Dungeness NWR continued, 7-18-10. I’m used to seeing Mew Gulls and Glaucous-winged Gulls, but this visit to Dungeness was the first time I observed Heermann’s Gulls, which have a distinctive bright red bill, dark gray body and white head. Two were scavenging along the beach as I hiked by. Click to enlarge

I often look in on this thread although I don't always post, some good hikes here! I don't think that I am able to go on long hikes.
Like the pictures too.

Dungeness NWR continued, 7-18-10. I still held out hope that the fog would lift as I approached the turn-around point at the Dungeness Lighthouse. It only got worse. Click to enlarge.

Lighthouse still visible through fog


Eagle on piling barely visible 30 minutes later


Thick fog reduced visibility to about 100 yards for the hike back. This is the last photo I took as three hikers approached.

Hello Marg: Thanks for visiting. One of these days, we’ll get up your way. It’s somewhat eerie to hike in the fog. I wouldn’t be hiking in this weather on a mountain trail, but it’s impossible to get lost at Dungeness. Please say hello to Earl for me.

Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge, 7-18-10. One of the great advantages to living in the Pacific Northwest is the ability to hike at sea level and in the mountains on the same day. It’s about an hour’s drive from the fog at Dungeness Spit to Hurricane Ridge, elevation 5,000 feet at Olympic NP. This is the time of year when lupines are blooming in the alpine meadows. Black-tailed deer are usually in the meadows. There are three very short and easy trails at Hurricane Ridge. From here, you can branch out to more difficult hikes. Click to enlarge



Can you spot the deer amid the lupines?

Olympic National Park, continued, 7-18-10. Black-tailed deer at Hurricane Ridge. Click to enlarge

Olympic National Park, continued, 7-18-10. Deer in velvet at Hurricane Ridge. You always need to be alert for deer, which often roam through the parking lot. This deer decided to check out the dog. The dog may have been to obedience school.
It didn’t move, and the deer soon moved along. Click to enlarge



The deer and the dog

Upper Dungeness Trail * near Sequim, Wa. * Olympic Peninsula

7-28-10


A beautiful river running through a gorgeous forest.
* click bigger *