We have hiked to Oyster Dome via the Samish Overlook many times.  It's a place we take friends when they want to see a bit of the outdoors and can hike a ways. It's also a great place to view Mount Baker, the Cascades, the San Juan Islands and the Puget Sound right from the parking area. If the day and wind is right you can watch hang gliders and para sailors launch from this spot.  This day the wind wasn't right and having done this hike many times we decided to explore a different way.  The Oyster Dome Loop trail via the PNW Trail and Max's Shortcut returning via the Samish Bay Connector.  This was a new way for us and I really enjoyed it.  There is a clear cut section that these trails go completely around.  Being a bit out of shape, it made my legs burn in some areas and I took off my jacket but other than that it was a great hike.  I could see doing this again and if done early enough during the day, going to Lizard and Lilly Lake, taking the spur up to the Dome and back would make a great day hike, complete with a beer at the end. This day there was plenty to enjoy as the trees and shrubs were just starting to leaf out and uncurl their flower buds. There was still ice on the ponds and the moss heavily grew on the trees providing that deep earthy green that glows in the late afternoon sun. The trail is well maintained with a great bridge over a small creek.  When we arrived back at the trail head, people were starting to set up chairs to watch the sun set over the water.  Truly we live in a beautiful area.

Sunday morning and we had one more place to explore a bit more.  Downtown. There were a couple of shops that I wanted to step into: Churchmouse Yarns, the Lavendar shop, and a coffee shop.  After eating, drinking coffee and a bit of spending it was time to take the ferry back to Seattle and head home.  Of course it was off season and the weather wasn't warm but it was enjoyable.  The prices were reasonable for accommodations.  The prices of food was typical for a touristy town, and there were a variety of activities.  Of course it always pleasurable to take a ferry to your destination, it feels more like a vacation then just driving.

Driving to the southern end of the island we stopped at Fort Ward Park to walk along the shore and explore the inland trails.  This small piece of land has changed hands many times in the last 100 years. Apparently this area started out as an Army outpost which was later basically abandoned until the Navy took it over.  It then became a super secret listening post.  Then after WWII it was abandoned again and turned over to the state for a park and turned over once again to the Metro Island Park
Department. Walking along the shore we were able to view the old barracks and a couple of the artillery batteries near the shore.  It took a round about hike to locate this one high on the bluff in the woods. Covered with graffiti, moss and leaves.  It was a perfect spot for photos and to explore.  I could just imagine if this was near our home, the kids would have been climbing all over it during the day.  On this walk we came upon a number of locals that were so friendly and just included us in their conversations.  People were inclined to talk, share tips on exploring the island, and welcome us to this community.  And yet Seattle is just across the water, a walk on ferry ride and you are in the heart of Seattle.  We almost considered catching the ferry and taking in the Sounder's game that night.  Another time.

The Blodel Reserve is tucked away on the northern part of Bainbridge Island on a small side road that winds through tall old growth trees with houses peaking through the woods.  As we pulled up to the iron gate, it slowly rolled open to admit our car and we were greeted by an attended who informed us where to park before entering the grounds. Bundling up with camera in hand we entered the gift shop and purchased our entry pass.  A bit pricey even with the discount I picked up on the ferry, it was worth it.  Following the map, we strolled along the wood chipped path to the immaculate sheep shed. (Not the she shed which I could almost recite the all state commercial in my head, I now know where Job gets it). Continuing along the path, we wandered through the trees to the wooded ponds that are gong through a renovation.  The Canadian Geese that have made their home here seem to be very comfortable with visitors and even preen a bit as if showing off their best side of their long graceful necks. As we headed back to the trees we could hear a resident eagle calling in from the tree tops. Once out of the woods, we caught our first glimpse of Collinswood, the Blodel home.  I almost felt as if I was Elizabeth Bennett view Pemberly for the first time. It was breathtaking. We made our way toward the house and entering inside, it was just as simple and elegant as I had imagined.  The house, built in 1931 has original hardwood oak floors, tall ceilings, elegant and yet simple painted molding and fireplaces in the dining room, study and livingroom.  the furniture in each room fit the space and yet it wasn't crowded with furniture. It seemed to be placed just right to make you feel welcomed. I could almost imagine pulling out a book and curling up next to the large windows to read for an afternoon.  It was lovely.  The ground floor is the only part of the house open to visitors and I almost ached to climb the curved stone staircase with iron railings. It felt much more cozy than some of the newer homes that seem to try to scream wealth but end up overdone. After leaving the house, we could hear the sea lions barking out on a bouy in the sound with the eagle in the tree tops voicing it's opinion as well.  We wandered down the path, to the hellebore and primrose garden, and made our way to the guest house. The main house was designed in a french villa manor and the guest house with surrounding grounds was designed a world away in the Japanese Garden Style and Tea house.  It was obviously set up and being ready for a retreat with reading materials at the ready on the cushioned benches inside. Across the road from the meditative garden was a moss garden.  I had no idea there were so many different kinds of moss and wondered how you could tell if one moss was being crowded out by another kind.  It was eerily beautiful, and I couldn't help but whisper as we quietly walked among the trees. Right before the Camilla garden was the reflecting pool and it was perfectly groomed and maintained. Not a leaf disturbed the water.  Too early in the year for the Camillas, I could envision the trees in bloom and how beautiful it must be later in the spring.  It is a place I want to return to, in each season to get a glimpse of how it changes.  Also the house pretty much cemented the deal for real hardwood oak floors in our house.  I mean, it's almost 100 years old and has original hardwood floors in there.

I'm not sure how many years it's been since I was on skis.  Too many. When Issac originally asked, I thought I would just snowshoe into the lodge and meet him for lunch and then snowshoe around the area.  I love snowshoeing when it's a nice day.  If it's cold and windy, I'd rather read by the fire.  However, Issac gently pressured me into skiing instead.  I should have realized the day would be full of "gentle" pressure to ski harder and harder runs.  I remember pressuring him to get out of his comfort zone and now the shoe is on the other foot.  For the most part, he was content to just ski with me the runs I was comfortable with.  Occasionally he would ski a harder area and I would meet him at the bottom to ride the chair again.  It was the middle of the week and we could practically ski onto the chair.  It was wonderful not to have to wait in line.  The morning was beautiful, clear skies, bright snow, a little more than a gentle breeze but not bad. Then after lunch a storm rolled in.  We skied until about 2:30 and then headed for home.  A perfect day.