2022 - Off year for adventuring!

 

Hello Friends

2023 has arrived and 2022 is in the rearview mirror. My "adventures" during 2022 were unfortunately limited. In the middle of July last year I had full joint replacement surgery on my left knee. Time was spent mostly focused on the pre-surgery planning, the surgery itself and then, the rehabilitation. I'm still in the rehabilitation phase as we begin 2023 but anticipated travel is a motivator to stay on track. I wanted to post at least a few pictures taken despite not being able to travel in my usual ways. And I wanted to be in touch. So here goes...

This picture was taken in January of 2022. 

You could call it "Quintessential Skagit Valley with Snow Geese". 

#2 "Quintessential Skagit Valley with Snow Geese"

January 24, 2022 on the Pacific Flyway, a busy highway through Washington State for migrating birds. Here they find a place to rest and restore before moving on in their journey. 

Taken in March 2022, you could call it

"Quintessential Skagit Valley with Daffodils".

From Camano Island in February, Mt. Baker in the crisp, clear air. 

My knee surgery was on July 12. So now we fast forward to September!

As part of the knee rehab I had been doing plenty of short distance walks indoors and out. But this picture on September 4 marks the first time doing some trail walking on the Centennial Trail. 

On the first day of Autumn I was back for more on another section of the Centennial Trail. 

The trailhead for this portion of the Centennial Trail includes a "heritage barn" which is part of the Snohomish County Centennial Trail Past > Forward Interpretive Project.

The site of this heritage barn on the "rails to trails" Centennial Trail was once a dense forest, then a lumber mill and later a dairy farm, operated by the Nakashima family. 

It was a beautiful day for an early Autumn walk, taking the new knee out for a turn. 

In October I met a friend in Mukilteo for a visit to the new ferry terminal, the historic lighthouse and more walking. We included a stop at Ivar's for lunch of fish and chips, a classic culinary experience in the NW. 

For you lighthouse aficionados...these are for you!

And on to Christmas Day for a winter walk on the Padilla Bay trail. 

Good to know that as of December 21st we are turning toward the light!

 

And then the first day of the new year.

 Walking the berm at the Leque Island Estuary.

Time will tell what 2023 will bring in the way of travel adventures. I'm grateful for the opportunities I have "close by" to relish the beauty of the outdoors, the fresh air and the life of the natural world. 

May your 2023 be one of hopeful adventures that feed your zest for living. 

Thanks for spending time with this posting!

MARY