Indian Painted Rocks

 Because I was out the Indian Trails direction this morning I was able to walk the Indian Painted Rocks trail. This trail runs along the Little Spokane and is a wonderful place for bird and other critter sightings. It's still a little sleepy without many critters out and about yet. The chipmunks were awake though. You can make a long loop trail by continuing on to the Knothead Valley Trail at the top of the hill. This makes an almost 7 mile loop and brings you back down a little further north on Rutter Parkway. As you can see from the pictures there are a lot of trees laying down. The fire from a few years ago damaged a lot and they have fallen or been cut and left in place for natural habitat. 

Fairmont Memorial Park Cemetery walkabout

 I really enjoy getting my mileage in at the local cemeteries. The beauty and history of the places keeps my eyes and mind engaged as I wander around. These places hold the true history of the area, from the earliest settlers, dignitaries and just regular folks they tell stories. The Fairmont Memorial Gardens along the Spokane River behind the VA hospital is one of the most beautiful with its views of the River and wonderful memorials and architecture. These are not places of mourning but celebrations of the lives that came before us.

 

Sunny day downtown

 Went walking through Riverfront and on the north side of the river today. The sun finally peaked out and brought with it a lot of folks to the park to enjoy the great weather. A domestic goose had somehow found his way into the park and was not happy, honking and wandering around, wondering how he go there. found a hidden gem of a vintage store on north Broadway, Teleport Vintage Clothes. Really a fun shop. Always enjoy our walkabouts downtown. So much to see and experience!

Waikiki Springs Natural Area

 I don't get up north as often as I would like to go walking. The Waikiki Natural area near Fairwood is always a treat when I make it there. It was snowing hard and the springs were flowing, perfect! It just felt like a black and white day so that's how I shot most of my pics. If you get a chance to get out there make sure that you wear some good tread shoes as it can get slippery, especially on the road down into the area off the trailhead. 

James T Slavin Conservation area

 I always love walking this beautiful conservation area. There are really nice trails that surround the lake. The one thing I will say is that you really can't get around the north side of the lake to make a loop around the lake as you run into a cattail and wet patch. When its dry and the water is low you can make it around but prepare to get your feet wet if the water is up. The trail does loop at the north end but up into the forest and back around. The last few times I had gone all the waterbirds were gone as it has been to wet and dry. This time when I went they were back in force. A large flock of Canadian Geese went over honking wildly and landed at the end. 6-8 swans were preening and enjoying the fresh water from the recent rain. Hoards of smaller ducks and other waterbirds were enjoying the fresh water. #wetland #swans #waterbirds #jamestslavinconservationare #conservationarea #spokane

Columbia Plateau Cheney Spangle trailhead

 Wanted to get out on the Columbia Plateau trail before the snow flew so went yesterday. The area between the Cheney-Spangle trailhead and Fish Lake is such a beautiful stretch, with the stream running beside and the trees framing it. The seasonal waterfalls are all dried up for the moment but will start back up when it is wetter. The water station is about .25 miles from the trailhead, it is about 3.75 from the trailhead to Fish Lake. The water doesn't work in the fountain so is just for decoration.