Déjàlà: Another Fabulous Summer Around Spokane (May

We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever.

Carl Sagan

L'Axkeit or Raven Transformation Mask (2007)
By Preston Singletary, Tlingit
All glass art (see more below)
NW Museum of Art & Culture, Spokane

As you know, I come back to anywhere near the Pacific Norwest for the summer. Either on Mayne Island, BC, Canada or around the Spokane area in Washington State. I've had another amazing summer this year and we were especially lucky that we didn't have to stay indoors too often due to smoke from fires or too much heat.

Mornings are now brisk, and thankfully, afternoons are still balmy. On my bike ride yesterday I could smell fall. Dry needles from evergreen trees cover the trail and rolling over them brings out such a strong woodland smell, it's intoxicating. It feels like nature is giving me a way to remember her during the upcoming less fragrant winter. It's a bit akin to keeping a well-worn t-shirt from a loved one to remember their familiar scent while they are away.

I ride by an area that was scarred by an intense fire this summer. Earlier this season it was completely black but I now see bright green tuffs of bunching grass poking through the darkened stones. Life is coming back just before winter's dormancy, nature always continuing her march.

As nature, I continue my own march. I am heading to Madagascar and then to the South West for the winter. Enjoy pictures of a few of the places I visited this year traveling also to nearby northern Idaho.

Spokane River - Spring Time - Lots of Water
Q'emiln Park, Idaho

South Channel Dam Powerhouse (built 1904-1906)
Spokane River, Idaho

Long Lake (within Spokane River)
Lots of yellow flowers in background
End of Centennial Trail - great 15 mile bike ride to get here from downtown

Long Lake
Feathered parents with kids

Long Lake
Same family floating away

Antoine Peak, outskirt of Spokane
Rattlesnake near trail

Bowl and Pitcher Park - Spokane River
Nice pedestrian bridge
Water is low in September

Bowl and Pitcher Park - Spokane River
Viewed from pedestrian bridge

Bowl and Pitcher Park
Old covered picnic area with fireplace

Browne's Addition, Spokane
Campbell House (1898) - today a museum

The Snake Pit Restaurant (1880)
Enaville, ID

Look how low the Spokane River is

Paddle-boarded 6.8 miles on the Little Spokane River
Saw beaver, moose (mom with baby), osprey
Peaceful and beautiful - hard to believe we are so close to a city

Edith Hansen Trail - Large trees

Lake Chatcolet, Idaho
How dry it is - many fallen ponderosa pinecones and wilted plants

Lyon's Ferry State Park, WA
With one of the longest train bridges in the US in background
At crossing of two rivers: the Snake and the Palouse

Manito Park in Spokane South Hill Area
Always a treat to walk, picnic, listen to music, rest, enjoy, or cool off here

Raven and the Box of Daylight (2016)
By Preston Singletary, Tlingit
NW Museum of Art & Culture, Spokane

Canoe Paddles, Killer Whale Canoe and Salmon (2018)
By Preston Singletary, Tlingit
NW Museum of Art & Culture, Spokane

Clan House (2008)
By Preston Singletary, Tlingit
NW Museum of Art & Culture, Spokane

Top row (L to R): Oyster catcher, Blown & Sandblasted bowls (3), Fur Seal
Bottom Row (L to R): Red comb, Halibut hook, Eagle rattle, bowls, Blue neck armor
By Preston Singletary, Tlingit
NW Museum of Art & Culture, Spokane