A Walk on a Warm Day

It was an early start yesterday morning. My friend Sue and I were scheduled to meet up for a walk at Chehalem Ridge Nature Park. I'd read about it only just recently, and wanted to check it out. GPS got me only part of the way there, but the numbers on the addresses were going in the right direction, and so I just kept driving. Eventually the road turned to dirt, which was a little scary. Just a little further on, I came to this sign:

And that was a welcome sight since I wasn't at all sure I was driving in the right direction. While I was waiting for Sue, I took in the information about the place.

Looking at the map, I noted that the Mampai Trail took us to the highest spot in the park. To reach it, we needed to take the Timber Road Trail. I've indicated our path with pink arrows. We took the Timber Road trail to the end, then took the Mampai Trail out and back until it met up again with the Timber Road Trail. After that, we backtracked to the parking lot. It was a distance of about 4-1/2 miles. Since the trail was mostly shaded, it was pleasant, even though the day was warm.

Okay, so here we go. Follow me, please.

Foxglove are blooming in abundance everywhere right now. I'm keeping an eagle eye on them. I want to collect some of their seeds when their blossoms are spent.

We saw lots of wildflowers. There were bees buzzing all over these California poppies.

I believe this next one is yarrow.

Good grief. The vetch is having a banner year. It is painting embankments purple along most of the roads.

I was wishing I'd used my phone to take some of these pictures so that it could help me identify them. I don't know this one.

I don't know this one either, but I love it's ruffley petals and red centers.

When we reached the top of the hill, we came across this guy. We weren't sure of his purpose, but there were signs posted not to walk out in this area. I'm thinking he might have been The Enforcer.

There was this "gathering spot" at the top. We had the place to ourselves.

It was a little far to get a very good look at the view. I stood on the wall for this picture.

This is an equestrian trail as well, and behind us was this hitching post. We saw plenty of evidence of horses, but no horses.

From there, we headed back down the hill and returned to the parking lot. Along the way, we passed this guy. Good thing I'm not riding my bike, huh?

There were lots of butterflies along the trail. None of them would light for me to take a picture, but I'm including this image of a Red Admiral butterfly from Creative Commons:

(Image credit: "Red Admiral - Butterfly" by naturalengland is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.)

and this one of the Swallowtail butterfly:

(Image credit: "Photo of the Week - Swallowtail butterfly on coneflower, MA" by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.)

We saw dozens of both flitting around.

Back home, I found two hot cats. Sadie was exposing as much belly fur as possible and lying in the breeze next to the glass door.

Smitty had the breezy window seat near Mike.

While I sat icing my knee, I finished up the morning's stitching. There was just a small bit to do. And that completes the broomstraws. I've been working on them since June 19th. The rest should go much faster.

Smitty was trying out new poses for the swimsuit edition of Spawts Illustrated. He thinks this summer table runner is a perfect foreground for his image.

In yesterday's mail, I received this fabric I ordered to start my newest Barn Quilt project. I needed something for the consistent background on the barn blocks. I like this off-white. I was looking for something that would look weathered and rustic.

It was late in the day before I was able to get to my quilting. I finished another row of blocks and most of a second one. I'm hoping to finish the second and then add two more to the finished column in today's quilting.

Today will be an unplanned free day. I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment (routine), but the office called to reschedule yesterday. No problem. I'm happy to have a free day to work on my quilt. My wrists are feeling fine too. 

Okay, so breakfast time. Be sure to check back tomorrow. I'll have a giveaway to celebrate my 12th Blogiversary. Be there, or be square.