Can you believe that June is almost over?
I am trying to soak in as much summer as I can,
because I know how quickly it will pass.
We are still in a cool and rainy pattern here
in the foothills of Washington's Cascade mountains,
but when the sun shines,
it is glorious!
So come along with me and we will take
a country drive with Good Fences
a country drive with Good Fences
through the green fields of summer,
soaking up the sunshine.
soaking up the sunshine.
xx
This foothills pasture is near to my home.
There are several young steer hiding in the brush
while their mother's graze nearby.
We frequently see elk here in the evening.
Another little pasture has two llamas and some big, red steer.
You can see the back of one steer as he is grazing alongside
a small, spring-fed pond with cattails.
There is a little windmill here that pumps water to
the livestock.
As we descend to the plateau, large, fluffy clouds
line up on the horizon on their way to
the mountains where they back up,
unable to cross, causing mountain rains.
Eastern Washington state is a completely different
climate and topography, (high desert)
from us here in western Washington,
due to the Cascade mountains,
from us here in western Washington,
due to the Cascade mountains,
which prevent precipitation from the Pacific ocean.
A Raspberry farm sets up business in the shade of the trees.
A handsome white rail fence corrals a view
of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade range.
Can you see it? Mt. Rainier is covered in snow.
Some young cows graze between
a flower bedecked, modern farmhouse and
some old farm buildings with wonderful patina.
You can see the top of Mt. Rainier peeking over the
roof of the house.
A hand-crafted fence highlights blue hydrangea,
a handsome purple beech, and a rosy smoke bush
in full bloom.
This beautiful farm recently had a major make-over.
It was sad and neglected, but now is a well-tended
hay farm.
On a clear day, it has the most amazing view of
Mt. Rainier.
Even on a cloudy day........
Looking the other way, it has a view of the Olympic mountains
on the other side of Puget Sound - (barely visible in the clouds).
How wonderful would that be to wake up to?
The yellow structure operates a flume gate to control or shut off
water flow into the nearby river from a dam in the mountains
built to regulate flooding.
The flume can be directed to a large, man-made lake
that handles overflow, although the lake has been
heavily built-up with residential homes in recent years.
It always pays to research the surrounding topography,
industry, and public works in the area before buying a home :)
The first cutting of hay....
I am still getting used to the scene of giant marshmallows
of poly-wrapped hay
instead of beautiful, unwrapped hay rolls.
This little farm is a cooperative organic
vegetable farm.
Members get a large selection of whatever is growing
that week in return for a fee and some volunteer work.
Some farms are thriving......others are in decline.
The circle of life.....
This horse farm has never had horses.
Someone built a beautiful home tucked into the trees,
then added miles of white rail fencing, horse
shelters and barns that were never used.
Perhaps a sudden life-change prevented the dream.....
We never know what might be around the corner.
Across the lane, this older farm has been well-loved.
A small herd of cattle roam the lush, green fields.
Another handsome barn and fence as we enter
an area of new development.
You can see daisies and buttercups
growing close by.
The builders have kept a lovely, rural aesthetic.
These are typical Northwest-style homes.
Lots of windows to take advantage of the sometimes,
gloomy light and beautiful views.
Time to turn around and head for home.
The clouds are getting darker.....
Through my little Ford Ranger window,
we see a hidden prairie meadow.
Black Angus cattle gather
in the distance.
Another hidden meadow.
You can see tall Douglas Fir, conical Western Red Cedar,
flouncy-skirted Hemlock with a few Big-Leaf Maple.
The Douglas Fir are over 150 ft. tall and probably 200- 300 years old.
You can see how they dwarf the rest of the forest.
Some newly furrowed fields at the pumpkin farm.
Rain, as we pass some contented cows.
Normally we would see Mt. Rainier here
but it is swallowed by the weather.
Sometimes we don't see Mt. Rainier for weeks at a time.
We know it is a good day, when 'The Mountain' is 'out'.
'Home Sweet Home' as we run inside, dodging the raindrops.
Come in - make yourself comfortable.
The sign says it all.....
Sugar and cream?
Yes, please......
(Stevia and fat-free 'half and half' for me)
How do you take your cuppa?
The last of the sun sneaks under the clouds
as we enjoy our steaming mugs
at the end of the day.
I hope you enjoyed coming along, Dear Friends!
xoxo
