Campbell Valley Regional Park Trailblazer hike

We went international today and crossed over into Canada for the day's hike. I'd never been to this park before so I was excited to learn about a new place to do some walkabouts!

9 of us met at the Senior center in Bellingham for the carpool into another country. 2 more met us at the park in Canada, So a total of 11 of us enjoyed the crisp, cool, clear day in B.C. It was 28 degree's when I left my house this morning, and it stayed cool for our hike, I doubt if it broke 40 degrees.

Quite a bit of the trail was boardwalk with a roofing type material over it so it wasn't slick.

I thought this entwined tree was wonderful!

part of the forested trail

still some mushroom type plants around, but I suspect that this cold spell may put an end to them

one of the full sun areas of the trail and a little warmth

I thought this was so cute, all of these little plants were covered in frost. Looking very fairy like to me!

I'm not sure what plant these berries are from, but I liked all the color.

Then as we were walking towards the area where we would be eating I saw several of these clumps of ice erupting out of the ground. We had a discussion as to what it was called. I thought maybe Hoarfrost, but Penny said no she thought that the little plants in the water were covered in Hoarfrost. So I googled it when I got home and found that it was Needle Ice. Wonderful ~ I've never heard of this before so my brain was expanded today!

We even got to have a civilized sit down at a table for lunch with a real restroom nearby, such luxury,

With sunshine!

then back through the frosty world & to the cars.

It's a good thing we get along with each other and enjoy one another's company, because we got to have a nice nearly 1 hour long chat while waiting at the Border crossing to get back into our own U.S of A!

Great day for a hike in another country!

Endomondo stats:
5.85 total miles hiked

North Shore trail Trailblazer hike

Ah......life is good, I got to hike again today. After a break (vacation & bad cold) finally back with the Senior Trailblazers today. Today's hike was just the right one to get back at it, it was nothing strenuous just a nice long walk. 17 of us met together at the Senior Center for the hike. It's an out and back trail located at the north end of Lk. Whatcom, with a mile marker placed at each 1/2 mile. The turn around is just beyond the 3 mile mark. Since I haven't been hiking with them for a spell, I'm going to over share with lots of pictures ;-)

Getting ready at the trailhead -

just a little overcast today, with a few sprinkles -

nice view across the lake -

our group spread out along the way -

foggy view of the waterfall -

the first bridge -

an interesting sight, a police boat -

a new bridge on the trail since I'd been here last, I envisioned a bride walking along this, 

with flowers hanging from the center roof openings. 

My romantic heart showing ;-), we ate lunch here on our way back -

Creek view from the bridge -

cascading ferns -

I liked the way the tree branches framed this just right -

end of the trail, time to turn around -

Penny noticed the tree fossil in this rock, there had been a slide above this area and quite a few of the rocks scattered around had bits of fossils in them -

someone went to a lot of work here, building a swimming pool perhaps?! -

Wonderful day, scenic views and good company. What else could you ask for!?

Endomondo stats:
6.8 total miles hiked
180 Min. altitude
437 Max. altitude
1160 Total ascent
1227 Total descent