Backyard Barred Owl

Is it an omen when you are visited by an owl?

Some believe it to be so. 

Barred Owl (Strix varia)

A large Barred Owl came to roost in some dead alder sapling outside our bedroom window one August morning.

We heard nothing. It is said that if this owl chooses to speak, it will ask, "Whoo cooks for you?"

He sat there silent. If he had a message, if it was an omen, it seemed to be one of majesty and quiet beauty, granting us a privilege to stand in awe and in wonder of what surrounds us. Things seen and unseen have graced our lives. 

A Tranquill Visit to the Edge of the Continent

 With family visiting from from the Upper Midwest, we chose to spend a day at the edge of the North American Continent, a day at Rosario Beach State Park.

The legend of the Indian maiden who married the King of the Sea
so as to assure the provisions and bounty of the sea to her people.

We walked along the cliff top headlands, sat on drift logs piled on the gravelly shore and took in the scent of salt water, the shift in the low clouds and the thrum of the tide upon the land.

Sue, Esther and Tom overlooking the kelp beds and the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Rosario Beach State Park

Deception Island

A Tranquill Visit to Roaring North Sauk Falls

In August we welcomed family visiting from Minnesota, Sue's brother Tom and his wife Esther. Here on The Pilchuck we have options; do you like mountains or prefer the beach? Here, one does not have to choose. We got them both.

One morning we decided it was a 'mountain day'. We drove up the road to Darrington, took the mountain Loop Highway (a dirt road) to stroll to the edge of the precipice and admire North Sauk Falls.

Tom stands beyond the edge of the precipice
ready to capture the roar of North Sauk Falls

Tom and I scrambled down the steep slope over angular rocks and protruding tree roots handy for handholds on the way over the edge. The view from within the clouds of mist were worth it. 

I think that some warm summer day, when the sun's rays break the shadows of the surrounding conifers and catch the tumultuous mist rising from the blue green pool and its light gets shattered into rainbows dancing within this rocky cauldron, that I might come here at let my thoughts flow over the edge and wash away. I think on that day I too will rise from the rocky cauldron and be renewed and refreshed for having bathed in a rainbow.

 

County Fair

Sue Berry Blue at the Stanwood-Camano County Fair

We went to the County Fair, the kids and beasts were there.

Just a few miles down the road is a happening. The annual Stanwood-Camano County Fair. We wandered the exhibit hall, toured the 4H and FFA animal stalls to see the cows, goats, pigs, rabbits and chickens. We petted some of them, and cheered on the earnest farm kids with their animal projects as the combed their auburn hair getting them ready for show and competition.

We rested in the shade of the Viking Stage grandstands with a troupe of square dancers. They were beyond friendly and thought that we were a nice spry older couple, just the right kinda folks to be square dancers. We demurred. 

They took the stage, danced the hoochi-coo and then it was time for 'audience participation' where they come out and target people resting in the shade to come on stage a swing their pardner. We took our leave as they were headed straight for us.

Once the dancers were gone, we returned to watch the juggling act and listen to awful puns and bad jokes.

We checked out the information booths and bought a cold icee drink before we went into town and had lunch at a Mediterranean cafe.

Next year, Sue will enter her fabulous pecan pie and when cash prizes.

It was a fair day. 

Kids chasing bubbles at the edge of the midway.

Show Goat