Exploring Bellingham: Cottonwood Trees

Tall bare Cottonwood trees in late winter.

This spring I've had the chance to follow the development of plants from their winter bare to their spring bloom. It's been a nice diversion during our isolated life.

Behind our Bellingham condo there are a variety of trees. The largest is the Cottonwood. In fact, the neighbourhood is full of them.

Cottonwoods are a type of poplar, with the same quivering leaves. They grow in moist areas, so the wetlands behind us is a prime spot.

Female catkins on high branches.

Our variety in the Pacific Northwest is the Black Cottonwood.

Male and female flowers are in separate catkins (long, slim clusters) that appear before the leaves each spring.

The female catkin produces the cottony seeds that are blown long distances. It's these fluffy white masses that give the tree its name.

Day one of the seed "explosion."

For weeks now the large green leaves and catkins have been maturing.  A unique fact is that Cottonwood trees are dioecious. This means the male and female flowers develop on separate trees. Growing in large groves increases the chance of fertilization.

Sorry, my closeups aren't the best. I left my camera in the RV in Arizona. We'd planned to return by late March, but that never happened. All I have now is my iPhone's camera.

A grove of Cottonwood trees in an undeveloped area near the Bellis Fair Mall.

For a week now in Bellingham, there have been puffy white seeds floating everywhere from the Cottonwood trees. Here's a short video showing how they fly through the air creating a plant version of a snow storm.

A tall Cottonwood on our walking route.

The seeds are very small (1X4 mm) which is remarkable considering they can grow into one of the largest trees in North America, up to 100 feet (30+ metres) high.

Not only are Cottonwoods large, but fast growing, reaching maturity in 10-30 years. Young trees can add an amazing six feet per year.

Historically, their trunks were used by Native Americans to make dugout canoes. As a commercial product, their course wood is best suited for making pulpwood in the paper industry, pallets and shipping crates.

As summer changes to fall, the leaves turn bright yellow and orange, making a warm contrast to the cooling blue skies.

Here's a look at my Cottonwood trees through the seasons.

Cottonwood trees through the seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall.

What kinds of trees are common where you live? -- Margy

Exploring Bellingham: Yellow Spring Flowers

A sunny spring walk on the Division Street Trail in Bellingham.

I love spring flowers. As Wayne and I walk around our Bellingham neighbourhood, we see lots in gardens and natural areas.

On a walk this week, I noticed several bright yellow blooms in natural settings or crevices where they are trying to take hold.

Three of them are non-native species. One is considered a useful weed and two, while they have beautiful yellow flowers, are on the invasive species list.

Dandelions

Everyone is familiar with dandelions. If you have a yard, you might not enjoy them taking over your lawn, but they are a welcome sight early in spring.

Dandelions holding on in a precarious spot next to the sidewalk.

Seattle Magazine had an excellent article about using dandelions in the kitchen. If you decide to try, make sure you gather from areas that are not polluted and have not been treated with pesticides. Suggestions included using the young leaves in salads, sauteing leaves and unopened buds (open flowers are bitter),  making jelly from the petals, teas and toasting roots for a coffee-like drink. Dandelions are good for you as a natural source for iron, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. I haven't tried eating dandelions - yet.

Scotch Broom

I just saw Scotch Broom for the first time in our neighbourhood. When it flowers, it's very evident. Scotch Broom always reminds of my Powell Lake home. In spring, cleared areas break out covered in bright yellow.

As pretty as it can be, Scotch Broom is an invasive noxious weed in Washington State and BC. It's poisonous for livestock, overtakes native plants and crops, and is very hard to eradicate because of it's prolific seed production and deep roots. To help quarantine the species, you cannot buy, sell or transport Scotch Broom or its seeds.

Lesser Celandine

Along a retaining wall at our condo complex, I've been watching a ground cover plant. It's bright green leaves first caught my attention. Then it had tiny yellow flowers. I took a picture and went to Google images to make an identification.

A thick mat of Lesser Celandine in a condo ornamental bed.

I'm pretty sure this is Lesser Celandine. Maybe a reader can confirm or correct my identification. If it is Lesser Celandine, it's an invasive noxious weed in Washington State. It aggressively takes over in lawns, planters and natural areas. It's toxic to humans and livestock. Like Scotch Broom, digging up down to the roots and careful disposal in spring is recommended.

What flowers are you seeing in your neighbourhood? Are you allowed to go outside to walk? Can you use parks or other natural areas? Stay home (or near home) and safe until we get a handle on this horrible pandemic. -- Margy

Whidbey Island RV Adventure Journal

Whidbey Island RV Adventure

Journal Map

In addition to my blog posts, I keep a hand written journal of our adventures. Maps help tell the story of where we went and what we saw.

Do you keep a journal? What kind do you have? How often do you write in your journal? Do you illustrate your journal or keep scrapbook items inside? -- Margy

Whidbey Island RV Adventure: Deception Pass State Park

Reading and relaxing in the sun.

Wayne and I got our Forest River Sunseeker RV out of Gotcha Covered (our Bellingham storage location) and headed south to Whidbey Island for a new RV adventure.

It's nice having our RV all set up, ready to go at a moment's notice. All we needed to do was state the fridge and stop at Safeway to pick up fresh food for our five day, four night excursion.

To be ready for our adventure, I made reservations for two nights at Deception Pass State Park. We wanted hookups (power is available all year and water during the warmer months) so we selected Site #39 in the Forest Loop of the Cranberry Lake Campground.

For tent or dry camping, there are spots in the Lower Loop and two other park campgrounds, Bowman and Quarry Pond.

We arrived too early to go to our site, so we went to the nearby West Beach day use area to hang out in the warm sunshine.

Uncrowded West Beach on an October day.

If you aren't a registered camper, you can purchase a day use Discover Pass for $10 or an annual pass (the best deal) good at all Washington State Parks for $30.

Shore flowers and lots of driftwood.

State, county and national parks are a nice change from traditional RV parks. Many have hookups, but the setting is more natural. Site #39 was a drive through yet it had lots of privacy because of the surrounding fir, hemlock and cedar trees.

Site #39 in the Forest Loop.

Just walking around our site I found lots of interesting things to photograph.

Natural beauty in a popular Washington State Park.

The next day we walked to Cranberry Lake.

We watched fighters and submarine chaser aircraft from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island taking off and landing. This was just a hint of what was to come for the second part of our Whidbey Island RV Adventure.

Deception Pass State Park is very popular (and crowded) during the summer months, but during the shoulder season it's a perfect place to stay. -- Margy

Whidbey Island RV Adventure: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

There's a horeline path from the park to the base proper.

The second stop of our Whidbey Island RV adventure took us a few miles south to the Naval Air Station.

Because Wayne is retired from the Air Force, he (we) have military privileges, even on a Navy base.

I used the Department of Defense Lodging website to find information about the Cliffside RV Park. Then I called 1-877-NAVY-BED to make our reservation.


The base's Cliffside RV Park is strategically located overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We chose a waterfront site and were rewarded with #7, a spot that would be hard to get during the summer months.

Walking back towards the RV park from the base proper.

The park has level cement pads, green spaces in between, picnic tables, BBQs, fire pits, full hookups and free wifi. When Greg checked us in, he pointed out the amenities: restrooms, showers, laundry, pavilions for gatherings, a fire ring, games for adults and children, sports equipment rentals, and special activities including telescope nights for star gazing (we were sorry to miss that one).

Our Sunseeker RV parked in Site #7.

A shoreline path runs from the park to the base which has additional amenities. We walked towards the runway for closeup airplane viewing. But when they were taking off from Runway 25, we could see (and hear) all the action right from our site.

Relaxing and watching fighter jets taking off from Runway 25.

And the beach is amazing. I went beachcombing along the shore. One stone became my trip souvenir. I was the only person there on such a beautiful day.  What a luxury.

Looking north. Our RV is on the cliff behind the trees on the right,.

Here are some additional beach shots. This was the best RV park we've stayed in. It's well laid out and kept immaculate. I know we'll be back, maybe in May after we get back from our big snowbird RV adventure to California and Arizona.

If you're an authorized user for base services and don't have an RV, they have an area for tents and furnished yurts and trailers for rent. Click here for more information and pictures. - Margy

Available Online: "Flying the Pacific Northwest" by Wayne J. Lutz

Perfect for Pilots
and Aviation Enthusiasts of All Kinds

Flying the Pacific Northwest

by Wayne J. Lutz

Description: Airports of Western Washington and Oregon form the backdrop for adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Take the controls of a Piper Arrow, as your personal flight instructor leads you to out-of-the-way spots where recreational aircraft give us the freedom to pursue personal goals. Hints for cross-county and local flying, as presented by a 7000-hour FAA certified flight instructor. For armchair pilots and experienced pros, this book is an escape so realistic you’ll swear you’re airborne.  

Kindle $5.99

Print from Amazon.com $10.95

Check with your favourite e-book dealer 
for other formats.

Check here if you need a Kindle 

or free Kindle App.

If you enjoy the book, consider writing a review at Amazon.com
Happy reading! - Wayne

RV Camping in Silver Lake Park's Red Mountain Campground

The entrance to lush Silver Lake Park

The last time Wayne and I were in Bellingham, we took the RV out for a two night stay in Whatcom County's Red Mountain Campground at nearby Silver Lake Park. It's just 32 miles east of Bellingham past Maple Falls on the Mt. Baker Highway. It's close, but far from the hustle and bustle.

Once you leave town, a two lane road takes you through picturesque farmland then forest. On the way you pass the North Fork Brewery, Pizzeria and Beer Shrine in Deming. Gotta stop there some day!

Getting fixed up at Discount Tire.

Before we could head out, we had to make a stop. At the RV storage facility we discovered one of our dual rear tires was flat.

We went to the new Discount Tire store and in less than an hour the puncture made by a screw was fixed.

To our amazement, it was free. What amazing customer service! You know where we'll go the next time we need new tires.

There are three campgrounds to choose from and all three take reservations. Cedar, near the lake, is small and best suited to tents and camper vans. There are also cabins to rent. Maple Creek, also near the lake, is closed until renovations are complete sometime in Summer 2019. It will accommodate both tents and RVs with water and power hookups.

Site #5 with a level pad, water, power, picnic table and fire ring.

We chose Red Mountain Campground. It has 28 sites, all with water and power for tents or RVs. Sites are close together, but trees and shrubs provide some privacy. The nightly cost is $24 for Whatcom County residents and $31 for others. There's also a $13 reservation fee. Unreserved spots are available first-come, first-serve.

One of the two stables at Red Mountain Campground.

Red Mountain is unique. It's also a horse camp. Two stables can each accommodate 32 horses in stalls. Trails through the park are easily accessed. Unfortunately, there weren't any horses while we were there. I love horses, always have.

We enjoyed our stay even though it rained off and on. There were  breaks for us to walk the area, then we just relaxed and read. What a great place for locals and tourists alike. Weekends are busy, but weekdays usually have spots available.

Indian Pipe emerging after the rain from the forest floor.

A trail behind our site led to the picnic shelter and outhouse (which was immaculate). On the way I found Indian Pipe plants pushing their way through the moist forest floor. They contain no chlorophyll and derive nourishment from fungus associated with tree roots. Rain following a dry spell causes the unique plants to send up white stems topped with a flower from their underground root balls. We were in the just right place at the just right time.

Have you been tent or RV camping lately? Where are some of your favourite places? -- Margy

Lake Pleasant RV Park, Bothell WA

Blue skies over Site 12 at Lake Pleasant RV Park, Bothell, WA.

If you follow my blog, you know Wayne and I recently purchased an RV. In addition to winter "snow bird" trips to the Southwest, we wanted an RV to attend sports events.

This weekend we took our Forest River Sunseeker south to Seattle for the NCAA Women's Softball Regionals at the University of Washington (UW). Seattle doesn't have many RV parks. The closest I found online was Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell.

Our "rent-a-toad" from the Enterprise in Bothell.

Our motorhome is 25' long and we don't have a toad (a car towed behind). Bothell is 13 miles from Husky Softball Stadium.

Public transit was complicated. The Uber estimate was $38-$50 per direction for three games. We decided to use "rent-a-toad." That's my nickname for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Total cost was $125 for three days with unlimited miles. The Bothell office also provided free pick-up. Deal done!

We enjoyed the wide pad and grassy lakeshore.

Lake Pleasant RV Park lives up to its name. The RV spots surround a long lake in a forested hideaway in the middle of the city. We got one of the prime lakeshore spots for $44 per night for full hookups.

The park is well maintained. Sites are paved, wide, level and divided with trees and hedges for privacy. Green grass adds to the natural ambiance. Each site comes with a picnic table. There are no wood fires, but portable propane fire pits are allowed.

Fellow Canadians made us feel at home.

The laundry, restrooms and showers are immaculate.  Long-term visitors can arrange to receive mail and packages. Propane is available next to the office. There's also a library with a small store.

Lake Pleasant is a nature preserve. It's home to Canada Geese, ducks, and at least one heron. We loved sitting in the sun and waking to the sounds of nature rather than traffic. This trip we missed hiking the forest trails surrounding the park.

We will be back for sure, every time we attend a University of Washington game, professional sports or other event in the Seattle area. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months.

University of Washington vs Mississippi at Husky Stadium.

The combination of the Lake Pleasant RV Park and Enterprise Rent-A-Car make it the perfect spot to stay any time of the year. -- Margy

The Old Edison Inn in Edison, WA

From Bellingham, take Chuckanut Drive to Edison for a scenic excursion. When you get there, stop at The Old Edison.

This historic restaurant was established in 1934 and continues to provide good food, drink and entertainment for locals and travelers alike.

The Edison has two things I really love, beer and oysters. They have local micro-brews on tap, now that's a little bit of heaven.

You can get fresh oysters from nearby Samish Bay as an appetizer, burger or a meal (my choice). Of course, there are steaks, burgers, salads and other good stuff -- but the oysters are for me.

Prices are reasonable and the old-time casual atmosphere makes it comfortable. Want to eat outdoors on a sunny day or warm evening? There's a huge grass area with tables out back.

Like entertainment? There are two very popular shuffleboard tables. And there's live music with dancing on weekends.

Tidal reflections as the ocean reaches all the way to Edison in the Samish Delta.

Lunch is served daily from 11:30 a.m. Closing is 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Edison may be a bit off the main drag, but well worth the scenic side trip.

You can also get to Edison from the I-5 Freeway. If you are heading north or south take the Bow-Hill exit and head west (click here for directions). You can't miss it. -- Margy

Wayne and Margy's New RV Adventure

Site 45 at Lost Dutchman State Park.

In January and February, Wayne and I went on a Rental RV Road Trip from Bellingham, Washington to Arizona. We were gone for 25 days and loved the experience. You can read about that trip by clicking here.

When we got back, we started looking for an RV of our own. We really liked the Coachmen Leprechaun we rented. It had a comfy layout for a small 24' overall length Class C. We wanted small for easier driving and parking in restaurant and shopping lots.

We looked at several other brands, but kept coming back to the Coachmen Freelander 21RS with a bed slide-out. Our rental had a rear corner bed. While we were leery of the mechanics of a slide, we wanted increased sleeping comfort.

Since Poulsbo RV is the only Coachmen dealer near us, we went to one of their RV shows. And guess where it was, in the Bellis Fair Mall next to our condo. Seemed like kismet. They only had a larger Freelander display, but did have a Forest River Sunseeker 2250SLE. After much thought, we decided it was even better. Forest River is the parent company of Coachmen so we knew the quality was similar.

What changed our minds was: a Chevy 4500-322HP V8 gas engine, more interior storage, a bathroom sink in the living area, a functional dinette, well laid out kitchen, omnidirectional antennae and tank heaters. To put the icing on the cake, they gave us an extra discount for purchasing the show model. We were happy and Kevin, the salesman, was happy.

Inside our new Sunseeker 2250SLE RV.

We drove 30 miles down to the Poulsbo RV in Mt. Vernon to pick her up after detailing. Having the dealer relatively close is nice. Jacob was the mechanic in charge and he gave us a detailed tour of the coach and all of her systems. Like we did with our rental adventure, we took our new rig to the Bellingham RV Park for the first night to test everything out.

At the Bellingham RV Park for our first night.

When you live in a condo, you have to make alternative plans for RV parking. We chose secure Gotcha Covered near Bellingham. You have a choice of outside parking, or under cover with electrical hookups. We chose the latter. It's close enough to our condo for easy packing.

Parked at Gotcha Covered for storage.

On day six day we started our first New RV Adventure. Come along with us and see what we found. Please note, the posts have been reordered for easier reading. -- Wayne and Margy

Wayne and Margy's Rental RV Road Trip

Wayne in the driver's seat ready to start our adventure.

Wayne and I are trying something new, traveling in an RV. We don't own one, we rented one from a local company and that's a story in itself. We researched extensively online and visited five companies before deciding on El Monte RV in Ferndale, Washington.

We found the personnel friendly and helpful. And the selling feature was it's near our Bellingham condo, making pickup and loading easy.

We decided to take this trip back in August, so we've had lots of time to collect our supplies. And it gave me good ideas of things to get Wayne for Christmas presents.

Getting checked out and picking up our 22-foot Leprechaun RV.

You can rent kitchen and bedding packages for extra, but since we were loading from home we didn't need or want to do that.

Loading all of our food and gear into the condo elevator.

To help us plan, I found RV camping checklists online at Campanda. They were helpful for essentials and then we modified them to match our travel plans.

Loading the RV at the condo front door.

Since we are new to RV travel, we decided to rent a spot at the local Bellingham RV Park. We are so glad we did. It gave us a chance to organize our things and test all of our systems.

Our site at the Bellingham RV Park.

Our checkout and the manual provided helped, but we had a few questions about using cable TV and the water system.  We called the On the Road Support hotline and received immediate and excellent service. Fellow travelers and park employees were also very helpful in getting us off the right foot.

Hooked up to electricity, water, sewer and cable TV.

If you want an easy start to a rental RV road trip, I highly recommend taking an extra night at the beginning to learn your rig and it's components.

My goal is to write a trip log here on Margy Meanders when we get to locations with wifi connections. In this day and age, most parks have them and even some public campgrounds. I hope you come back to enjoy this trip along with us. -- Wayne and Margy