As I have been mentioning, this winter in Portland has been very mild. We have had a lot of sunny days, mild temperatures, and very little rain. Perfect weather for outdoor exploring. Except, for some reason, I can't seem to get our schedule on track to allow us to have enough free time out in nature. Aside from school and work, we have had appointments and classes, play dates with friends, and things that need to get done around the house. So while we have spent a ton of time outside these past couple of months, it has mostly been around our neighborhood.
Last week I was craving some solace and space, and even though we didn't have a big chunk of time, Phoebe and I managed to sneak away to Oaks Bottom Wetlands, a little trail and preserve in an urban part of Portland. Despite the closeness to city life (you can hear cars rumbling along from most places in the park) it is a haven for tadpoles, birds and other critters. We got to see quite a few lovely birds while we were there and even had a deer cross the path about 10 feet in front of us.
It was a good reminder that we need to make the time to escape to the woods, find the wild spaces (even if they are somewhat urban) and take time to discover.
 |
| hairy woodpecker |
 |
| rock wren |
 |
| Oregon grape |
Gosh, how lucky to see that deer, and what a beautiful photo you captured of it. I agree with you, we have to make time to connect to nature, to just wander and enjoy the gifts of Mother Nature.
ReplyDeleteWow, look at that deer! That's a great shot. We had about three really nice days in a row but it's cooled off again.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures! It's so nice (and sometimes necessary) to escape and spend some time outside, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteVery nice pictures!! I am sure you had a nice time :)
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!!
Lluisa xoxo