Sunset Clouds

The clouds had an unusual color cast at sunset today. Is it just me or do some of the clouds look like people walking to the right in the photo below?

Spring on Whidbey

Spring on Whidbey

The apple trees are in bloom as are the lilacs.

Joseph Whidbey State Park

This park, on the west side of the island and just south of NAS Whidbey, is one of my favorite places to take a gentle hike in the woods.

There are views of the Salish Sea and the San Juan Islands.

 The path is well maintained, through woods and grass. It was a bit muddy so I was glad I had my hiking boots. See the tracks of a stroller?

There were lots of forest sights along the way.

It is a nice hike through nature.

New Life

Spring on Whidbey - Stinging Nettles

I remember brushing by this plant way too often as a child. While the pain from touching the underside of the leaves lasted only a few minutes, it sure hurt. I saw these at Joseph Whidbey State Park.

Spring on Whidbey - Nemesis

This is the hairy bittercress, I think. I battle this weed from the mustard family all year long. If let go to seed, the pods burst, spreading seeds everywhere. It has a twelve week cycle so weekly weeding is a must. It grows well in moist areas, like uh, the Pacific Northwest. I do not remember this weed here as a child growing up on Whidbey. And some may challenge my saying it is a weed as the leaves are edible. But if I define a weed as a plant growing where I don't want it to, then it is a weed!