#10 Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve

This is actually the second hike (more of a walk) we did from this book. The first was Spencer island and the third Camano. Though it was almost a year ago we did this and Spencer walks. Half the trail was wiped out from flooding and the rest was overgrown so bad that where the book said is a trail we could not find any. No dogs allowed here as it is a nature preserve. Across from pic 10, across the Snohomish River, a couple people had there tucks on the bank blasting music hanging out with family and friends. Music was good enough, it did not bother and nice really to see people out enjoying themselves. It could have been annoying though if trying to enjoy nature and fish the rivers edge in peace. And unfortunately it looks like a regular hang out place for the locals.

1. The parking lot half way down the hill to the river valley.

2. The trail down is well maintained. This main trail is used quite a bit to walk to the river to fish from the looks of it. This place really did feel more like a fishing access trail then a nature walk.


3. At the bottom of the hill this trail goes north to Shadow Lake. We found what I assume was a father and his son fishing the lake from the bank.

 

4. Shadow Lake

5. Found this tree covered in long dead grass. I have a hard time believing when the river flooded, it do so, so high to deposit these debris here.......but I so pose its possible. There where other trees around with the same thing.

 6. My favorite pic of the day. A very cool view from the main trail looking south. Unfortunately this pic dose not really represent it very well. I could just sit back and loose myself in thought looking down this beautiful grass covered field, in lain with marsh land, lined and speckled with trees and under our lovely Washington sky's.

7. River at south end of trail.

8. Trail washed out pretty good along river edge in many areas.

9. Nice big river bank to hang out fish and skip rocks to your hearts desire.

10. Me and Me Wife what looks like now to me as same place as pic #7

So in conclusion. if you wanted to come here..... bring you fishing gear and leave the day hike pack.

#7 Camano Island State Park

A nice day over all. Just sprinkled on us a bit at the end. Three times a charm finding the trail head parking. Pretty big park with more then one campground and plenty of other trails to explore. I look forward to coming back, maybe with the motor home and spending a weekend and discovering the rest. With two dog's in one hand all pictures where taken with the other. Hard to get a steady shot this day with one hand.......and I don't drink coffee, nor was I cold and I'm not suffering from any disorder (that I know of), was a tad frustrating...... go figure a Seattlelite who dose not drink coffee. What a waste huh?

1. Parking area. Had to pay $10 to park. $30 gets you a year round pass. Boat launch here also. For that it's $40 for year pass + $7 each use.

2. Trail head and our big boy Ralfie.

3. A great start to the trail looking west over pond and the sound. The second pond on the other side of the road is actually part of the picnicking area.

 17. Early March much rain.

4. Where loop starts and ends.... I like to pull to the right. Loop is 2.6 miles.

5. The trail fist parallels the road and then heads up the hill though a small ravine, past a small water fall and into the campground.         

                              6. Cute little waterfall.

7. Trail comes out into campground. Wife can't be missed in pink shirt way ahead of me as I have to stop and take pictures of everything......It brings me joy and she is patient.

 

8. Peek -a- boo Sunshine over the sound.

9. What can I say......Another grey day. 

This is my favorite pic of the trip for sure. Now my screen backdrop.

 10. leaves starting to show on trees.              

                                                     11. fall winds can take it's toll.

12. Some one left this unexpected artistic master piece on a abnormality growth on a large moss covered tree.

13. A picnic table grave yard. These poor old things where the center of a many family gatherings. Let's all have a moment of silence in respect for our fallen utilitarian plat forms.....with built in leg resters to boot ! (pun intended)

14. I wonder how many people have fallen off cliffs in our parks? Way more then should have. Sad really they feel they have to post signs like this. Come on people! Use your Brain! It CAN happen to you. If you play with fire you up the odds of getting burned ten fold. Always stay on the trail and always mind your step. A trip on a root poking up (and they are every where) can be disastrous.

15. speaking of.........

Please note: photographer is a trained professional. Do not attempt to......(o.k. not really) but I was at a safe distance from edge and mindful of my footing when taking this picture of north end of parking lot where boat launch is located. I promise.

16. It's Patric! Found him alive and not so well on beach a quite a way from water.

Please don't cry just yet for our poor Starfish friend. Kevin the great Starfish protector of Camano Island saved the day again and safely relocated him to the safety of the wet, salt water filled, Puget Sound and he will soon reunite with his best friend Spongbob.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Kevin. I love to explore. I love to accomplish goals. These things make me feel good. I love my beautiful state (most the time) and enjoy trying to capture a cool capture with my capture machine. (a.k.a camera). Love taking my furry boy's on walks because it's just plain good for all of us in every way. So I'm going to try and hit every trail in the new book and going to document it here. O.k.? O.k. then. You have been introduced. Thank You.

Me wife

Me Rudy

Me Ralfie and Bubba aka Sr. Poops Alot