It had to be in the mid 60s today when we started out and made it ideal walking conditions.  We couldn't figure out why everything seemed more green today,, maybe it was the cooler weather, but sometimes the landscape was just stunning.  We did find out what the white flowers bloom out in the fields.  Turns out they are a wild radish plant that is actually on the evasive plants.  On days like today, the walk definitely takes longer because there is so much to see.  Today we saw the herons up in a tree, a nutria taking his swim, and a downy woodpecker.  If it wasn't for Barb, we would have never spotted it.  She heard it first, and we were able to get a close look, but the camera was too slow to capture the picture.
Wow, tomorrow is the last day of the month.  Pretty soon we won't be able to walk on the protected paths.  Another day in paradise.

It was perfect when we got there, it had to be in the low 70s, but it did get warm by the end of the walk.  161 walkers showed up for today's event.  Regina even put a few brush strokes on their new mural, but we missed getting a shot of it. Because of the great turnout, it was hard to finish the walk with all of the talking and catching up.  We had to see Ric's new license from Washington (he's moving to Port Townsend), we had to stop and see what was new with Britt and Carmella, and of course, every week we get to meet more and more walkers, new and seasoned. In fact today, Dan, one of our newer Merrywalkers, brought along a friend, Ann, and she joined our group at lunch.  Lunch was pretty good too.  We were able to stop by and try out their local bakery and some of us even broad a loaf home for dinner..  You did a great job Regina and all of the other workers.  I did hear every year they will be alternating with the Art Fair.

Everyweek we are out there we are trying to some of the trails that are only open in the summer.  About half of the group takes off and does the 5k, while the rest of us do about 1 or 2k.  When it's really hot, we almost have to stick to the shaded areas, but with this wonderful cool weather we can see things we don't usually see in the winter months.  As far as wildlife, we did spot the eagle out there next to his nest, but there were herons and ducks flying in and out of the water most of the time.
The white wildflowers look so beautiful especially the abundance of white with a little lavender laced inbetween.  They cut down the grasses this week, so I think the walkers suffering from allergies had a bit of relief.

Birthday parties are always fun and this was no exception.  Today we were introduced to another charming town in Washington.  Who would have known about the cute shops, beautiful homes, nice gardens and what a lovely downtown.  Over 200 walkers came out to celebrate today.  Congratulations!