tells me was an albino robin. It was not all white, just the back and wings. The breast was rust and the head dark gray. Next time the camera goes with me.

Debby had her iPhone and allowed me to get a snap of her.

Here's another snap of the trail.

Today, we went to the neighbors' house for dinner. I got to learn Debby's favorite new game, Mexican Train (a dominoes game). Whoo-Hoo.

Carbon River Walk

Yesterday, Debby and I made our first trip to the main REI store to get my anniversary present, a new pair of waterproof trail running shoes. Debby got a pair of shoes as well.

This is a great store, with thoughtful design and layout on a relatively grand and rustic scale, including a wilderness themed exterior with large water feature, creating an inviting oasis in the middle of the city. I also like their merchandising style and helpful staff. We met Stef there and then had lunch nearby.

REI Main Store Urban Oasis

Today I tried out my new treads on a gentle 7 mile walk along the Carbon River. It began as a rainy day event, but cleared up soon after we began trekking. There was minimal wildlife evident, so I had to settle for a few scenics to capture the flavor of the outing.

The Carbon River is sourced by a glacier on the north side of Tacoma (Mt. Ranier). It gets its name from a coal discovery along its course in 1876. As with all similar rivers emanating from Tacoma, it is subject to lahars during volcanic activity on the mountain.

We started at South Prairie and walked west down the river to Orting, following a paved walking/bicycling/equestrian trail that has been salvaged from an old railway right-of-way. Half the trip is along a busy highway, but the middle part became somewhat secluded and peaceful.

Fern Growing in Top of Ten Foot Mossy Stump (rain forest feature)

Spring On The Carbon River (looking toward Tacoma, hidden by clouds).

Pastorale

Newly Minted