Chasing light

My idea of a perfect day is staying outdoors until the very last drop of sunlight disappears. While we were in La Conner, my husband had to drag me from the field otherwise I would have stayed there another hour or two longer. The tulips were breathtaking, but the sunset was equally incredible.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Many of you already know my adoration for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in La Conner. We visited the fields earlier this week and the photographs speak for themselves. We went late in the day as the sun was beginning to set and the light was changing. The fields were breathtaking. Enjoy!

Day trip: LaConner, Daffodil Edition

I know some people's idea of a lazy Saturday is staying in their pajamas, lounging around the house or not doing much of anything. However, my idea of a lazy Saturday is driving no more than two hours or hiking less than eight miles. I find my rest and replenishment amongst earth's beauty and spending the day with the one I love. Several weeks ago, amidst sporadic rainstorms and ominous skies we made the drive up to LaConner. We had not been up there in awhile and knew the fields of yellow (the daffodils are in bloom before the tulips) were certain to make our day. We had a lazy day of daffodil peeking, witnessing a murmuration of birds, eating delicious pizza and being constantly reminded of how great our life is.

Weekend getaway: LaConner and Pelindaba Lavender giveaway

Mark you calendars for the upcoming Skagit Valley Tulip Festival April 1st-30th in LaConner, Washington. This is an event I have attended practically every year of my life and I never grow tired of rows and rows of pretty colors, abandoned barns or that small town feel when you are downtown. One of the easiest ways to determine when to see optimal color is by viewing the bloom map. As the fields come into color the flower icon turns from gray to colored.

In order to view the tulips with the least amount of strangers popping up in your photos I recommend going early in the morning or on a weekday. On the weekends in the middle of the day the fields can be swarming with people. After a morning of looking and photographing flowers make certain to buy a couple bunches of tulips before you leave the fields.

Liquid sunshine

Have you ever heard of rain referred to as liquid sunshine? My guess is whoever calls it this must live in a place where it hardly ever rains. We had big plans to visit the La Conner Tulip Festival and on the afternoon we visited it rained, it poured, it was windy and there was not another person in sight. The fields were still beautiful, but sometimes it is just nice for the sunshine to come out to visit.

Bald eagles, farmland and murmurations

It does not take much effort to escape the city for the day, there is an endless supply of weekend respites. There are mountains to climb, low lands to trudge through, beaches to comb and hillsides to frolic on. All are within an easy hour or two drive. 

The clouds lingered throughout the day, but never let loose on us. A bald eagle circled about the country road and then landed in a field to rest.

We chatted with shopkeepers about the wind of change which has swept through town. We heard stories of heartache and success. I am reminded of Cameron's kindness and how freely he gives of smiles and conversation to strangers. 

Of all the years I have visited La Conner, I never knew this point existed. It is a good reminder to look with new eyes no matter how many times you have gone somewhere.

Just as we started to head home we came across a murmuration of birds. For those of you who have never witnessed a murmuration, it is when a flock of birds start swishing and swooping together like one breathing entity. It is both odd, phenomenal and breathtaking to watch. We were able to witness several different flocks doing this for almost an hour. It is a splendid reminder there is beauty all around from muddy lowlands to high mountain tops.