Brrr! It’s a cold, damp night in Washington and I’m writing you by candlelight, snuggled up under a cozy blanket.
There are times when I really love living here. Winter, alas, is not one of them. Although it is still stunningly beautiful, the incessant gray and abundance of rain can be rather vexing to body and soul. This winter seems to be worse than usual and instead venturing out for my usual hikes and treks through the woods, I want nothing more than to stay dry and toasty warm indoors.
So today I decided it was time to remind myself why I live here. Inspired by my fellow Washingtonian, Nicole Durbin’s, Washington post last week, I decided to go back through my photos of this area and find reasons to take heart and press on through these few months of icy, gusting, pouring misery. And I found them.
Here, dear ones, are a few photos from one my favorite places to hike: Fragrance Lake. It’s a gloriously secluded spot tucked away in the woods above Chuckanut Drive near Bellingham, Washington.
I’ve been here in winter, summer, and fall, and it never fails to calm and inspire me. The glassy lake mirrors the sky beautifully, and there’s always a fallen log to perch on to take in the inspiring surroundings.
This particular hike my friends and I arrived just as the sun was setting behind the hills. There was nary a soul to be seen and we ambled along the shore catching our breath from the steep climb in, feeling that every aching muscle in our legs was worth it to be in this gorgeous place.
We finally tore ourselves away as the sun disappeared entirely, and hoofed it back down the mountain in the gloaming.
Tonight I shall ignore my soggy environs and remember days like this when the sun is shining, nature is at her very best, and dear friends are tagging along to make any adventure delightful.
Do you have a peaceful place you like to visit?
Krista, It’s so nice to hear my post inspired this one. 🙂 I usually can tolerate our Washington winters, unless I leave and am reminded bright skies and sunshine exist elsewhere. I know it’s so hard to come back to, but staying home is not the answer either! I hope Spring and sunny days find us soon! And I’m going to search out Fragrance Lake, it really does look so peaceful! 🙂
I have a place that I call “my beach” on Lake Okanagan. I take my book and my deach chair and park myself on the rock beach and watch the world go by aling with the family of Merganser ducks and the occasional kayaker.Stay warm and dry:D
What a peaceful and secluded little lake, it reminds me of another one in north Italy called Lago di Caressa, it looks pretty much the same. Great photos!
Keep warm and cosy!
you always make me feel right here, present.
thank you for bringing friends along, vicariously
in your travels
your life
your heart.
so much love.
today it’s dreary here on the california coast and i couldn’t be happier for the soggy weather. it’s funny how you miss things like washington rain when you don’t have it anymore.
These photos are past gorgeous. You need to take up painting as you are travelling to such incredible natural sites that are breath-takingly beautiful, Krista!
🙂
Valerie
Gorgeous! I always love water shots where there is a reflection. What a great place to clear your head.
Your photos are so beautiful; It makes me wish i lived in this area and was always outdoors!
Gorgeous photos! They make me want to take a vacation to just nap, hike, and cook a good meal.
Breathtakingly beautiful alright Krista, spots like this can only be found in your neck of the woods, they are so majestic & I long to see them again….., one day….., one day 😉
It’s true Krista, winter can be a very hard season! I’m glad you could take comfort in this memory – I too look out to the sea & dream of Spring at the moment :)The lake looks beautiful – here’s too many more hikes to come!