Neighborhood Walks

Thanks to COVID-19, my hikes have been confined to the surrounding neighborhood these past few weeks.  Although I'm sorely missing my Gorge wildflower jaunts, I have found a few silver linings.

Trillium

For one, I'm getting reacquainted with my neighborhood streets.  Discovering new walking routes, some that lead past interesting homes, or beautiful flowering landscaping.

Trillium No. 2

I'm fortunate to live within walking distance of two local parks.  In late March, one of the natural areas had loads of trilliums blooming deep in the woods, just beyond the path.

Pink dogwood blossoms

Another positive - the quarantine began during spring, which in the Pacific NW is prime blooming season.  Over the past several weeks I've watched different trees, shrubs, and flowers bloom in turn.  Gives me lots of pretty things to look at while I'm trekking around the 'hood.

Camas

During late April, another nearby park had fields of lovely purple camas blooming.  Perfect for an after work photo session.

Camas

Right now the rhododendrons are in bloom.  They come in many colors, but the reds and pinks seem seem to be the most popular.

White rhodies

These lovely ivory-colored rhodies were my favorite.  After walking by this bush for several days, I finally thought to grab my camera and capture some images for myself.

Pink rhodies

Pale pink rhodies with darker pink spots - ah, so lovely!

Lilac

When the lilacs bloom, who can resist taking a whiff of their heavenly scent?  Or, if you're me, you can't resist taking some photos.

Cherry tree

Even when the blossoms begin to fall off the trees, they create beauty.

Fallen blossoms

Bluebells, I think

My favorite spring blooms are the dogwoods.  I so enjoy seeing all the trees erupt in color - especially the pink dogwoods.

White dogwood

More cheery cherry blossoms

One of the nearby homes has a little free library.  I've often admired the colorful, well-built box that resembled a little house.  However, the virus put a stop to this neighborhood book exchange.  The people who owned the library removed all the books and put a note outside informing everyone of the closure.

Little neighborhood library - now shuttered

After a couple of days, I noticed the note had been changed.  The closure notice had been replaced by an inspirational quote.  I really liked the quote - it's a good bit of motivation to get us through these crazy times.

Hang in there, everyone!

Hope you've enjoyed this sample of flowers from the past few weeks of neighborhood walks.  Stay busy, stay positive, stay healthy, and we'll all get through this.


AND....stay tuned for my next post when I finally get to go hiking!