We (well, really it's Stefan, but I happen to believe he's right) have a superstition around here that what you do on New Year's Day sets the tone for the rest of the year. So, there's
never any lying around allowed. :)
We initially had plans to play with friends in the morning and then head out later to the Nooksack River to check out the eagles who winter here.
The eagles migrate from Alaska and BC down to feed on the chum salmon -- yum.
Jenica, and even Kerry May now too, is very interested in birds of all kinds. Both girls have their own pair of binoculars, bird guide book, and a satchel to carry them in. Looking for birds definitely qualifies as "going on an adventure."
Well, our day was turned on its ear when our friends called us early to report they've been hit with the "yuck" and wouldn't be going anywhere. :( We looked at each other and quickly decided: it's time to go and see some eagles!
Boots: check. Hat: check. Warm coat: check. Shorts? Odd choice. But, well, we're off!
In Deming there is a great little spot called the Deming Homestead Eagle Park, only about 30 minutes away. It's a nice walk, even on a mildly crummy day. It must have been really dark today because all of my pictures are so ominous looking:
Look at those clouds -- they seem to be yelling, "Run! There's a storm a-comin'!" But, hmmmm... wait a minute, I'm going to fiddle with that...
Ahhh... much better! Love photoshop, eh?
Anyway, we did the whole walk around the park, scouting for eagles.
Spotted a huge nest and a couple flying waaaay over our heads, but nothing up close.
Kerry decided early that she was going to ride the Daddy Mule. Maybe next year Stefan won't need as much chiropractic care.
Even with the clouds and drizzle, the scenery is just beautiful.
You can see the rain heading toward us from the mountain.
Sorry, more scenery pictures.
My father was a serious offender in this department. There are boxes of pictures of ???? Beautiful vistas, mountains and meadows, but lord knows where or what the heck they are...
But Dad would have been very happy: not only did I take a bunch of just scenery photos, we also had his old binoculars out and in use.
I just like these because they are like little vignettes of "winter in the northwest."
No other explanation needed.
Anyway, after our trek around the park we hopped in the car and drove just about another mile to a bridge that actually crosses over the river and voila:
Eagles!
(OK, those big black things are eagles. Note to self: next year need to ask Santa for better camera). :)
See the black and white things? Yup, tree full of eagles. Kind of like gulls at the beach. Fantastic.
And the topper, at least as far as Kerry was concerned:
A pit stop for ice cream on the way home.
It's going to be a great year.
