Sunshine on The Porch

Boulevard Park is definitely one of the best places to be in Bellingham when it's sunny, which it was today -- after several snow showers that didn't stick and some dark sky action -- as well as the first time I blipped the park, just about a month ago. The sunshine was coupled with a very cold wind, but that didn't keep walkers, bikers, strollers, dog-walkers, runners, and others from enjoying the superlative views of Bellingham Bay!

This time we headed first for The Porch, which I think is the crown jewel of the park. The Porch, built by local craftsmen at Cascade Joinery to honor the memory of one of their former employees, was dedicated in 2009 and bears this inscription:

In honor of Mark Witter 1953-2004
Make Music
Play Hard
Do Good Work
Give Respect
Take care of those you Love
June 20, 2009

The wonderful mural was painted by Tom Wood, a local artist. You can see the left side of the mural more closely here, and the right side here (there's a bit of overlap). The concrete floor is beautiful too, with impressions of shells, bird tracks, and other natural beauty.

It's not a large structure, as you can see here, along with Phil and Miss Annie, but The Porch is the perfect place for concerts in the park, such as the free ones offered each summer by Bellingham Parks & Recreation, and similar events.

(We stopped in at the Woods Coffee Shop in the park for hot drinks, and just before we entered, I noticed several clumps of snowdrops shining in the sunshine. I couldn't resist a photo of them, as I've so enjoyed all the snowdrops the UK blippers I follow have posted!)