Winter at Kobayashi Park, University Place, WA

A few days ago our family went for a walk in Kobayashi Park, University Place, WA.  It's down in the Chambers Creek Canyon where Leach Creek and Chambers Creek meet. The last time we visited there was back in Spring 2009. Back then we saw so much green!! The color was more brown the other day, but we found our surroundings to be quiet, peaceful, and beautiful nonetheless.  The sound of the rivers is lulling and refreshing.

After traveling the narrow lane down into Kobayashi Park, there is a small parking area to the left.  To the left of the parking area you'll see a bunch of bamboo.  If you walk through the pathway there, you'll get to Leach Creek. You can't go very far down the pathway by Leach Creek because it's not kept up.  Here are some pictures of Leach Creek.

 

  

If you go to the right of the parking area, you'll be able to see Chambers Creek and watch  Leach Creek flow into Chambers Creek.  There is a nice trail along Chambers Creek.  Here is the area where the two creeks meet. . .

Chambers Creek

Signs of Spring!

A Trail Going Up. . .

First-Day-of-Winter Nature Walk 2009

Our family goes for a nature walk on the first day of each new season. It's such a fun family tradition. It helps us be more aware of the beauty of the changing seasons and of the uniqueness of each season. Taking the time to focus on nature helps build our appreciation for and love of God's creation. I believe it can help increase our love for our Creator, and in creation we can see His love for us.

This past 21st of December for our first-day-of-winter nature walk we went for a walk at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, WA. When we are able to do so, my husband, children, and I really enjoy doing our first-day-of-the-season walks there. That park contains a rich diversity of nature, and going to the same park helps us document and see even more clearly how nature changes through the seasons, as well as from year to year. Do you remember how the weather was last year in 2008 on the first day of winter? I'm going to post some contrasting photos below. Enjoy!

Running into the Garry Oak Forest at Fort Steilacoom Park
First Day of Winter 2008


Waghop Lake at Fort Steilacoom Park
First Day of Winter 2008


Garry Oak Forest
First Day of Winter 2009


Waghop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park
First Day of Winter 2009
picture taken by windchime


Waghop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park
First Day of Winter 2009
picture taken by windchime


Ducks at Waghop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park
First Day of Winter 2009
picture taken by windchime


Waghop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park
First Day of Winter 2009
picture taken by windchime