18 July

 A visit to the Forest and Marsh after a night of very welcome summer rain.  Although the cloud cover persisted, everything looked refreshed.

Even the slugs seemed invigorated.  

Three of them formed a loosely organised parade. 

Foamflower continues to abound along the path.  A close look at its blossoms shows little stars along the main stem.

It had been some time since I visited the side loop trail.  Despite last night's rain, it was easily passable. 

The stand of hemlock glowed in a patch of sunlight.

It appears that the "Forest Gnome" who maintains trails has set a nice bench along the loop.

Although it would have been a fine place to sit and enjoy the fragrance and sounds of the forest, the bench was still quite wet from the night's rain...  Another time.

For this visit, I made my way to the dock, and sat on sundried boards, drinking coffee and enjoying the view.  The Marsh was quiet--no bird song.  There was an occasional "eep" and splash from what were--unfortunately--likely bullfrogs.

Despite episodes of light rain this past week, the water level continues to subside.

The skies sent a promise of rain, which arrived later in the evening.

It had been a good visit.  I made my way back to the parking area past one of the few Sitka spruce in the Forest.