Exploring Bellingham: Walking in My "Backyard"

A city-folk condo with a natural "backyard."

When you live in an apartment style condo, you don't have a real backyard. We have a deck off our living room and bedroom with a small table and two chairs so Wayne and I can get outdoors to enjoy fresh air.

From our lofty perch on the third floor, we have a birds-eye view of a creek with its protected riparian zone several acres in size. We chose to purchase this condo partly for that reason.

Morning coffee on warm days or evening wine with a view.

In the winter, we can see Mt. Baker in the distance. In the summer, the mature trees give us a forest view in the heart of the city. But it doesn't give us room for exercise.

Taking the stairs rather than the elevator helps, but it's not enough to overcome our current sedentary lifestyle. When we can't get out to one of Bellingham's uncrowded parks, we use our "backyard" path and neighbourhood streets for the exercise we need.

The path behind our buildings is very popular with dog walkers as well.

While out, we follow the six foot distancing guidelines. It sets an example for passing motorists and other walkers, though we rarely pass any.

Come along with me to walk through my "backyard."

The beaver dam before relocation was necessary.

Our complex path follows a creek with a natural riparian area. Here cedar, fir, maple and cottonwood trees grow. There are willows, horsetail, grasses, ferns and masses of blackberry bushes.

Small animals and birds frequent this spot of nature within city limits. One year we had two beavers build a dam. To prevent flooding, they and their dam had to be removed. It was fun to watch their activities while it lasted.

A deer in our driveway.

In addition to critters, we have lots of birds. Residents and visitors include seagulls, ravens, flickers, woodpeckers, jays, ducks, robins, juncos, starlings, sparrows and hummingbirds. Now that it's spring, I love to hear them sing in the new day at sunrise.

A Pileated Woodpecker at work.

There are a number of dead trees that woodpeckers and flickers enjoy drilling.

When my mom lived with with us here, we had a bird feeder that was very popular. I think I enjoyed watching the birds even more than she did.

Skunk Cabbage grows in boggy areas each spring.

Each spring one of my favourite plants blooms, Western Skunk Cabbage. It's also called Swamp Lantern, an apt name because of the shape and bright yellow of its large hooded flower.

The common name comes from the bad odour the flower emits. It sounds strange, but the smell is what attracts its pollinators, flies and beetles. Bears and deer (we do get a few here) eat them despite their strong smell.

Here's a peak at my backyard through the seasons.

Winter, spring, summer and fall in my backyard.

How are you handling staying at home? Do you have a backyard to use for exercise and to enjoy fresh air? If not, what are you doing instead? -- Margy