Birch Bay State Park

Such a Beautiful day out today! My Mom and I decided to go to Birch Bay State Park and get some fresh air. It was so pretty out there, then the fog rolled in and we got some neat pictures. Afterwards, we checked out Lizzie's Cafe in Blaine they have great fish and chips.

 Getting there: Take 1-5 North to the Grandview exit. Go west on Grandview all the way down past the roundabout then turn Right on Jackson Rd. Follow signs to Birch Bay State Park. Lizzie's Cafe from Birch Bay State Park: Head NW on Birch Bay Dr Toward Maple St. continue onto Alderson Rd, Turn left on WA-548/Blaine Rd, Turn Left onto Peace Portal Drive.

Olde Fashioned Christmas at Pioneer Park

The Olde Fashioned Christmas was one of the first things we went to when we moved to Whatcom County a year ago. It is located at Pioneer Park in Ferndale. They open up all the old cedar log cabins and have them all decorated for Christmas. They have music, crafts for kids, and even an old general store selling old fashioned Christmas gifts. Kids can write letters to Santa in the old schoolhouse. Cookies and beverages are available in the Tillicum house. There are more cabins that are posted here. Plus a nice little church. All are heated with a little wood stove.  Kids of all ages will love the horse-drawn carriage ride! After that, you can go to the barn and visit these beautiful magnificent horses.  My mom and I  loved the whole time we were there.  But if you're like us you love anything to do with Christmas. This is one event the whole family will enjoy. Mark it on your calendar.

Tickets - $4 for adults and $3 for children

Hours - Friday, December 1st 5-9

Saturday, December 2nd 1-9

Sunday, December 3rd 1-4

Getting there - Take the 1-5 to main street exit 262 in Ferndale, continue on main street, turn left onto 2nd Avenue.

Marine Life Center

I love this little free aquarium on the Bellingham waterfront. My nephews love to go here and check out all the sea life. They even have a small touch tank. A fun and educational place to take your kids that doesn't cost a thing.

Getting there- 1-5 south take exit 258 Bakerview/Bellingham international Take Bennet Dr. To Roeder Ave.

North Cascades day trip

We took a drive up to the North Cascades last week. Drove up to Diablo Lake overlook, it was beautiful! Last time we went it was all smoky from nearby fires and you couldn't see much. Next, we stopped in the unique little town of Newhalem. The town is owned by Seattle City light and populated entirely by employees of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. The employees help operate the Gorge, Diablo, and Ross Dams that provide electric power to Seattle and surrounding communities. They have a museum and a general store. We took a short hike on the "Trail of the cedars" just behind the town it's a 1-mile interpretive loop trail.  On our drive back home we stopped for ice cream at the Cascadian Farm Organic store in Skagit County. Open May-Oct they serve ice cream, berries, and organic snacks. This farm stand is the birthplace of the Cascadian Farm Organic brand where it all started 40 years ago.

Diablo Lake Overlook

Newhalem

"Old number 6" Purchased in 1927 Carried supplies and equipment to help build the dams and powerhouses. She also brought personnel and tourists to the area until 1954. She played a major role in helping fulfill the dream of J.D Ross to build a hydroelectric project to supply the city of Seattle with low-cost electricity.

Temple of Power Designed by Don Carlson. The Edwardian gazebo with an electrical twist uses recycled bushings from the Diablo switchyard to support the domed ceiling.

Getting there: Take 1-5 S to WA-20 E.

Peace Arch State Park

Made a visit to Peace Arch State Park this week, one of the three state parks in Whatcom County. Located right along the Washington- Canada border in Blaine. You can walk through the Peace Arch and wander around the grounds. Stroll through the pretty gardens and admire the nice landscaping of the park. You will need a Discover Pass to visit the park, but if you don't have one there are several free State Park days, and I also noticed two 15 minute free spots in the parking lot.
     If you are hungry after your visit to the park and you like great Diner food check out Big Als Diner right next to the entrance to the park. It's a cute old-fashioned Diner with plenty of booths. They serve breakfast all day and they have the best biscuits and gravy I have ever eaten.

              

Big Als Diner

  

 Monte Cristo Sandwich- fried ham and cheese on french toast with powdered sugar on top.

The Mt. Baker- 2 eggs on top of hashbrowns and Biscuits and gravy.

Getting to Peace Arch State Park- Take 1-5 N to exit 276 at the traffic circle continue straight onto 2nd street. You will pass Big Als Diner on the way.

Hertz trail along Lake Whatcom

It's starting to get colder out now, but we are still having some nice sunny days. I decided to check out the Hertz Trail along Lake Whatcom.  Its 4 miles down and back, easy and flat.  There are a few benches near the trail.  The trail is part of an old railway that ran along the lake, with beautiful views.  Be sure and stop at the big Information Kiosk, at 0.3 miles. It shares lots of interesting facts about the history of the area and how the water from the lake is used. Also read about Ken Hertz, the man the trail was named for.  There are two small waterfalls along the trail but they are mostly dried up right now because of the really dry summer we have had. The trail is open for bicycles. They expect people to please clean up after pets. At beginning of trail, they provide Doggie bags. Vault restroom located in parking lot.

Getting there: From Alabama St. In Bellingham go all the way down and turn on North Shore Drive follow all the way around the lake about 8 miles until you reach Lake Whatcom Park. The trail starts at the parking lot.