We finished out the camping season last month by enjoying some more travel with the tiny trailer. I'm calling this one the Sibling Road-Trip because we went from home here in Oregon to the Seattle area (Washington State) for a great visit with my sister and brother-in-law and then across Washington into Northern Idaho for the same with Bill's brother and sister-in-law at their floating cabin on Lake Chatcolet. We enjoyed great catch-up times at both destinations and, as always, enjoyed the journey as well.
Here's a picture taken from our doorstep on our first night's stop:
Mount Rainier, late afternoon in late September
This is why we like staying in our own home-away-from home. You don't often get a view like this from a motel room.
We met up with our family the next day. It was a great catch-up time, enjoying good conversation and reminiscing, good meals, and exploring the area. One day the four of us visited the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Below are pictures from a beautiful bridge walkway built across a ravine in the 55-acre park.
As the sign says, it's a taste of the wild side in the middle of the city.
The whole park is one of those places that always seem sort of magical to me because of being so close to a major metropolitan area, while feeling as if you're miles away. An easily accessible outdoor getaway for city-dwellers -- and tourists as well.
October and November are Dahlia season in the Pacific Northwest and the "tamer" area of the park had a beautifully groomed garden featuring these show-stoppers:
Who could fail to be cheered by these beautiful flowers.
Every variety and every color so photogenic.
We saw a few deer as we wandered around the park and always enjoy these sightings . But the above sign (and chewed up hosta leaves) reminded me of why some gardeners aren't happy to see them. Obviously, this park wasn't going to stop the deer from snacking. I'm sure the sign is to explain to the public that the plant damage isn't because the gardeners are neglecting their work.
The bees loved this flowering bush. Plantings in the gardens were all those that would do well in Western Washington's climate.
We had a great couple of days, over all too soon, before we got back on the road. I'll share some pictures from the other side of the State of Washington and neighboring Idaho in another post.
LINKING this week to the following sharing opportunities: Thank you to all of the hosts.
MOSAIC MONDAY; NATURE NOTES; THROUGH MY LENS; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; SIGNS SIGNS; THANKFUL THURSDAY; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; and SATURDAY CRITTERS
That first shot is just breath-taking. Lovely stuff!! #NaturesNotes
Posted by: Lydia C. Lee | October 08, 2023 at 01:14 PM
Mt. Rainier image is a WOWZA! I enjoyed the cyber tour of a 55-acre park. What a blessing to be there and being able to walk the paths and enjoy the flowers. Enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: Jm, Illinois, U.S.A. | October 07, 2023 at 10:03 AM
Gorgeous views! I have been trying to talk my husband into getting a camping trailer. You make it look very inviting. Thanks for linking up.
Posted by: Michelle Keltner | October 06, 2023 at 03:56 PM
Thank you for stopping by. I am trying to do as much as I can but the last year with illness and back injury has me frustrated. But the garden and yard and photos like yours are uplifting...Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | October 06, 2023 at 02:35 PM
I must travel to the northwest someday. I'm heading to our new home in Florida next week!
Posted by: Sharon Wagner | October 06, 2023 at 11:42 AM
What a beautiful trip! And you got to see family which is an added bonus.
Posted by: a spirit of simplicity | October 06, 2023 at 03:27 AM
What beautiful sights you saw on your trip. We like our little home on wheels for accessibility to wonderful views, too. The dahlias are gorgeous! Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Lorrie Orr | October 05, 2023 at 08:29 PM
Beautiful.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | October 05, 2023 at 06:30 PM
You all had a great time as shown by the lovely photos and that walk looked wonderful too. The first one with the view of Mt Rainier was spectacular, Sallie.
Posted by: beatrice | October 05, 2023 at 04:16 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Jocelyn | October 05, 2023 at 02:38 PM
Fun times! I love the photo of Mt. Rainier. Looks almost like a painting!
Posted by: Peter B. | October 05, 2023 at 02:28 PM
The forest looks gorgeous! The flowers are dazzling. Thanks for visiting my blog
Posted by: © Roentare | October 05, 2023 at 02:20 PM
What a beautiful trip you had. The flowers, the deer, the big old mountain. I'm totally jealous of you!
Posted by: Yogi | October 05, 2023 at 01:43 PM
...Oh Deer, I have them snack here too!
Posted by: tomthebackroadstraveller | October 05, 2023 at 06:02 AM
Love the mountain pic- soo pretty! Looks like a wonderful trip.
Posted by: Coloring Outside the Lines | October 04, 2023 at 08:04 PM
Overwhelming this view on the mpuntain. I understand very well, that you are on travel there.
Happy MosaicMonday
Thank you so much being part at
MosaicMonday
Have a fine week. Hugs by Heidrun
Posted by: ::: Heidrun | October 04, 2023 at 09:06 AM
Beautiful captures and narration.
Posted by: magiceye | October 03, 2023 at 06:14 PM
You really did have fun with your siblings! And I know you love camping...so do I! Great views and amazing sights. The weather here has improved a lot this week. Come on down! Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | October 03, 2023 at 11:09 AM
Love the photo of Mt. Rainier.
The botanical garden looks like a glorious place to spend some time.
Wonderful photos, Sallie.
Happy Travels!
Posted by: Dixie | October 03, 2023 at 07:00 AM
Sounds wonderful - your photo of Mt Rainier is amazing!!!
Posted by: Alycia Quilts - Quiltygirl | October 03, 2023 at 06:15 AM
How lovely you met up with your family. Great photos Sallie! Always a pleasure to see them.
Posted by: DeniseinVA | October 03, 2023 at 04:57 AM
I see you are still moving around ! Since Rick passed away, I have got all kind of health problems which I never had before. I hope it will be better when I am out of here. The move is not much work. A company will bring my furniture (very little) and belongings to my "castle" and then clean out the apartment and take all things with him. Hard was the move from house to apartment !
Posted by: Gattina | October 03, 2023 at 01:38 AM
Did you pull the trailer thru downtown Seattle, and camp on Pill Hill?
Posted by: Geoff | October 02, 2023 at 12:01 PM
Looks like a wonderful trip with the joy of visiting siblings along the way. I think we've been to those gardens when they have it lit up at Christmas. You came to my side of Washington, too. Fun times! Beautiful photos of those dahlias!
Posted by: ellen b. | October 02, 2023 at 08:08 AM
Beautiful photos from your travels. Love the Mt. Rainier view!
A lovely walk in the gardens, the flowers are gorgeous.
Take care, have a wonderful week!
Posted by: Eileen | October 02, 2023 at 02:56 AM
my goodnbess! that view! wow! Sounds like you had a wonderful time away. The Dahlias are lovely too - not somethiing that I have ever had in my garden for some reason. Enjoy your week. I am joining you at Mosaic Monday.
Posted by: Life Images by Jill, West Australia | October 01, 2023 at 10:35 PM
The first photo looks like a painting!
WOW! What a view!
Glorious photos as always, Sallie
Hugs and blessings
Posted by: Veronica Lee | October 01, 2023 at 10:10 PM