Picnic

We went to Rasar State Park near Concrete WA. It is a fairly new park on the Skagit River with a few trails, all of which I think we walked. We also walked around the campground which is very nice, all paved and could accomodate 40+' rigs with lots of room to back in. We are enjoying this campground which is quiet and for the most part wood smoke free. Here are some pictures from Rasar of the river. We are in the foothills of the north Cascade Mountains.

We were surprised by the white sand everywhere.

Raptor Fun

The weather has been cool here in Birch Bay, so we have not gotten to do much. We did visit Sardis, where our daughter Sarah volunteers. We always enjoy seeing her and the birds. This center rescues raptors that need help. After getting them well, they release those that can survive on their own. The others get to live out their life here, which in captivity is much longer than in the wild. Most are glove trained for educational shows.

This is Tundra, a peregrine falcon, enjoying some time out while they remodeled his cage.



Rosie is a very old great horned owl that was having a terrible molt.




Don't remember this ones name, but it a snowy owl with one good eye.



This is our daughter and her friend Chille, a baby barn owl. Chille came to them as a fuzzy chick with a damaged wing. They knew that she could not be released, so they have spoiled her since her arrival. She has personality plus and is very curious. This was her first time on the glove and she did very well! She will be the star of the show!




And of course I have to add the picture of her and that new baby girl due Oct. 19! She was giving a tour to a group of mostly uninterested kids from a Boys and Girls Club summer camp.

The next day Sarah called to tell us she could see tall ships from her office window in Bellingham WA. Tall ships are worth a trip to see.

It finally has been sunny and warm for these excursions. We have been riding our bikes to Birch Bay State Park everyday now to get our "water fix" and exercise!