Birthday, Bonsai, and Beaches

A Post and Photographic Journey by Apryle Craig

Zach & I at Rhododendron Garden

This weekend, Zach and I set out for an easy 8-mile run out our back door on Cougar Mountain. It was a nice morning and the miles rolled off easily and quickly found ourselves 10 miles in. So, for the third weekend in a row, I hit double digits. After cleaning off the mud, we headed to Federal Way to the Rhododendron Gardens for my birthday. We were surprised to also find a Bonsai Museum at the Rhododendron Garden. Zach and I have always been kind of intrigued by small plants and some of the miniature trees were really cool. That said, I didn't like how the wires were bent around the stems of the plants, making them conform to a human's will. The rhododendrons were beautiful and we had a fun visit.

At the Rhododendron Species Gardens

On Sunday, we went up to Deception Pass and went for a 7 mile run along the beach. It was very windy and I had forgotten how challenging it is to run on the rocky beach. After Zach knocked out a few extra miles, we at salads and watched the waves roll in then went on a little interpretive loop walk.

A fantastic birthday with a fantastic husband!

At the Rhododendron Species Gardens

At the Rhododendron Species Gardens

At the Rhododendron Species Gardens

At the Rhododendron Species Gardens

At the Rhododendron Species Gardens

At the Rhododendron Species Gardens

At the Rhododendron Species Gardens

Shore Pine

Redwood

Chinese Elm Forest

Japanese Beech

Western Hemlock

Ponderosa Pine

Bristle Thighed Curlew at Deception Pass

Running at Deception Pass

Interpretive Hike at Deception Pass

Iris in Skagit County

Tulips and Iris Fields in Skagit County

Tulips in Skagit County