![\"\"](\"http:\/\/mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com\/2010\/06\/wildblueflax.jpg\" "\\"wildblueflax\\"")
<\/a>In a field of weeds, where we parked the car to listen for those three species of birds were all these Wild Blue Flax. And yes, they can be used to make linen thread after a long process. I think I'd rather just admire the beautiful flowers and buy linen thread if I ever need it for a weaving project.<\/p><\/div>\n
The mountain passes near here have some really nice forest roads for strolling.\u00a0 The sounds and smells remind us of Glacier National Park, which is not a great surprise since this is the same basic ecosystem, just without the larger Brown bears.\u00a0 Black bears are thick around here, just no grizzlies.<\/p>\n
Speaking of Blackies, a very large one came down our driveway this morning and stopped in his\/her tracks when Terry screamed at it.\u00a0 Our ears are still ringing and she’s keeping a beady eye out the window in case the bear returns.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Tall spruce trees, larch, aspen, and fir provide a lot of habitat for birds.<\/p><\/div>\n
Thrushes sing up in these woods, and their ethereal haunting melodies are soothing to our ears and mental well-being.\u00a0 Strolling along, listening and looking for birds, and smelling the sweet clear cool air made for a very restoring walk.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Tucked in the shadows, a wild orchid called a Ladyslipper.<\/p><\/div>\n
Even slight changes in altitude around here gives a new variety of bird songs to listen to.\u00a0 Around our house we hear Varied Thrush in the early spring as they migrate through, but they don’t stick around.\u00a0 Up in the mountain pass, we hear Hermit Thrush, Varied Thrush, and Swainson’s Thrushs, all singing.\u00a0 Winter Wrens add their liquid warble to the mix.\u00a0 It is just an amazing collection of sounds.<\/p>\n
<\/a>A break in the trees shows the surrounding hills and treetops.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>A steep drop off does provide a nice view.<\/p><\/div>\n
Closer to view are rocks, and trees and more flowers, including a new one we hadn’t seen on our own property, probably because the plant requires more moisture than we have.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Ballhead Waterleaf. What an appropriate name. This little flower seemed to be quite popular with bees, and I assume it would also be popular with hummingbirds.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>One of the many small seasonal waterfalls next to the trail we were on.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Small waterfalls provide perfect habitat for Stream Violets, like this one.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Moss and grass, and some tiny flowers, all growing on a granite outcrop.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Sunshine illuminating golden moss on a downed log. The moss almost glowed.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Another sunbeam falling on a feathery pale green Larch branch. Their soft needles are such a beautiful green color and they turn golden in the fall, before falling to carpet the ground. An odd conifer, to be sure.<\/p><\/div>\n