Barkley Village

    Like most of Bellingham, this whole area is highly under construction.  Un-like much of the town, I feel this small area deserves it's own page.  To tell of the many wanders, mostly including coffee shops of course, but also some great exploring, and shopping for those that want to shop.  Fair warning, the people seem to be a little more "uppy" and I would class many of them as Yuppies.  I have complained before about how bad the trails are in this area for people with dogs -bagging up there poo, and than leaving it all over the trails.  I feel it is just like camping, and you should pack out what you bring in to the area, and that if one is to good to pick up there own dogs poo, they should just walk there dog on there own property.  But that's just my two cents--- take it or leave it.     The above huge clock can be seen from quite a distance, and informs you, you are in Barkley Village. 

  

 

 

    The new, very bright signs, across the street also tell you of your location.   This posting is for the new Woods Coffee shop-  A very grand place to enjoy coffee.  But there are many choices for brew, very close.

 

 

     My wife and I stopped at the than newest coffee shop- a few months ago.  Now there newest location on Lakeway has also opened.   I have not ventured to that store yet.  You can just make out the logo on the black painted building, with the new movie house towering in the back ground.  This is a very nice coffee shop.   Right across the street you can enjoy two Starbucks.   One is in the Haggins Grogery store, so very compact.  The other is a full sized shop, with a fireplace.  Than just down the road, on Sunset Drive, is yet another Starbucks.  The small mom & pop coffee house sadly does not exsist in this end of town.  

 

 



   A huge set of parking lots sets behind the movie house and coffee shop.  Making me very sure that more buildings are coming to the area.   I was surprised at the massive amounts of security cameras -for just a parking lot though.    Past all of the pavement, a pond complete with several fountains can be enjoyed. 

 

 

    Just down the road is a bike/walker crossing or you can cross at the four way stop light. 

 

 

  This gazebo sits right beside the Haggins grocery store.  Beside this is a much smaller fountain, great for cooling off in during the summer.  On this day it was not yet turned on.   Behind the structure are many trails to be explored!   Down the slight hill to the left you soon pass these old remains of the railroad system.

 

 

 

 



                       Similar sights can be spotted all around this great town.

   From the gazebo, if you venture to the right  many trails lead one all around town.   Much of this area is wet lands and run off areas, so venturing off the trails can quickly lead to muddy/soaked feet.  

     Later that day the sun decided to make an appearance and we ventured once again down to the bay in Boulevard Park.  I have many blog posts filled with pictures from here.  Please check them all out.    I end up by the water a lot!    Here are some new pictures.

 

 

    We parked off of State Street and crossed this bridge that goes over the train tracks than down to enjoy the park and sunshine. 

 

 

Max on the look out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Since we are moving cross country very soon, I have been out snapping some more great shots.  I hope to find the time to categorize them all soon.   With the move will come much more exploring and pictures.    I will also start a brand new page---all about exploring Arizona.    Using many things I have learned and done wrong with this page.   It will center from our new home town, and than venture out as I have time.   Also I will be incorporating advertising and my own line of greeting cards.    Please view my past blog posts, for my best exploring pictures.   And visit my first blog sight at      www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com

 

I have many exploring posts on that sight too!    And please pass on the links if you enjoy what you see! 

 

 

                                                         **HAPPY TRAILS!!**

 

Exploring Aberdeen/Greys Harbor II

     This page is all about Bellingham and Whatcom county.  What to do see and be here.  And I have many ideas for this page.  I really do, I just been busy with a little day called Christmas and all. ;)  This page is also all about exploring.   And the trail took us out of Bellingham --across the state actually to Aberdeen.   This trip gained us a new travel trailer, that is in our family's yard for storage, but will save us a lot in motel rooms this summer.  Of course all of our roaming this summer will make it in picture filled blogs.  As long as my work gives me time off.  So today I wish to share a few pictures and thoughts.  

      I usually warn people to make a U-Turn when they see the above sign.  But we do have some great friends and or family members that always make the trip worth while.  All of the water and such make for some great picture opportunities.   Since my wife grew up in this area, I will refrain from bad mouthing the area --for now.  The town does have one of the best motto's around though. 

  I can though bad mouth this motel!  In our travels we have stayed in some very bad places.  This is possibly the worse place we have ever stayed.  Nothing worked right, but we still payed full rent.  Including the bath tub that took six hours to drain.  They were closed down for awhile, to meet safety standards, and you can see some improvements going on now. 

     Just after the "welcome" sign, you pass this rock wall of sorts.   I have been exploring at the top, and can say it is worth the difficulty to climb.  You are greeted by water views just across the road.

   Just into town, take some time to explore this great park.  The bridge in the background is a draw bridge, the entire area has such bridges.  So don't be surprised if you have to wait for awhile.  

    

                                          Some fall color still hanging on for dear life.

Right past the park is a Starbucks.  

I took time to write one of my posts for my other blog at this coffee shop. 

If you call the random rambling writing.  

Let me know what you think--  www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com

The above sign is not over the Starbucks, and is actually a false sign.  

The shop is now closed.  

                               Behind the Wal Mart store is another good area to explore.  

                                              Abandoned pumpkin I found along the way. 

                                                                          O shaped trees.
   

Just before the sun came out for a little bit. 

They do not call it Grays Harbor for nothing. 

                                       Across some more bridges to Hoquium.   

   Both towns obviously benefit from the water.  But they also take logging seriously too.  A huge loggers rodeo greets visitors each year.  We have been to the parade and rodeo I am happy to report. 

                                                  Same blue boat, different types of draw bridges.  

   Behind the industrial area is a look out you can climb up and stare at the water.  

   Beyond is Ocean Shores and plenty of other great port towns.  I do not really like Ocean Shores.    It is one of those towns that could be a great tourist trap, but is far from being one yet.   You can also easily jump onto highway 101 from this area.  

  Lots of updates and new features in the works.   My next post will be all about weekend Christmas activities in wonderful Fairhaven.