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.   

Pioneer Park Ferndale, Washington

       I have posted before about Ferndale, and am slowly deciding that it would be a great place to live.  If nothing else it is a great place to explore.  A few weeks back we found ourselves along the water front and than into Pioneer Park.

  The water is running very high at this point.  But is still managing to stay in all the local river banks.  If you follow the trail, near this bridge and Main Street, you will find a great water fountain.

                                     The walking trail is also very wide and welcoming. 

     Many signs tell you about taking care of the river and the many types of fish that reside in it. 

And than you pass these great totem poles. 

      Further down the trail you get to the actual park.  This large park has baseball fields, a playground, covered picnic areas, and the city library is also here, so there is lots of parking. 

    The wagon in the entry way, is fenced in to preserve it, but many relics and old building await to be explored in the actual park.   We went on a rainy day, before summer actual kicked in.  But in the summer all of the buildings are open to tour. 

                                                                         The church

                                                              One room school house.

     You can easily spend a good deal of time here if you have kids with you or not.   

On this day we also went to the other side of the river, to Ferndale's other great park.  On Main street when you are under the underpass turn left, if you are heading into the heart of Ferndale.   Follow the signs.

   I have posted about this park before, but on that day most of  the area was flooding.  

Above is the gardens you can roam through.   Filled with local vegetation.  And everything is marked so you can identify flowers else were in your travels.  

                                    Many trails also branch out from this location. 

 Most are not pet friendly though, please note. 

     You can also explore this look out tower.   And see the sights from the top.   At the bottom you can control the camera on the side of the tower, and spot your friends in the near by fields or try to find your car in the parking lot, with the camera.

    On this day we chose to walk to the learning center.  Mostly to wear out the kiddos and our dog. 

But it is not a short walk.  And you can drive all the way to this barn.  Inside is filled with old farm equipment.  

    Behind the huge barn is pens filled with farm animals that you can feed.  From goats to huge turkeys. 

    Max our dog was very interested in the bunnies.  Luckily everything is in cages.

    More picnic areas can be found in this area.  With BBQ pits.  If you wander far enough, there is a large area for playing horse shoes.  And easy access to the river. 

                                                    Also another great tower to climb.


    Please keep checking back for tons more exploring posts!   I hope you enjoy them all.
Also do not forget about my other, longer running blog series at www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com


                                    And thank you all for all of your support!!