Sprucelands Puzzlemania

We are a puzzle now. Believe it or not!

Yesterday I talked in my post about how I was working on some fun things to do through our website. One of them is up and running today. At least, I hope it's up and running. LOL

If you click on the PUZZLEMANIA tab on the right panel of this blog, you will see ten photos that I've made into puzzles. You have the option of clicking into the whole puzzle gallery or one puzzle at a time.

The upside to clicking into the whole gallery is that you can actually choose how many pieces you want in the puzzle you want to do and what shape you want the pieces to be. It's really quite novel to elect your level of difficulty and style.

When I discovered it was possible to make puzzles from my photos, I thought we could have lots of fun while recalling memories from the summer. At times, I'll add more photos for puzzles so that when you have downtime at home, you can jump onto the blog and try a different puzzle.

I'm thinking I'll see if I can set this up so you can do the actual puzzles on our website. Then I'll link you to the website instead of a site 'out there'. Anyway, enjoy a few moments of relaxation before bed, after completing a homework assignment, or on a weekend when you just want to visit Sprucelands from afar.

Comments from you are the sunshine in my day.

What's on the other side of the Sprucelands gate?

I wonder what is on the other side.

Gates fascinate me. When I see an interesting gate, I often come to a stop and back up so I can snap a photo and keep it for future use. This was one such gate.

What do I like about gates? I guess it's the mystery about what's down that path. A beautiful home or a country cabin? A campsite or a field filled with corn? Who knows. It's the mystery I like. Is there a story here or a poem? Those are the questions I ask. What is the significance of a closed gate? Hmmm. I wonder, don't you?

Then I think about how gates can figuratively mean we have closed ourselves off to making friends or taking risks. Perhaps temporarily we need privacy or time to think so we block others from entering our world. Maybe we stopped growing at some point and are having a hard time moving forward in our own life journey. Could be we need time to grieve or heal.

The best part about gates is that they open. They don't always stand closed. When they open, energy, people, vehicles and interactions move in and out, bringing business, friends, fun, and new adventure. Whoever lives on the other side of the gate connects with us and invites us in. Often we start down a new road and there are surprises that challenge us in ways we could not imagine.

So I give you my gate photo and leave you with the thought that there are some interesting things happening on the other side of the imaginary Sprucelands gate. Start with the fact that additions are coming to the website and blog that are really fun. There are other surprises around the bend as well. You will hear what they are soon. You know me. Always thinking about ways we can open the gate and interact.

Comments? I hope you'll leave me one and become a follower of this blog.

Laughter, sparkle, the lake and winners at Sprucelands!



Just give me a minute.

This morning I'm more rested. Ta-dah. Sleep works its own miracles. I'm back in the land of the living again. Now I am looking over a few of my recent photos and just can't resist sharing them with you.

The first two photos show you how silly we get at Sprucelands. Last Sunday afternoon the kids were getting in the truck. Our goal was to get to the horse show on time. Trying to get a bunch of teenagers organized and up to the barn sometimes is a challenge of its own. Add to it the fact that we fall victim to overwhelming laughter and then we get slowed down by the fact we can't stop the giggles.


Smile everybody.

Above Georgia is scrambling into the mix of kids. She got so silly that she couldn't move and so everyone was trying to pull her up into the bed of the truck. You can imagine the belly laughs we all had. Just looking at the pictures makes you want to giggle, doesn't it? Thanks, Georgia, for the fun. It was great.



Another photo I want to share is from the scouts this weekend. We had one girl who couldn't ride. She was recovering from mono and doctors told her she couldn't get in the saddle. So she did everything on the ground instead. We made her into an honorary spotter and clinic helper.

There's something special about horses, isn't there Hannah?

She asked for a picture with a horse she loved. I'm thinking this is Patti. And the photo of her looking up at Patti captured such a sparkly look that I thought you'd get a kick out of seeing it. Thanks Hannah for being such a good sport. I'm glad you could come.

Another remarkable picture shows you the thoughtfulness of our clinic helpers in last weekend's clinic. We went up to the barn a little early on Sunday afternoon. In preparation for the scout horse show, there were a few things we needed to get done like moving mounting blocks and helmets. Everyone pitched in.

Hurry you guys! The scouts are coming.

And then what to my wondering eyes did appear but the sight of clinic helpers raking ring #1. They were clearing leaves and mucking out horse deposits from previous riding. I was totally blown away.

I can't remember a time when my helpers took the initiative to grab pitchforks and clean out ring #1. Only thing I remember - and with a smile - was the story about a camper named Sarah who raked the entire indoor arena this summer at camp.

My final photo is a picture of the lake, um, what was the lake. You'll be glad to know that we're working away at getting something done about the poor excuse for a lake we had here last summer.


This is our very naked lake. The joy of being fed by two running streams.

Sounds like a wide-track bulldozer may be in here during the wintertime to clean us out. Then we'll have our old lake back again and will be able to enjoy swimming and boating more next summer. Hallelujah! Thing is we have to go through this ugliness in order to get to where we want to be.

Kind of like growing up, isn't it? I think of the horses and how they go through such awkward, sometimes ugly times until their body is in proportion and they are the beautiful grown up we so love. Even us humans go through that process. In time, we are attractive, confident adults with a lot to offer and the power to make a difference. Pretty amazing. Anyway, the lake is what it is and will be better in 2011.

Finally, one more comment. From our football mania fundraiser, we had a $100 winner this last weekend. Hats off to the winner and thanks for supporting Sprucelands with your contribution.

Thanks for your ongoing comments. They help me realize I've got readers out there.

Weekend Miracles at Sprucelands! Wow!

One step at a time. One step at a time.

I don't know where to start. This last week and weekend challenged me in ways that I haven't been challenged since the slow, cold months last winter.

I slept little because I couldn't find clinic helpers to run my weekend clinic, and that clinic was scheduled to have 24 riders. It felt that Sprucelands for the first time might not be able to provide her quality program for an excited group of riders. On top of that, my car collided with a deer on the way to school Friday. To me that was an omen that the weekend was in trouble, only to be saved by major miracles.

So let me tell you about miracles. They do exist.

Seven helpers arrived on Friday night to start the weekend: Courtney, Rachel, Georgia, Hope, Kalanye, Bria, and Taylor. Then Tsz popped in the door. That made eight. She was our first miracle. We did safety rules for our enthusiastic group of seventeen fourth and fifth graders and seven adults. That was our second miracle. Thankfully, the group was supportive, eager to learn and very willing to listen. 

Courtney rallied us all and took leadership for calling classes.

Back at the house, Courtney rallied the helpers and together horses were matched to riders. We all realized that with our number of helpers, four riders would have to be matched to each horse. That meant running four classes on Saturday instead of the regular three. I personally didn't know how spotters were going to manage all that walking, but the helpers were confident. Blossom and grow. Another miracle.



When Saturday began, Lisa and AnnMarie surprised us to help with supervision. We desperately needed cheerleaders. They joined me and we floated from horse to horse, helping riders mount. Stirrups were adjusted and clinic helpers with their loyalty to Sprucelands quality, taught with heart.

They connected with the scouts and exchanged knowledge they acquired at camp in the summer. I felt a miracle. It was all around us. We were living it.
 

Confronting fear is best done with a friend.

One scout was afraid on Saturday morning. In fact, she cried for her entire first ride around ring #1 on Honey. I didn't know if we would get her back on for the afternoon lesson. But Hope worked her magic and that rider was back on for her ride, tentative but ready to do it. By Sunday, she was smiling and steering on her own. Miracle? You bet.

Saturday afternoon Mark, a Hill Parent from the summer, and Katie, a counselor on our summer staff, drove into camp. I had no idea when I woke up on Saturday morning that these two folks would give us their time.

Our helpers felt their support, and were able to walk those four classes Saturday afternoon, while two other helpers taught colors, horse parts and ran a scavenger hunt. The miracles continued to unfold.

Kate worked with Courtney so that she could learn to call classes. Courtney stepped up to the challenge and quiet Courtney found her 'guy voice' so that she could project loud enough for all to hear. Kate gave Courtney courage on Saturday afternoon. From then on, Courtney rallied to lead us all.


Trotting was the absolute best!

Sunday we were without Mark, Kate, and Tsz. But guess what? Molly came, AnnMarie returned, and Yvonne brought Katie and Alicia. So while we were getting tired, these folks brought new energy. The gymkhana came off just fine and so did the afternoon horse show.

Our horses - Honey, Buglar, Boomer, Thunder, Patti, and Sugar - were saints. They enjoyed the love and attention from their riders; they worked very hard what with walking four classes. When we tucked them in last night, they were quite simply tired.


Sprucelands forever! Yes! Yes! Yes!

There were life lessons for our clinic helpers this weekend. They learned that hard tasks can be tackled with enthusiasm and that enthusiasm inspires you to keep going. They saw themselves making a difference. It felt good. They accepted the support they were given and appreciated it.

On top of everything else, we laughed together. That laughter was our strength. Thank you all. As a team, we did it! "Anything is possible at Sprucelands!" Now I can sleep. 

Comments welcome always.

Sprucelands 2011 Registration Information



We are looking for you!

Quick post today to inspire returning and new camper families to take a hard look at the early registration discounts. They have been in place since the end of August.

What you will discover is that you can register at last summer's tuition rate if you act fast. I will extend the current discounts until next week Thursday - September 30 - if you mail in your registration and $200 deposit postmarked no later than that date.

Please note that you do not have to claim your dates for camp until close to May 2011. That will give you time to get your summer schedule in place. You can however benefit from the discounts by mailing in your camp application and deposit.

Save yourself money off your tuition and save a space for camp, especially if you want an Accelerated Horsemaster position. Now is the time to start thinking about summer. What would be helpful is a note with your application indicating how many weeks you are looking to claim.


Talk about it. Think about it. Make a plan for 2011.

I will insert here that there are changes already in the works to improve Sprucelands. For example, the lake has been drained and will be renovated for next summer. We had a horrible problem this last summer, one that could only be addressed with off season work.

Also, there has been a change in our kitchen staff. It's looking like AnnMarie will be our wonderous cook in 2011. She loves having  campers and staff participate in the cooking fun and is considering mini cooking classes. These improvements are only the beginning.

A sense of humor in the kitchen sets the mood for all of camp.

In addition, Counselors in Training (CITs) I need to hear from you. We are limiting spaces this year because we have discovered the program works better for you when there are not an excess of CITs. Our CITs this last summer learned so much in their role as they were challenged to open themselves to new perspectives and become supportive guides to campers within the program. 

Spread the word that you can pay in full and save as much as $50 off each week of camp. For some of you that may be an option that works well. At the same time, it helps Sprucelands across the winter as we work to meet ongoing expenses.

This is short and sweet. Hopefully, you'll follow this link to take a look at the special discounts on our camp application. Simply scroll down to the bottom of the application for all the data you need. Contact me with questions you may have. You can leave a question below or contact me through the contact info on the camp application. Now is the time to start planning.

Comments? Questions? This is the place.

A Sprucelands clinic helper crash course.

Sprucelands forever! Yes! Yes! Yes!

We had a group of old friends join us this weekend for a trail ride clinic. There were twelve Girl Scouts from a troop that has been coming to Sprucelands for years. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the girls grow up.

I love when returning troops fill us all with their enthusiasm for horses and riding. This time around we had a bunch that were ready to tackle a trail ride weekend. I didn't know that we were doing a trail ride weekend until really late in the week. So it started out as a bit of a surprise.



We came. We conquered. We celebrate each other.

Eight helpers showed up for twelve riders. One could only do Saturday. That was okay. The catch for me was that none of my helpers had CPR so I was covering the safety of the trail rides alone. Usually, when I do a trail weekend, I plan it so we have one or two seasoned riders that may already be CITs or counselors at summer camp.

In addition, several helpers were brand new to being a clinic helper. So we were training helpers while we were putting the clinic into full swing. Well, we took a deep breath and jumped in for the duration and I have to say, to the credit of my helpers, we did a darn good job.

Thankfully, we are down to 18 horses at the barn. All the horses are in the main barn now. That makes feeding and cleaning stalls dramatically easier. Sunrise, Audi and Marea left last weekend for their winter with Alie and her college equestrian team.



Passing messages on trail rides was really fun. It made us laugh.

We used four horses for our Girl Scouts - Thunder, Honey, Patti and Buglar - and tried to use Ellie and Sugar for flank and drag. However, both Sugar and Ellie were rather demonstrative about not wanting to be used for either flank or drag so I finally ended up on my own. Poco worked really hard.

I did nine trail rides this weekend. This morning I'm feeling a bit like I've been dragged through a knothole. That's an old expression from my mom. It really fits today though. On the other hand, I need to remember it's all about feeling young. Right? I keep telling myself I'm only 49!

We ended the weekend with my teaching a lesson to the clinic helpers. That went well except Bugler dumped his rider twice, not once, but twice. And another rider had a sudden migrane, tossed her cookies at the end of the arena, and then popped back on her horse to finish the lesson. Go figure.



The clinic helpers were great fun.

By this time, we were all laughing. We figured once three things had happened, we were covered. In the end, we were all extremely overtired and giddy. The Girl Scouts stayed safe and the rider that came off in our lesson had a great sense of humor about the whole thing even after she skinned her chin.

My hat is off to the scouts and the clinic helpers. They all worked well together. Our newbies came through with flying colors. Helpers took initiative to do what they needed to do and they covered all their bases, even running games for the girls who were waiting for their trail ride.

Congratulations you guys! I think you were fully initiated this weekend into what clinic helping is really about, and you did a fine job. I am proud of you.

PS. Next weekend we have approximately 24 riders. I need all the helping hands I can get. So hear my plea, and pretty please, see if you can work us into your busy schedule.

Comments welcome always. They make my day.

Sprucelands builds confidence in a special group of riders.

This is one weekend none of us will miss.

The Special Needs weekend clinic was terrific. Our clinic helpers connected through their hearts and hands, supervising, teaching, enabling independence and maintaining safety. The group itself had a fantastic time. Even though they were tired, they didn't want to leave on Sunday afternoon.

Many of these riders have been coming for years. There is a core group within the group that returns for their horse experience every September. I think that's one reason why none of us wants to miss this clinic. So many of the folks are old friends. We can pick up where we left off the year before and simply enjoy.

This is a weekend these riders anticipate all year long.

It's a marvelous feeling to watch these folks become independent. That means they can groom and tack up with supervision. Whereas it may have been very difficult for them in their first clinics, they now assert themselves and do very well. They are stronger and more trusting. They know the horses and routines, keeping us on our toes for sure.

On top of all that, they have the safety rules down pat. We gather on Friday evening for a review of safety, partly to refresh thinking about what we can and can't do. But more, while it gives us an opportunity to teach safety to new members of the group, it gives us a chance to reconnect with everyone about the horse way of doing things.

Part of safety is preparation before a trot.

Saturday morning, like a barn block at summer camp, gives us an opportunity to hand the horses to riders and have them practice leading. For most it works well. For others, their pace of walking is a tad slow so  helpers adjust the horses's walking rhythm to their leader. Then as you can well imagine, the group excitement increases when horses are mounted for the first time. Riding after all is what they came to do.

Some of these riders will cheer after they are on their horse. Others sing while they ride. There is lots of chatter. A few are nervous or off balance and so two or three walkers are needed to make sure they have a successful ride. By Saturday afternoon, most are comfortable enough with what they are doing that they help themselves more with the balance piece.

I did it!

I can't say enough about what fun we all have with this bunch. They have a great sense of humor and smiles that don't stop. Their love for us and Sprucelands is priceless. It feels so good.

We of course have a horse show on Sunday. Different conversations about what color ribbon they will choose fill their tacking up time in the barn. You see, we let them pick their favorite color. One rider repeatedly said, "I'll be the winner. Right?" I reassured her everyone was a winner and then when she chose her pink ribbon she exclaimed, "I'm number one!"

Helpers and riders celebrate the weekend with a cheer.

At the end of the show, everyone gathers for a last photo. It's like a tradition. Besides, everyone loves doing the cheer: "Sprucelands forever! Yes! Yes! Yes!" I think somehow it's an exclamation point on their weekend and the great feelings they have about themselves and their riding. It's symbolic of the freedom and friendships they've enjoyed. It's pride for a job well done.

Then there are all the last minute conversations and photos before the clinic finishes up and folks say goodbye until next September. Helpers snap pictures with each other and group members they want to remember forever. Genuine hugs are exchanged. High fives are shared. I stand back to snap my photos too because I realize we have positively impacted the confidence in a very special group of people.

Last minute photos and hugs underscore confidence.

Reality is that these folks make a difference to us. They bring us out of ourselves, expand our comfort zone, and show us the meaning to real gratitude. Every clinic helper, myself included, is better for this weekend. We wave goodbye knowing a new personal depth to our perspective of life and living. At the same time, we make a promise to ourselves: we will be back for this clinic next year.

Leave a comment and make my day.

Sprucelands Riding Clinics started this weekend.

If we wait, they will come.

This scene of Pudge and Lily is so familiar. Almost every evening about suppertime, the dogs situate themselves on the front lawn and wait. This is after they have spent a good deal of their day looking for summer canpers and staff that no longer frequent our grounds. It's like they say, "I'll just wait here. They'll come back. I just know it."

Well this weekend the dogs were in their glory because we had our first weekend riding clinic. It was a reunion atmosphere. The kids were back. Lily in particular is thrilled when kids around her. She loves the attention and acts as if she is more complete because the family is back to normal.


Hi guys! Wish you were here!

This fall new clinic helpers are working into our program. That always adds a bit of spice to life. It is a breath of fresh air. There is new energy and enthusiasm about clinics and the teaching we do together. Seasoned helpers pass along the skills they have perfected over the years.

It's fun for me to watch the process. Helpers who have been coming for years share their skills so well. They are true teachers. I realize how far I have come in offering a quality horsemanship program. When I can teach and then what I have taught is passed along again and again, it is flat out rewarding.



Senior staff came together this weekend as well.

Fact is, before we all know it, we join together to open the whole horse experience not only to new clinic helpers but also to new riders. Many have never been around a horse before. As a working team, we become their guides and by the end of a weekend, they are riders. That's 'way cool' as the kids would say.

This weekend was our Special Needs Adults weekend. We look forward to this clinic every fall because we connect with folks who teach us a lot about ourselves. Anyway, the weekend brought us all together in a priceless spirit of comraderie. I'll write more about the actual clinic in my next post.



Talent show 'Dancing with the Stars' event.

For now, I join Lily and Pudge in celebrating my clinic helpers and staff because they are back. For the weekend, the after-camp-quiet was gone. Hallelujah! Besides, we are quite simply good together. I am so thankful for such wonderful friends.

Next weekend we start up with our Girl Scout clinics. I am excited. I love the fall rhythm of camp. Meanwhile, clinic helpers stay in touch with the schedule page on the website. And remember, to Lily and Pudge and me you are all #1.

Leave a comment. I love hearing from you.

Miracles and Sprucelands news to start your school week.

We all have mountains to climb.

I'm sitting here at the kitchen table thoroughly enjoying two fat ears of butter and sugar corn. What a perfect way to end a totally busy Labor Day. Best part is that as I munch, I am reflecting on the summer and looking toward the new year with great anticipation.

Several of you have contacted me about the joys and stresses of upcoming school. I'm right there with you. We can be nervous together and by this time next week, we'll wonder why we were nervous. Right?

I decided to share a few thoughts and a bit of news. First of all, take a look at the mountains in Washington. From the airplane, that's the way they look. Amazing. My parting shot.

What I've been thinking is that each and every one of us have all kinds of mountains to climb this school year. Homework. Projects. Deadlines. Friends. Performances. Sports. Just think about it. That's the way our mountains look to us right now. A bit overwhelming? Fact is, when we have successfully completed the year, we will brag about how we climbed those mountains. We'll have lots to celebrate.

My flight home took 6 hours. That's a miracle in my book. I flew from West Coast to East Coast in 6 hours. Imagine. I am so grateful for air travel and automobiles because both bring me closer to friends and family.

Well, you know, we have some of our own miracles to share. Just think on how you traveled to Sprucelands from where you live. For many of you that was hours in the car or on an airplane.

Air travel - when it works well - is its own breed of miracle.

Then we shared the miracle of loving horses and each other. What a joy! You have that to look back on whenever things get rough and you need a break. Take a mental trail ride, ride through your jumping lesson, or remember a vespers we shared. Those escapes will make you strong.

Now for 2011 news. The information is up on the website for our new season. I've updated what I can tonight. The camp application is in place, and if you register soon, early bird discounts will help you land tuition that was close to that of 2010.

Something I added this year - thanks to a request from a camper parent - is the chance to register without claiming a date. In other words, if you don't yet know your schedule and you want to get in on the early bird discounts, then send in your deposit and camp application. Claim your date then in the spring. I will need to know by May 1st what your schedule looks like.

Clinic helpers, your dates for the fall are up on the website. I've even made a suggestion for something I'd like to offer you this fall. Think about it and see if it's an idea you would like to consider. We could add to our fun. I've also listed the Christmas Reunion dates. Take a look by clicking here. You can also get quick access to the dates on the blog. Simply look in the right hand panel for a photo of Tarrah on Harry.

Sprucelands has its own special beauty.

Here's the final piece of news as I shut down for the night and get my beauty sleep. Our theme for next summer was voted on by CITs, Counselors and Senior Staff that were here on the final Saturday night of camp. We had a great time watching all the DVDs from the summer, reminiscing about what fun you were. Then we voted - ta dah - and Toy Story was unanimously selected for next summer.

There you have it. The clouds are rolling in over camp as fall descends. Let's tackle this school year together, knowing full well that we all have a terrific support system. Stay connected to each other on facebook or over email. Write if ever you need to talk. I'm here. Now let's call it a day and move forward with that wonderful Sprucelands confidence. Yes! Yes! Yes!

Comments welcome always. Enjoy this week. Let me know how it's going. I'm always interested.

Last vacation day in Washington.

An early morning surprise.

Friday we traveled through Olympic National Park. That means we backtracked to Crescent Lake and then drove onward from there to Forks, into the Hoh Indian Reservation and Rainforest, down the Olympic Penninsula along the Pacific Ocean, and circled back to Seattle and Tacoma.

I'm giving you another photo of Crescent Lake because it is so beautiful. We came through there in the early morning hours. The sun was shining toward me so I hid behind a tree and this is how the photo turned out. I just had to share. It almost looks like a nighttime photo.

There's the Twilight truck. Remember?

Anyway, we did go through Forks. I thought some of you might be interested in seeing the red truck that was so much a part of the Twilight story. Of course, I like to photograph old trucks anyway so it was fun for me.

Forks, Washington isn't a huge, bustling town. However, since the books were written, the town has been enjoying a boon. There are tours offered to the Cullen house, the high school, the Forks Community Hospital where Dr. Cullen works, the Police Station where Chief Swan spends his work days, and then you can journey out to La Push for lunch and a snack. We didn't do all that because we didn't have time.

Forest and land management Washington style.

Along the highway to the Rainforest, I snapped an interesting photo of Forest and Land Management. Often there are miles and miles of tall, tall pine. Then there will be open fields where the pine have been harvested and new growth is waiting to take hold. This particular mountain must have been done some time ago because it is beginning to see new growth.

We enjoyed driving and then picnicking in the Hoh Rainforest. Beautiful scenery followed us along what must be a major rushing river at certain times of the year, probably during the wetter seasons when the rains are continuous. Still it had its own September beauty.

Fall colors are just beginning to show themselves.

I am amazed to think that Washington has a rainforest. In my head, I put the rainforests in the tropics. I know I've hiked the Amazon area and those rainforests are total jungle. Hot. Humid. Overgrown. The Northwest rainforests are quite different.

There are lush ferns, moss hanging on tree branches, tall, tall trees that look almost eerie as they sway in the breezes. Sidewalks are overgrown with moss. Rocks and hillsides are thick with greenery. It's all pretty amazing. In places there are what look like walls of vegetation that simply take over in the damp forest floors and grow up through the trees.

It's hard to capture the true rainforest because it's dark and overgrown.

We drove for miles through the forests and toward the Pacific Ocean, marveling at the vegetation. I was surprised how the ocean areas are included as part of the rainforest. I'm thinking I need to sit in on a third or fourth grade science class to learn more.

When we actually made it to the Pacific seashore, we had a short window for picture taking because the fog rolled in fast. We were lucky to get there when we did. I snapped photos quickly and walked on the beach. Then the fog became so dense that no more photos were possible. Rainforest. Yup.

You can see the fog coming in from the distance.

The driftwood and logs on shore were phenomenal. Over time, these huge, huge logs have rolled in with tides and lay along the shore for folks to walk on and climb over. I'm sure the water picks them up and tosses them here, there and everywhere. That changes the seashore at every low tide.

I keep wondering what all this must look like and sound like at high tide. It must be loud and dangerous at the same time. Still there's a part of me that would love one of those high tide photos. Next time. For sure, even these views of the beach give me a whole different perspective of the rainforest.

Betty and Bonnie were my guides all week. What a wonderful trip!

Well, with the fog taking over, we headed back toward Seattle, completing our loop around the Olympic Peninsula and ending my vacation. I bid Betty and Bonnie farewell so they could be on their way back to Sequim. I stayed the night in a motel, allowing me a connection to an early morning flight back to Buffalo. Gosh! It was hard to leave. I had so much fun on my photographer's vacation.

Maybe next summer I'll return to Betty's cozy little cabin so we can travel more, do Seattle, and see the sights we missed this time around. What do you think Betty? That just might be a plan.

Comments welcome. Thanks for taking the trip with me. Hope I didn't bore you too much!

It's out of this world! What more can I say?

Ahoy there!

Wednesday we started out for Forks, Washington to see the town written about in Twilight. I saw the theater in Port Angeles that is referred to in all the books. Nothing fancy, believe me.

The ocean is one block down from the theater. Driving by the huge docks, I screeched, "Stop! We've got to go down there and grab that photo!" My sister has so much patience with me. There was a tall ship just waiting for us to pay a visit. Amazing what you see in these coastal towns.

This was the view as we approached. It only got better from here.

Anyway, we didn't have enough time to go all the way to Forks. So we followed Route 101 to Lake Crescent which is a breathtaking, glacial lake complete with local Indian folklore about how the lake was originally formed. I could explain it all here but without an appreciation for the layout of the land, you might be lost in the telling.

Fact is, the lake is 600 feet deep. Due to such depth there is a sparkling turquoise color to the water that I tried to capture but how does one snag that color in a photo.

None of our New York State lakes have water this color.

I have a funny story. I was sitting on the shore of Crescent Lake focusing as best I could on the rocks and water color with my camera. Suddenly I had a group of people around me staring into the water. One of the ladies said, "What are you looking at? Are you photographing something special?"

She and her famiily had been driving by and they stopped abruptly because I had my camera pointed toward the water. They were certain there was an animal or fish there that they didn't want to miss.

When I explained I was simply trying to get the color of the water, everyone had a great laugh. I'm still laughing. I think it's a giggle that will stay with me for some time.

Lake Crescent in all her glory.

As we drove on a winding road alongside Crescent Lake, I was amazed at the length of the lake. Not sure how many miles we traveled. The lake went on and on and on. At the far end, we stopped of course so I could manage another picturesque moment. Just look at the reflections and shades of blue and green. Aren't they something? I didn't want to leave.

Well, the day was filled with contrast as we journeyed farther and came back along coastal Route 112. The tide was low. It has been low all week. Didn't matter. We still stopped periodically to take it all in.

There were places where waves were rolling into shore, crashing against rocks with a loud, thunderous roar. I was so excited because finally we found waves! That made my trip complete. What more could I want?

Sand and rolling waves, rocks and driftwood: a perfect seashore day.

When we used to travel as kids, I remember my mother saying over and over again, "Look at this! It's out of this world!" It became a family joke when some one of us would exclaim, "Look at that!" And another of us would say, "It's out of this world."

This is one of those vacations where I find myself amazed at all that is before me. I am so grateful that over the years I have learned to take lovely photos so I never forget blue water, glacial lakes, the seashore, quiet birds waiting for the tide to come in, driftwood, and clear blue skies.

Now if you could hear the waves rolling into shore, you would be in the moment.

I look forward across this coming winter to slow weather days when I can build a scrapbook of the pictures I've snapped here and there. They will tell my story about summer's end. Then I can share those graphic photos with you and we'll go "oh" and "ah" together.

Well, this brings us to Thursday. I've been enjoying my sister's home all day long. Betty had to return to her job at school today. I went for a walk with Betty's little dog, Bonnie. Took time to enjoy the quiet of the tall pines and shared my pictures with you.

I hope you have been enjoying a photographer's adventure this week. Has been a week where there is always something new and interesting around the corner, and you never know, that just might be the best photo memory ever!

Comments spice up my day. Love to hear from you!

Sequim surprises for a Sprucelands photographer.

This is a whole different look.

Tuesday it rained. Actually, it rained Seattle/Sequim style which means it drizzled. Much more like clouds settling down on top of you, too heavy to lift themselves up where they belong.

Seattle/Sequim rain seems to be misty drizzle that seeps into the ground and gradually turns everything green. Right now, the greens are all yellow and brown because it has been quite dry. So much for the rain.

Fact is, the rain didn't keep us home. We set out for more photographs. Today was my day for gates, old barns, trucks for sale by the side of the road, and fog on the mountaintops. But because this is my sister, we added a few surprises along the way.

Miles of walking trails and flowers = a photographer's paradise.

After a yummy brunch, we walked in and around a Japanese Garden. What a surprise to learn that Sequim has a huge walking park for people and dogs.

Part of that park is a water restoration project that has been turned into a thing of beauty with tier after tier of gorgeous flowers. For me, the whole refreshing walk in the drizzle was a photo op I couldn't resist.

I was enamoured with a pond of lily pads and the corresponding flowering lilies. I never saw so many lily pads in my whole life. There were hundreds of them, Japanese style, much different from the occasional lily pad we see floating in our lakes or ponds.

See what I mean about beautiful dahlias?

When I saw brightly colored dahlias in the distance, I really perked up. Those dahlias actually stood a little taller as I approached. "Hey look you guys, here comes a photographer!" Yellow, red, white, pink, gold. I have to be careful I don't say too much. I get so excited about being gifted the chance to snap such gorgeous pictures.

The mountains were our next stop. What we really were looking for were old barns and gates that could be eventual subjects for photo classes I am scheduled to take in the fall. I love barns and gates with character.

Speaking of character. We happened upon two old trucks for sale in the pasture. I couldn't resist. I love old trucks. Included are the photos with a phone number in case you're shopping for an old truck with character.

Is this what you call turning your truck out to pasture?

Onward. We continued our search. Barns and gates, here we come. This time we drove on a road above Betty and Skip's home. Of course, we wound high up into the mountains, and it was a whole new look because the clouds were lifting and then settling again around mountains we didn't see on Monday.

Periodically I would pop out of the car for a photo and then we would drive on, chattering about the winding road and tall trees. We got so silly and giggly about our adventures that I wondered if the altitude was tickling our sense of humor, but then you have to know my sister. She's a trip sometimes. How we laugh!

There's a story here, I'm sure.

Most likely you don't care about old gates. Still, when you think about it, there's wonderment there. Like who lives up that road? What kind of family or person? Where are these folks from and what is their story?

Nestled to the side of this gate was an aged barn and a little log cabin cottage that was enchanting. Made me wonder what was at the end of this little drive that looks so inviting. Anyway, the gate was handmade, not store bought. Interesting how some express themselves and their creativity in a gate that deters you and welcomes you to their piece of of this world.

Needless to say, I came back to the cabin carrying a whole load of barns and gates and new beautiful scenery. Part of the fun is knowing I actually have free time this week to process those photos.

You want me to walk with you? Maybe one last time.

Anyway, we had to be back by 4:00 p.m. because Betty had a date with the vet to put her old dog Max to sleep. It was a sad time. In the early morning, we all took a last walk with Maxie. Pain from widespread cancer had become her norm. Betty's decision was freeing Max of that.

So I helped lift Maxie in the car and then gave Betty her quiet time to grieve. Who knows? Maybe that was why it rained today. One thing for sure, I can see Max looking back at us as she passed through her own specially designed gate into a totally unknown and peaceful adventure.

Comments welcome always.