3:00 PM
Rainy, 57 Degrees
The spot I decided to pick came after about half an hour of exploring Ravenna Park's extensive trail system. A little downed log provided the perfect place to sit and observe my surroundings while also being sheltered from the rain thanks to a big cedar tree.
The photo above will be my weekly replicated view. It shows most of the little meadow/clearing in front of my sitting spot and provides a good view of the landscape including many plant species. It will serve me well in seeing the changes of the area over the next quarter.
Within one meter, when I turn around there is a steep bank which has a flourishing population of different plants maintaining the stability of the hill. Some of these include ferns, nettles, and dandelions which happen to be in bloom right now. To the front, at the beginning of the clearing there is a thick matting of grass and some kind of short green shrub with thin, brittle branchings. just to my right is my rainy savior, the tall cedar.
At fifty meters there is a plethora of different species. As for animals, I can hear small birds singing and even spotted a gray squirrel foraging for food on the ground. Hopefully when the weather is more favorable I'll be able to observe them for longer. There are western sword ferns and spiny wood ferns scattered around as well as the giant horsetail and western skunk cabbage. Right now the salmon berry appears to be in bloom as well as the cherry blossom.
Not sure what species
Western sword fern (I think)
Giant horsetail
As I sit in this huge woodland area amidst the busy city of Seattle, I am reminded of my hometown of Leavenworth, WA or more specifically the area along Blewet Pass where the woods are quite similar to this location. Many of the same species flourish there and the feeling you get when immersed in the wild is comparable. It has always been a place of solace for me, especially when I return from months of living in the city with little connection to the natural environment. Although now that I know Ravenna Park is so beautiful I'll have to come by more often.
One of my favorite pastimes when possible has been hiking and exploring the mountain habitats our state has to offer. Leavenworth is placed within the Cascade Mountains and has many trails for travelers to peruse. I have only to scratch the surface of many of this long list but I hope to cover more within the coming years. Growing up there instilled countless memories and a love for nature that could rival so many places.
I remember a specific time when two friends and I hiked up to Lake Stewart, which is around three miles one way. The whole time up the sun was shining and the wildlife was blossoming. Once at the lake we enjoyed some fishing and took in the scenery before we went back down. Times like these are what have made me interested in the natural element of our environment.
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