A Drive in the Countryside

 

We took a little country drive recently. We had no destination in mind, just a drive to see where it took us.

 

 

In the last few years, some of the water towers have been given a little face lift to blend in better with their surroundings. This one is particularly appropriate.

 

 

 In Washington State, logging is a big industry. Here we are driving through one such tree farm.

 

 

I would not want to get lost in these woods! Every tree looks the same. These are Douglas Fir.

 

 

Winding our way down from the forested hills, we came upon fields of left over pumpkins, glowing in the late afternoon light.

 

These fields host snow geese during the winter months and these pumpkins will feed the hungry.

 

 

Stopping to stretch our legs, we took a little stroll along the Carbon River. This time of year, the river is still placidly low, but it becomes a raging torrent during winter rains and spring runoff, as it flows directly from the Carbon Glacier on Mt. Rainier. You can see whole trees deposited in the center channel.

 

 

It is only in late summer and early fall that this center channel is available to play on.

 

 

Someone has left these stone towers for us to admire.

 

 

But don't let the seemingly calm water fool you....

 

 

Further along we see the force.

 

 

This is a deadly river that has taken many lives. Just this past spring a young man drowned trying to raft down it.

 

It has also taken out roads, bridges and homes.

 

But for now, it is only showing it's gentle side.

 

 

It was a beautiful afternoon. The late afternoon sun highlights seed heads of Queen Anne's Lace.

 

 

Ghostly Snow Berries grow in the thickets.

 

 

Nearby these bright crimson beauties add unexpected color.

 

 

As we leave we are sent on our way with a cryptic message written on the underside of the roadway bridge.

 

Next time I will show you the rest of our journey.

 

xx