Paradise Meadows truly lives up to its name.
We are blessed to live, about, a 40 minute drive from here.
The first time we hiked in this park, I felt like I’d died and gone to Heaven…
The clean air, the silent air, and the air of sacredness all around us took my breath away.
If you stay on the boardwalk and the main trail – the hiking is relatively easy; however, if you stop to take pictures… you’ll need to be in sprinting shape, so you can catch up with the group!
At any moment, I expected this tree to say, “We have… decided… that you are… definitely… not… orcs!”
The Whiskey Jacks were delighted that our kids were generous with their trail mix. I rationed mine, since I knew I might need to share it with some hungry bird lovers! I was right…
There were an enormous number of hikers out today! Yet, it was not crowded, at all: Everything was just still and serene.
One lady was out with her dog, Brodie, who was a rescued dog that has blossomed under her love. He has chased off a cougar while they were out hiking before. I’d say he loves her, too!
Water, trees, and rocks abound in this park.
Because of the short growing season, and harsh winters up here, the trees grow much slower and denser. Mount Washington Ski Resort is a stones throw from this trail.
The weather was partly cloudy, and cool, for an August afternoon. The previous two times, I went for a dip in one of the lakes… not today!
But, oh, the lake looks lovely!
Just looking at the forest pictures, conjures up the cool, fresh and earthy aroma we feasted on, as we traversed the trail.
I wonder if this will still be standing, when we come back next year?
There’s a lot of life flourishing in this meadow.
Even the bark – has a story to tell.
Berries tell me that there are probably bears around. We saw a shiny black bear, as we drove away, later. I took several wildflower pictures… but I’ll show them on a future post.
The clouds seem to want to share some of the glory.
“As a still lake reflects creation, so may our hearts reflect the Creator’s glory.” – greenlightlady
Reflecting by grace ~ Wendy
Thanks for taking us with you on your walk! I can almost smell the forest looking at your pictures. 🙂 Have a nice weekend, Wendy!
Thank you, and have a great weekend, too!
~ Wendy 🙂
I remember well this very special place, Wendy. Thanks for taking me back there … if only through pictures!
Paradise Meadows has a way of sticking to the ribcage, near the heart… and making it pound on the inclines! I love that place.
~ Wendy
What a beautiful place! It seems that it is easier to breathe and worship out in the middle of creation, isn’t it? Even your photography is worshipful…
Thanks,Melody,that park does cause one to worship the Creator … it’s a cathedral without a roof!
~ Wendy
What a lovely hike! I love places like that! Thank you for sharing it with us 🙂
Thanks for joining me on the virtual version of the hike!
~ Wendy 🙂
“Whiskey Jacks”–how cute!!! God bless you–love, Caddo
You are right… those cute little critters know how to charm food out of the hikers!
Hugs ~ Wendy
I wonder how they got their name, as it’s cute too–especially on them.
According to Wikipedia, it’s an Anglicized version of an Aboriginal name. The name belongs to quite an interesting mythical character…
Have a great weekend!
Hugs ~ Wendy
Thanks, Wendy–I think I’ll pop over and read up!
Where is this? So beautiful.
It is on Vancouver Island, BC, on the west coast of Canada. It is near the town of Comox and Cumberland. Last winter, this park had more snow than all the other ski hills on the planet. Mount Washington has become quite the ski destination. Thanks for your visit!
~ Wendy
It’s on my list!
Wow – what an amazing place. Thanks for sharing His creation and the talent He gave you to see it through the lens of a camera!
Thank you! It’s amazing how we can visit so many of the beautiful spots on this planet, He created, by visiting other people’s blogs. We have an impressive Creator!
Take care ~ Wendy
Oh how I miss riding my horse in the trails. We did lot’s of hiking in my 30’s in the Olympic National parks and trails. I enjoyed this post, thank you for sharing. GOD bless you!
I have only been trail riding 4 times in my life. Memorable. I am not a good rider, so I am happy to walk… But I love looking at horses! I took some photos of horses today. They don’t hold a candle to your horse photos, but I will post them later anyways.
Thanks for your visit!
Blessings ~ Wendy
You are so sweet 🙂 I love to take photos but my husband is the brilliant one. Oh nothing like getting to trail ride on a horse I have broke myself. Nothing like have a connection with a horse. We did lot’s of trail walking with the donkeys and my horse too as they were soo young when we bought them to young to ride.
i like that wooden bike trail going over the water
The good news is that there are lots of these wooden trails at this park. The bad news is that the trails are for walking only… Our valley has some awesome bike trails elsewhere,though. My oldest son loves them.
Blessings ~ Wendy
hope to see some pictures of the bike trails someday