Author: jpallen

Wenaha River Hike, #32

jpallen Nature Life ,

Day 1

We begin our hike from Elk Creek Flat Trailhead. My friend Will, his dog Zivon, and I are taking our first hike of the season to the Wenaha River which flows 2000 ft. below. It is the warmest day of this spring’s season and I can feel the heat as we descend. We are welcomed by many wildflowers in bloom: Alsike Clover, Creeping Barberry, Fringecups, Larkspur, and Lupin just to name a few. As we get closer to the Wenaha, we come upon many downed trees across the trail. Some are a challenge for use to climb over or go around.

On this warm spring day…
Flowing about blooming stones,
The creek hums a song

We arrive at the Wenaha. Our intention is to wade or find a log to cross the river, but as we arrive, the river’s current is too fast and deep. We decide to set up camp and look for a crossing in the morning.

Day 2

We enjoy breakfast next to an old campfire ring. After eating we scout up and down the river for a possible crossing, but do not find any. During our scout I find more blossoms: Prairie Smoke, Meadow Salsify, Miner’s Lettuce, and Virginia Waterleaf. We discuss hiking back up today and driving to the headwaters of the Wenaha to hike in from there. However, we decide to stay enjoy this area on the banks of the river.

The Yellow Goat’s Beard…
In the day’s conversations,
Does not flinch an inch!

Late in the afternoon the winds pick up; we get some thunder and rain. I put on my rain gear and make dinner. The rain stops about the same time I finish eating. I find myself appreciating quick dry clothing and a good raincoat. Will’s dog Zivon is not feeling well. We think about hiking back up, but decide a hike up would be too challenging for all.

Day 3

The thunder clapping…
Brings gusts of warm and cold winds
Into the night’s dreams

After the night’s rain, the air is fresh and cool. Zivon is feeling better and again lively! Will and I are both relieved. After eating we pack and head up the canyon back to the trailhead.

 

Peaking between leaves,
I find two blooming Orchids,
Who catch me spying!

From the forest floor…
A hole in the canopy,
finds the wild rose.

On our drive home, we enjoy the many conversations.

Afternoon in the garden, #29

jpallen Nature Life

I am spending time working in the garden digging holes and planting. I dig a hole, plant seeds or seedlings, dig another, plant another. I look at the plants and seeds I’ve already planted. As they begin to grow they all look the same, tiny and green. But as they grow their uniqueness will become more apparent, firstly in their leaves. As we move from spring to summer and into fall, some will share flowers, some fruits and others vegetables. All the while they maintain a sameness in their interactions with bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, the sun, wind, rain…

Hovering above,
Obscured by wings of a gnat,
A hawk in the sky

Palouse prairie, #27

jpallen Nature Life

I walk up the north side of Palouse Ridge through mud and puddles. Spring makes itself evident on side of the road. I pass Wild Cherry, Nineleaf Biscuitroot, and Common Cowparsnips. At the top of the ridge, the road dries out. I come out of the trees and am greeted by a blanket of purple Larkspur spotted with golden Arrowleaf Balsamroot. After a time, I begin my walk back to the trailhead where I find an old fallen tree bent over a rock, it reminds me of broken bones. In its shade grows Angular Solomon’s Seal. I am not sure if this plant is native or not. 

Lying over stone
Old tree trunk bent and fractured
Nourished spring flowers

Note: Paradise Ridge is one of the few remnants of original Palouse prairie. Most of these locations are preserved through land trusts, for which I am grateful. These remnants make up 1% of the Palouse. Most of the remaining 99% is dry farmland. Because there are places where native Palouse prairie exists gives me faith the natural landscape can return; that we can share this land with the native plants and peoples in harmony with our need to grow food.

River’s edge, #25

jpallen City Life, Nature Life ,

I am waking up after a morning nap. Cradled in my arms is my grandson, Rudy. I am holding him for the first time. The doctor gave the okay for close family visits with restrictions. I am freshly showered, in clean clothes and wearing a mask. Now Rudy wants Mom so I get up and begin work fixing a dishwasher. I go to the hardware store to purchase a part. I enter wearing a mask and receive help from a maskless sales clerk. Finishing my purchase I go to the hotel to shower again and put on clean clothes. Clean, I return to see my grandson with my mask in place. Idaho begins stage one reopening today. The traffic and crowds are proof, but on my travels home I see only one person wearing a protective mask. I wonder how stage one will finish and how stages two, three, and four will play out. I am grateful to experience the joy of visiting my grandson and would like to visit again, even if I need to shower and wear a mask. This reminds me, the mask is to protect others, not myself.

Mountain spring snowmelt
The river’s edge erodes, where
Bulbous Bluegrass sway


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