Taking advantage of a sunny Saturday, Tim and I headed north to Padilla Bay. He'd been looking forward to testing out his new bionic knee. We figured that as the Padilla Bay Shore Trail was labeled 'good for kids', we'd probably be okay.
     
   
     
On the way to Padilla Bay we saw the annual harbingers of Spring - Trumpeter Swans.
 
     
   
     
A Great Blue Heron huddled in the reeds at the edge of the dike.
 
     
   
     
And off we go,sharing the trail with many other walkers, runners and cyclists. The smoke from the oil refinery across the bay at March Point is visible on the right.
 
     
   
     

Planting patterns in adjacent farms were very eye-catching.
 

     
   
     

Small rafts of ducks bobbed in the water. These are Northern Pintails.
 

     
   
     
A very brisk, cold wind was blowing. I wished I'd worn my thicker coat.
 
     
   
     
Far across the fields we could see the Cascade Mountains peeking over the hills.
 
     
   
     
Here's the top of Mount Baker.
 
     
   
     
A large shape near the top of a distant tree turned out to be a Bald Eagle.
 
     
   
     
Tim is pretty pleased with himself. He hiked 3 miles on his 2 month old knee. Well done!
   
     
   
     
On the way home we watched many more swans arriving. It was a good day