Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Little Cranberry Lake

Between Deception Pass State Park, Sharpe Park, and Anacortes's parks and forests, Fidalgo Island never fails to be an excellent area for winter hiking. This weekend, I visited the Little Cranberry Lake area of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. As is the case elsewhere in the ACFL, there are many trails to choose from, and I had fun puzzling out a route that looked like it would take me by the area's best lakes and ponds. I was impressed by the abundant lake and wetland views throughout my hike; they were well worth the sometimes-rough trail conditions around Little Cranberry Lake.

First, a Pacific madrone or madrona (Arbutus menziesii) at Little Cranberry Lake. F/16.

Next, two images from another vantage point on Little Cranberry Lake, looking across the lake to a marsh and some interesting pine trees. I think the first is my favorite of the two; in the second, the background trees are smaller in the frame, and the wider depth of field cost a bit of detail quality. F/16 and F/18.

 

Finally, an interesting view over one of the beaver ponds (I can't remember which one). Given the way temperatures have warmed back up this past week, I was surprised to see ice still on the water's surface. F/14.

All for now. I've been seeing a few Indian plum flowers here and there, and at least one salmonberry flower beginning to open. Spring is my favorite season, and it's almost here! Stay tuned!

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