The summer of 2015 continues to be a season of extremes and while several parts of the country are experiencing floods and record rainfall the west coast is in the middle of a drought. The entire Pacific Northwest is now under extreme fire watch and Seattle had the hottest 4th of July ever. Last year we saw rain on the 4th but this year many communities cancelled firework celebrations and urged residents to save their “safe and sane” purchases for New Year’s Eve 2016. With more than 60 fires burning across British Columbia and Washington state fires stretching from the Olympic Peninsula to the eastern border the air is full of smoky haze and the sun has taken on an eerie red glow. I miss our blue skies.
Looking for a break from the heat and smoke we spent a lovely Sunday afternoon hiking through the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve in Bellingham and I took shot after shot of deep green moss, old and second-growth trees and acres of ferns.
Welcome to the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve. This reserve protects wildlife, water, and a rich forest eco-system. Please enjoy this opportunity to learn about nature and to care for the land that we share.
The Reserve includes the 138-acre Lake Louise Natural Resources Conservation Area owned by the Department of Natural Resources, 196 acres owned by Whatcom Land Trust and 34 acres jointly owned by the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County. Whatcom County Parks & Recreation manages the Reserve, and Whatcom Land Trust maintains a permanent stewardship endowment for its upkeep.
The core of the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve was donated to Whatcom Land Trust in 2000 in memory of Edward K. and Catharine C. Stimpson by their seven children. This donation continues the family legacy of giving generously to our community.
From the welcome sign at the entrance to the Reserve.
Posted today as part of Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Nature.
Northwest Frame of Mind 
I dread forest fires because we know the trees are hard to replace. I hope this summer will pass without any incidents. That forest looks so quiet and cool.
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We dread them too, Bebs. The forest was definitely cooler than the town and the quiet was welcome. 🙂
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My heart is unsettled with the swings in weather and (as you said) extremes. Your image is a tribute to the majesty of nature. One bonus is the better side of human nature and its conservation and preservation efforts to keep open space for public use and out of the hands and pockets of developers. Happy Photo Challenge.
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The whole community appreciates this space and the conservation efforts, Sally. I wish there were more green spaces but make a point to enjoy each place I can. Thanks for pointing out the good side of our extremes. 🙂
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What an amazing spot. We are down here on the Washington Coast outside Ocean Shores and have been hanging out under the trees at the parks and catching those breezes.
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The coast sounds like a wonderful place right now, Ruth. Last night the sun was dark red over the sound and our air smelled like smoke. I’d love some salt water scented air. 🙂
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Wishing you rain…hard to believe that some people (including our federal government, unfortunately) still don’t accept that climate change is happening.:(
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I know what you mean, the doubters are so hard to understand…
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so sad about forest fires 😦 i hope you get more rain! beautiful shot of tall trees! 🙂
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We have a chance of rain early next week and my fingers are crossed!
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I’ve been thinking about you a lot this summer. I’ll definitely have to go hiking there next time I head that way. (April 2016. Two events already inked. 🙂 )
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I’ve been thinking about you too, Andra and hope your summer is going well… except for the face time/bathtub thing. 😉 Two events already planned for April is exciting news and I’d love to meet up for a hike if you have some free time! Or drinks and dinner. 🙂
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excellent and beautiful light 🙂
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Thanks, Joshi. 🙂 It was a pretty afternoon to be under the trees.
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I like the bit of light you found and captured so beautifully. Oh, if we could send you and California some water! In Illinois we’ve had a lot, but here in Missouri, the Mighty Mo is flooding all over the farmland and towns.
janet
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We’ve really had a season of extremes, Janet. Too hot and dry where it’s supposed to be green and too wet in traditionally warm areas… Thanks for your nice comments today. 🙂
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Gorgeous light and color in this composition!
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Thanks, Angeline. 🙂
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Gorgeous forest. Well shot in beautiful light. Brings back memories for me. I’d like to be there.
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Thanks, Allan. This was my first time in this particular forest but I’m looking forward to a return trip.
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