Windblown Tree and Clearing Mist.

We were going to go to the beach this morning (or as they say around here, "the coast"), but the fog was thick and wet and not expected to clear, so we decided to walk at Fitten Green, which was purchased and donated to the county by a local family. The mist was clearing as we parked the cars (it takes two to transport three retrievers!). The big leaf maple leaves, some as big as a dinner plate, blanketed the ground, but the trees themselves were still a blaze of gold amid the dark green conifers.

The top of the hill afforded us a beautiful view of the area not shrouded in a lake of fog. The contrast between bright sunshine at the top of the hill and as far as the eye could see in one direction, and the blanket of fog in the other was striking. We have been here on clear days when one can see all the way to the Cascades, but today, it was not to be. We enjoyed the close view of the windblown tree, flattened on one side by the wind, the mist escaping through its branches and dissolving in the sun. The dogs were energized by a new place, and found much to get excited about on the scent trail.

We had lunch at Le Patissier where the French proprietor and his Peruvian wife turn out decadent, croissants, pastries and quiches, sandwiches and soups, and today's special--empanadas with a pastry made by Didier and a filling made by his wife, Trinidad. An elegant and delicious restaurant in an unassuming shopping mall.

Perhaps the beach coast will work out tomorrow....