Mile 4

One of those days.

A child crying over math,

Two children acting as though their sole enjoyment comes from teasing,

Another who is entertaining himself through reading lessons by pretending not to know the words,

And one cat who decided her litter box was not as desirable as the small space between the furnace and the wall.

Did you know that walking together on a quiet path can be very therapeutic?



We didn't have much time, so we chose the Jackson-Frazier Wetlands. A gem of a place hidden inside Corvallis.


Earlier in the day, I had promised ice-cream if all of the water-fight-balloons were picked up off the lawn (giving me a quiet moment inside). Here we are pausing at the trial-head to enjoy them.

Ollie is feeling particularly ready for adventure.

Weaving through the mile or so of boardwalk was indeed therapeutic even amid the boys who were melting in the extreme heat of 80F and the girl who certainly did not feel ready to walk over a mile on her own. (this time she did make it)

There were plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the abundant wildlife on this trial. The birds, dragonflies, a field of butterflies and of course the cellphone birds (redwinged blackbirds) in the "Cellphone Marsh." The wildflowers are also in bloom and the path is lined with pink, blue and yellow gems.

It is a nice time of year there. The kids can balance on the edge without the fear of falling in the water (the wetlands are mostly dry right now). However, it is harder to see the beaver marks on the trees because of the lush green groundcover.

It was a great walk. We had to make the loop twice in order to be sure we walked over a mile. I breathed, remembered what was important, and went on with the day.

Lils leading the way

A view over the grass

50 miles!

Not quite sure she can make it

Jake's robin egg 

just what I needed.

About the trail: 

The Jackson-Frasier Wetland is located off of Conifer Blvd. If you are coming towards Corvallis, turn right on Lancaster (there is a brown sign marking the way). The parking area is at the end of the road. The entire trail is made up up of a raised boardwalk path and is around 2/3 of a mile. 

Take time to read the signs for a great education on the history of the local Native Americans, the importance of the wetlands, and an overview of the birds and flowers which call the wetland "home." Listen to the intriguing sounds of the Redwing Blackbirds and keep your eyes out for the quieter birds. The smells are also something to notice. Mint of some variety was strong in the air today. 

One more thing: Do not walk this trail only once. Try it out on a misty morning, in the fall...the summer...the spring. Go for a frosty walk in the winter. It is short enough and probably takes only 20 min. The changes from season to season are incredible.