Fidalgo Island Crossings

This weekend finally brought a break in the thick and persistent fog that has characterized our weather for more than a week.  A bit of sunshine today provides the opportunity to photograph the fruit-bearing Pacific Madrona in my yard.  The so-called "Strawberry Tree" continues to amaze me.  The fruits are arranged in clusters like grapes and are the size of large peas.  The surface is slightly rough, similar to orange peal.  Right-click the next photo to enlarge it and you'll see what I mean. The color of the fruits is becoming more red as the days pass.  I have seen images on the net that show them a deep red color.  I am curious to see how far and for how long this will progress on my tree. A Rose by Any Other Name... I received some comments in a previous post  about the tree's name.  I have read they are called Arbutus in Canada, Madrones in California and Madronas in Washington and Oregon.  Apparently it is not that ...

Well, not really nowhere, but early on a foggy morning, you might get that impression.  This is the Deception Pass Bridge and it takes us to some very important places, including several sites in Deception Pass State Park . I have discovered that I enjoy taking photographs in the fog.  Ordinary things take on a different look that can be interesting.  Also fog, like snow, is a weather event that can be photographed.  It is not possible to photograph wind.  Only the effects of the wind can be shown in a picture.  I have not found a good way to photograph rain, but I'll keep trying. We have had several days now that have started with thick fog like this.  Then by afternoon, it clears away giving us sunshine, only to return again after nightfall.  October is often our foggiest month. On a Saturday morning, you will find Pacific Northwesterners playing outdoors, regardless of the weather.  This is Deception Pass from North Bea...

Last month, I posted some photos of my fruiting Madrona Tree .  As I mentioned then, this is the first time I have seen this happen.  I have no idea how this will progress.  It has now been about three weeks and the berries have swollen a bit.  The clusters now sport a bright orange color making the tree look decorated for Halloween.  In the morning sun, this Madrona really stands out from the crowd right now.  In this group that lines my driveway, it is the only one bearing fruit. The berries resemble clusters of small, orange grapes.  This morning, the branches were alive with chickadees, perhaps two dozen in number.  They did not seem interested in the fruits.  Instead, they come for the insects and spiders that make their home in the tree. Elsewhere in the Garden Meanwhile, my Japanese Stewartia (S. pseudocamelia) has also taken on its autumn attire.  As fall progresses, the leaves will become more burgundy colored....