Sun Breaks

Taken at Cannon Beach, Oregon in October, 2015

When the sun breaks through a rip in the clouds and floods the vistas with golden light, heads go up and lungs expand. It's like a mini-vacation, a kiss of beauty from the heavens, a note of encouragement that brighter days are coming. 

~ Joan Husby, in the introduction to her blog, Sun Breaks

We've had record-breaking rainfalls this winter. Rain has come to us in buckets and sheets, and even a few cats and dogs. Yet we've had enough sun breaks these past three months to keep us from total madness.

In the past week Tom and I have taken advantage of these rare moments and gone out with our cameras in search of some beauty. We didn't have to go far. The photos below were all taken within twelve miles of our home.

Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens, located at Freeborn Lutheran Church on 300th St NW, east of I-5 at exit 218, is clearly visible from the freeway. A work in progress, this gardens will eventually showcase a thousand plants native to the Pacific Northwest. With beautiful boardwalks, educational kiosks, grasses growing on the roofs, and native habitats, people will come from miles around to enjoy this marvelous botanical gardens.

Workers were at the park while we explored, preparing the security system for the many glass pieces that will be on display, creations of artists from nearby Pilchuck Glass School.

Cama Beach State Park on Camano Island has much to offer visitors but nothing more appealing than the warm sunshine and these apple blossoms that greeted us.

We wanted to check for eagles on Thomle Road, just off Marine Drive. Shortly after we turned on Thomle Road we saw an eagle sitting on a branch, not too far from his nest. Down the road we discovered two more adult birds and another nest, And then there were the cherry trees laden with blossoms in the late afternoon sun.

The forecast is for several more days of rain. Perhaps we'll get a few sun breaks. But even if we don't, the heavens have given us a kiss of beauty, and it's enough to keep me going until Spring is here to stay.

Spring Trees

I don't usually post on Thursdays, but we found ourselves on a tree tour late yesterday afternoon that just screams to be shared! So here you go...

The Fern Tree
If you find yourself anywhere near the intersection of Jackson Gulch Road and Pioneer Highway, just north of Silvana, check out this surprise. There are ferns growing on the branches of this crazy tree that, long ago, must have been the perfect climbing tree in Snohomish County! I have never seen anything like it. Have a look.

The Eagle Tree
We decided to go home through the flats, so we turned west on Norman Road. We came upon this eagle, a sentinel keeping guard over his nest. Undeterred by the many smaller birds that rested temporarily in his tree or the flock of geese that flew past, he stayed affixed to his branch.

The Cherry Trees

Further down the road was this row of cherry trees in full blossom. 

I urge you  to take the tree tour for yourself, if you get a chance. And even if it's raining, the eagle is gone, he ferns and cherry blossoms no longer spectacular, a country drive will do your heart good.