Sunshine Seekers

Saturday, April 1, 2017

A rare afternoon of sunshine this past week opened up an opportunity for my husband and I along with the dogs to get out and hike. With all the rain and mud we've had, when the skies cleared we jumped at the chance to get out and explore.  We wanted to see how much snow had melted in our woods and so we got ready and headed out.


On our way to the woods, we passed the hens who were out enjoying the sun too.  Mr. Sal might have been strutting, just a bit, to get the ladies attention...


He certainly looked quite happy to see the sun and drier ground.


All the hens had fund a comfy spot in the soft ground, and were taking an afternoon dust bath.


When the sun comes out, after so many days of rain and mud... everyone takes advantage of it!


Our walk was of the most pleasant sort.  There were patches of snow and ice still in the shadows, so boots were still in order.


Behind our property, the logging operation has ceased for the spring breakup.  Logging is such a tough business, but the spring breakup has to be the hardest part of it.  They can't work until the mud dries up and the ground thaws.  Many of the roads are under weight restrictions, and heavy trucks can only drive 30 miles an hour, which basically forces most of the logging companies to shut down until the weight limits are released, and the ground dries up.


It always saddens me to see the big trees that have been felled, although I know it is a due process that must take place.  But still... this entire little logging road used to be lined with huge fir and pine trees. Now, it is starting to look more like a field.


Riley's nose was getting quite the workout as we hiked, with all the exciting things to explore.


We came upon a group of three trees that stood out to us from a distance.  On closer inspection, it was obvious that possibly woodpeckers or an insect had been eating the outer layer of bark on the trees.


We could see the tiny holes that were made.  I have never seen trees like this before, with the bark stripped in this manner.  It was quite unusual.


We came to the overlook into the valley below, and this was the end of our trail, so we stopped and just enjoyed the vistas and the view around us.  See that mountain way off in the distance?


Zoomed in we can see it a lot better.  Someone is using the sunshine this afternoon to burn... another sign of spring in our area, when people begin to burn brush when the ground is wet, and there is no danger of forest fires.


Little Riley found a little hill to take a breather, and I captured her happy face in this rare, still moment, her fur ruffled by the cool spring breeze.


Her fur and the color of the ground match perfectly, I think!  I love the pensive expression on her face.


Roger started to run down the hill into the ravine, but got so far, and then changed his mind.  Smart dog. I wouldn't want to come back up that incline either!  Going down is great, but the coming back up part is not so fun!


Walking back down the trail, we enjoyed the sunshine on our faces, and the fresh woodsy scent of all the pine chips.  Invigorating!



Back home, we just didn't want to go inside.  So we decided to build a little fire in the pit our son made for us.  We found some wood that wasn't too wet, or so we thought.  It had been covered through the winter, but it was still wet.  So we had a smoldering fire for a while, until the wood finally caught, and then we had a nice little fire.  We sat down in our Adirondack chairs and just relaxed, enjoying the rest of the afternoon.  I made a cup of hot tea and it felt good to relax - outside - after the long winter days of being cooped up inside.


And this one - well she really took the art of relaxing to another level... she found a comfy spot under the pine trees, settled in with the pine needles and fell fast asleep.


The perfect way to end a lovely afternoon... her snoozing sweetness added to the joy of the moment that we were having... sunshine seekers that we were. :)



53 comments

  1. Riley is getting a sleek adult look about her. She'll be all grown up pretty soon, but she'll always be beautiful.

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    1. Yes, Riley is growing way too fast, little stinker! But she is as sweet and precious as ever, maybe more so! We love her to pieces, so thankful for our choice in picking her! Hugs to you today :)

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  2. Cute photos of Riley! Such pretty coloring. Weren't we all so happy for a day of sunshine yesterday. Woohoo. Looks like you took full advantage of the day! We'll be headed to northeast Washington again next week.

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    1. Hope you have a wonderful time in Washington! The mud is pretty much gone here, and spring is coming! Love this time of year! Hugs to you today :)

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  3. Oh how nice, Marilyn!!! I just love Riley, she is adorable, smiles. Your views are amazing, I could so live there, smiles.

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    1. We love living here, I won't deny that for a minute! It is a great place to live, how thankful we are. Hugs to you today!

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  4. It felt like I was walking along with you! I enjoyed all your pictures, especially those of Riley!!

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    1. Thanks Mary! I would have loved to walk with you too :)

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  5. Hi Marilyn. Loved the walk. That Riley is just so darned cute!!! Those trees look like either carpenter ants or termites. Not sure if you have termites there...and if you do there are huge 'hills' that look like small mountains that they create.

    Enjoy the spring days. I can't wait to get a few of them here! xo Diana

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  6. Happy April, Marilyn. So happy you all enjoyed sunshine. I would love to join you. The mountain views and the scent of the wood chips would be enjoyable. Sweet to see the chickens enjoying the sun too. And Riley and Roger look like they had a great hike. Your afternoon tea by the fire pit sounds very relaxing. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

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  7. Another 'nice time'! I understand the feeling of the trees being cut down. I pray they leave the young ones and do it in such a way it helps growth of those left standing. Might be 'pine/Bark beetles' eating the bark, which attracts the woodpeckers to eat them. Maybe one reason that area was allowed for more extensive cutting? Some info: http://www.idahoforests.org/buggin.htm
    Little Riley's growing up too fast! already starting to lose her baby fuzz! It's like you have 2 dogs in one with that split look of hers! I think her 'pensive look' (cute description :) might be, "I wonder if they thought to bring my 'treats' along?" haha
    What a lovely time Marilyn - I love the smell of pine and the fresh cut that fill the air. Thanks for sharing your walk w/ us! Another Blessings.

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  8. Such a perfect day in nature together. Riley's markings are beautiful!

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  9. Such a beautiful area to have for walking! Glad you were able to get out and enjoy the day. Riley is such a beauty.

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  10. What a glorious outing! Hello Chickens and Pups!

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  11. What beauty at every turn. Looks like the perfect springtime outing. Riley is beautiful and her markings are so unique and pretty. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your trip to Texas. Yes, we took the drive this time too on Willow City Loop. It is 20 miles of pure beauty and this year the sites were amazing. Bluebonnets are thriving and a bit early this year, however, the Indian Paintbrush flowers were not as showy as usual.
    Wishing you a beautiful rest of the weekend and week ahead. xo

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  12. Mr. Sal definitely looks like he was strutting lol! What a beautiful day for a walk, I love the photos of Riley. The close-up of her is beautiful, you should frame that one. After seeing your fire I wanted one myself but the ground is too wet for the chairs, hopefully soon as it's warming up here. Enjoy your weekend!

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  13. There is nothing quite like a strutting rooster is there. =) How lovely you escaped the insides and enjoyed all that sunshine. Such a lovely place you live for hikes and exploring. Sitting in front of the fire, enjoying a cup of tea or two, sounds like heaven. Sweet, sweet Riley....she is getting big, isn't she.

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  14. Lovely place you live in, Idaho, think we have only been through the top edge of that state. And I really like your dog....Roosters are not my favorite critter...the only ones I was ever around peck really bad. It was a lovely walk through your pictures.

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  15. The dogs are very nice. I love the pic of Riley and how she blends in with the background. It looks like a nice day for a walk. If the rains will stop here, it will be a nice day for a walk.

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  16. Mr. Sal is gorgeous. I hope the ladies are suitably impressed.
    Amalia
    xo

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  17. Perfect afternoon indeed! And I agree with Amalia, Mr. Sal is gorgeous. When I saw his picture in my feed, I thought he was a statue...made from clay or wood...and thought, I want one! ;) If only!

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  18. Mr Sal has a certain presence....like he knows he's important, lol! I always get a kick out of your little creatures roaming about!!! And your pup, he is beautiful....but the last photos of him all curled up and napping is so precious! It's been cold and snowy here too....hoping for major melting action today!!! Ready for spring weather.....I mean, it's April afterall!!! Have a nice week! xo

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  19. Looked like a wonderful afternoon walk and the scenery overlooking the valley is break taking. I just read a book I need to review on having chickens in the garden. Not going to happen on our small property when the author described how their toe nails can rip the roots of plants and leaves of hostas etc. and that things could get trampled. Seemed to me it described what I go through with my dog damaging plants so I'll hand pick the slugs and continue to buy eggs from a local farmer. :-)

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  20. Thank you for taking us a long on your lovely hike. You certainly live in a beautiful area. So fun to see Riley's expressions and enjoyment of all these new places to explore! I know you are all happy to get out and stretch your legs again!!

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  21. What a fun post ... I love the pics of the rooster and the hens. He does appear to be strutting for his audience! We've really wanted to do some selective logging on the back half of the Camp MACOBA property -- it would be good for the woods and raise some great capital for the camp, as well. It's a volatile subject, so it doesn't get brought up much. Riley is such a darling -- what a pretty, sweet face she has!! :)

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  22. Looks like spring is beginning to spring! Beautiful, beautiful scenery!

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  23. Wow, Riley has really grown. Such beautiful coloring. The chickens look happy. Spring is such a wonderful time of year. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. xo

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  24. Lovely post and those dear chickens! Looks like Spring has sprung there.. Take care, my friend. xo

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  25. Hi Marilyn! What a change to see all that soil! When I come here, your property is usually covered in a huge blanket of snow. I'm so glad you get out and hike a bit, you must have felt like prisoners set free!
    Just reading about your tea and the fire made me feel so peaceful...how beautiful to have that quiet time to enjoy nature, all with your husband. Lovely!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  26. Thank you, Marilyn, for sharing your amazing photos and taking us on a walk with you. I'm so glad to see that spring is just around the corner for you, and that the ground is beginning to dry out. Warmer temperatures are just around the corner!
    Blessings!

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  27. I could almost smell those wonderful spring smells as you walked along! I love the smell of the new wood chips and the wet earth in springtime. Nothing better. What a wonderful place to walk too. So glad the snow is slowly going away. It saddens me too to see so many of the big trees get cut down. When I lived up in SW Washington (east of Vancouver)... we had thousands of acres of big fir trees, but the logging operations came in and stripped many areas. Made me so so sad. It changed so much that I didn't even want to drive up there anymore. Glad you had a nice Sunday and some sunshine.

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  28. Hi,
    I enjoyed this Marilyn, I had a stressful weekend. This was just what I needed.

    I wanted to ask you, do you have to worry about wood-ticks? If you do? What do you do for your dogs?

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  29. I love the photos with your dog...what beautiful coloring he has! And as much as I love living here in Florida...I miss the woods like this! Enjoy your week!

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  30. You have a beautiful place to live...and your dog is precious.
    Thank you for your visit....and your prayers...xoxo

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  31. What a nice walk you had, and such beautiful scenery. Such a wonderful feeling to get outside after being cooped up all winter! And what a sweet little dog that Riley is. xo Deborah

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  32. What a lovely walk you had! And, that Riley! Oh, my, so precious and sweet! It is sad to think of all of those trees being cut down...I always get so sad to see anything like that, too. :) Thank you for sharing the lovely day you and your husband had together. God bless you, sweet friend. :)

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  33. What a beautiful walk you and your hubby enjoyed! Picture perfect indeed!
    That Riley is so gosh darn cute. ;)

    It's so sad to see the logging being done, all those beautiful trees...gone.

    I hope your week is off to a good start and more sunshine is on its way!

    Hugs my friend!
    Amy

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  34. You live in a beautiful state. Riley is sooo cute! Such a pretty color. And that rooster is a handsome guy!

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  35. what a lovely walk after rain and snow my friend!
    hens look happy too .
    loved the puppy!
    zoomed pic is breathtaking!

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  36. What a lovely post! I could almost smell the fresh air and pine trees :)

    Riley is adorable!

    xo,
    rue

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  37. From beginning to end the photographs were all so good.
    I enjoyed my walk with you, thank you.

    All the best Jan

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  38. I just found your blog and I must say it truly is one of the most beautiful blogs to visit.

    By the way, I live in Idaho, too. We are so blessed to live in such a gorgeous state.

    Blessings!

    Hasi

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  39. Marilyn, I just got your comment (about the unborn baby) on my blog that you had updated your profile but it is not showing up and I can no longer reply directly to you and your new email addy isn't complete so doesn't go anywhere. All those stupid little bugs--HATE it and I barely get through my own "stuff"...anyway-just wanted you to know and I think it is something in your settings that needs to be changed (new email addy entered?). Good luck- hopefully, you are more techy than I am! lol xo Diana

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  40. The sun is healing not only for us but our animals and pets. Riley is a cutie and I enjoyed seeing that fire pit. I would like it too to sit and drink tea and smell the wood burning!

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  41. What a beautiful day for a hike and your dog is so beautiful too!

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  42. Love the pictures of the sunny day.. everyone is happy here.. XOXO..

    Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

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  43. Gosh, you make me miss my chickens. I think I said that to you before! ha, ha. I can't wait until I can have chickens again.

    In our homeschool, we are reading "The Long Winter" by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It sure makes me think our winters aren't quite so bad! I couldn't even imagine being cooped up like they were, for days, hungry, cold...We sure do take a lot for granted these days!

    I enjoyed your pictures, as usual. :)

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  44. Glad the snow is melting and you were able to get out in the woods and take a wonderful walk, you have such a great area to walk in and your furbabies seemed to really love it too!!

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  45. Interesting and beautiful photos! What a lovely view you have there where you can see the mountain! The dogs looks so absolutely sweet!!

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  46. Thank you for taking us on your walk in the woods. My sister has a logging operation right behind her home so I am able to see the process on a weekly basis. Very interesting. However, I have never walked the woods trails to a mountain view. Your description of the weight limits and frost, etc., could be spoken of here as well. It's the Ho Chi Minh trail on all the back roads. I would love to sit by a fire in the sun with a napping dog nearby, too. That sounded fantastic.

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  47. Riley is gorgeous. I'm wanting a dog, but my hubby not so much. What kind is he? You have such a great place to hike and see nature....those poor trees, wonder if they'll die since the bark is gone? HOPE you have a blessed Easter week.

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  48. Sigh...Reading this lovely post makes me feel as if I'm right there with you enjoying the hike, fire, tea and sweet fellowship.
    What an interesting tree, you just wonder what ate that bark to almost a pulp.
    Riley sure is growing and those chickens...well...I just love them!
    You paint such a beautiful picture for us in your photos and description of them on your little farm.
    Thank you for sharing your beauty with us, Marilyn.

    Have a glorious day~~

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  49. Good Morning, firstly may I say your photos are so very nice!! And your rooster is so proud and strutting his stuff. Your puppy Riley is a very nice looking dog! so glad you took advantage of a lovely early Spring day. Blessings to you and I use my little gift daily :o)
    Hugs, Roxy

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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