December and January are always months of reflection—pondering the year past and dreaming of the year ahead. With so much to preoccupy us while crossing the bumpy threshold into 2021, these reflections were best done by turning off our screens and getting outside. Please enjoy this collection of photos from our time spent welcoming a new year from the slopes, trails, and lakes of our favorite natural places.
Birds Abound
Locals and commuters know the farmlands of the Skagit Valley provide habitat for thousands of birds throughout winter. Trumpeter swans, snow geese, and bald eagles—to name but a few—make regular appearances as they feed and rest in our fields, wetlands, and marine waters. And for our camera-happy staffers, these feathered visitors provide irresistible subjects.
A Kingfisher with Mount Baker in the distance. Photo by Kim Nelson
A common sight in Skagit Valley: soupy fields speckled white with Snow geese. Photo by Jodi BroughtonSnow geese gather strength for their long migratory flight by feeding and resting here. Photo by Jodi BroughtonMount Baker on an exceptionally clear winter day. Photo by Jodi BroughtonA male Northern Pintail peeking over his wing. Photo by Jodi BroughtonA solitary Greater Yellow Legs looking for aquatic invertebrates to snack on. Photo by Saul Weisberg
Snow Days
With our moderate winters, lowland dwellers who love snow need only to put on base layers and traction tires, and gain a little elevation. Winter wonderlands abound up in the North Cascades and staffers got out there for snowshoeing, skiing, snowball fights, and magical moments like these.
A cozy view of the Learning Center’s welcoming area, during Jodi’s winter visit.Christian captures this moody blue moment while exploring Bagley Creek drainage on skis.Bagley Creek drainage and Table Mountain. Photo by Christian MartinKim enjoys a sunny day snowshoeing near Mount Baker.“Prickly sticker snow” photographed (and creatively named) by Molly on Skyline Lake Trail.Snow weighing down trees create whimsical forms in Stevens Pass area. Photo by Molly HarriganAnd Molly is inspired to strike a similar pose—one we might see in her future yoga classes!
Curiosities of Winter
One might think of winter as a gray time when not much is happening in the woods. But as much as any season, winter has its own unique magic and if we keep our eyes open, we can see that many curious things are happening!
Examples of Hair ice, thought by scientists to appear “sculpted” thanks to a resident fungus. Photo by Jodi BroughtonJodi gets up close to appreciate the delicate sporophytes and curly leaves in a bed of moss.Frost laced leaves. Photo by Jodi BroughtonAlways with an eye for fungi, Evan spots these bright examples in Sehome Arboretum.A fern frond encased in ice. Photo by Jodi BroughtonA troop of mushrooms popping up amongst the leaf litter. Photo by Jodi BroughtonA delight of texture as icicles form on a mossy rock face. Photo by Jodi BroughtonIf mushrooms told stories, this one would tell a tale that was short and cute. Photo by Jodi Broughton
appreciating our own Backyard
In this corner of the world it’s pretty easy to tumble out our backdoors and within a few steps be in nature. They may be the same trails we take often and the views we appreciate daily, but somehow they always offer exactly what we need—a breath of fresh air and quiet moments to find center.
Saul takes to the water on New Year’s Day, something he’ll be doing a lot more of this coming year.Chum salmon in Chuckanut Creek. Photo by Saul WeisbergFreya poses atop a stump, waiting to ascend the “Dog Patch” mountain bike trail with her friend Evan.Evan’s trusty saddle, ready to carry him down Galbraith on the well-known route “Bob’s Trail”.Kim and the whole family enjoying the views at Deception Pass State Park.Oh, it’s a good day, such agood day! Photo by Kim Nelson
Views from the Learning Center
It’s almost been a full year since things got verrrry quiet at the Learning Center. On a winter stroll around campus, it’s hard not to think of everything we are missing here but we still appreciate its many picturesque angles and are hopeful for the year ahead.
A misty view of Diablo lake from the Learning Center dock. Photo by Mark BrowningThe dam road at Diablo Lake with Pyramid Peak looking on. Photo by Jodi BroughtonElvis, our resident raven, looking as handsome as ever. Photo by Jodi BroughtonRain drops on that particularly special shade green! Photo by Mark BrowningA sunlit stroll through campus trails. Photo by Jodi BroughtonThe effects of a quiet weekend at the Learning Center are evident in Jodi’s smile.In December, the snow was just starting to dust the hills along the gorge. Photo by Molly HarriganFog-diffused lights along the dam road create a mysterious feeling at dusk. Photo by Jodi BroughtonSaul captures sunset through a leafy curtain on the shore of Diablo Lake.
Changes in the Kitchen
Although we’re sad to say ‘goodbye’ as Head Chef Justin takes leave for a new adventure, we’re also excited that Dan has stepped up from our kitchen ranks to fill the role. Here we witness a moment in Learning Center history, the peaceful Transfer of Peel between the capable hands of two colleagues and friends. We’re so grateful to both of you!
Photo by Jodi Broughton
Thanks for coming along on this photo round-up! As always, we invite you to share your own adventures with us—please reach out to us at photos@ncascades.org and your pics just might appear in our next round up!
