Solitary students walks the levee toward the bridge
Terri Webster Schrandt

Sunday Stills: Take a #Walk on the Wild Side in a #Park

Did you know March 30 is National Take a Walk in the Park Day? No matter where you live, walking in a local park or hiking in a state or national park is good for your health and well-being.

Walking dogs on a trail

The first part of this post is dedicated to walking in various parks and will end with a quick look back at the month of March.

Wild Walks in State Parks

I am blessed to live 5 miles from Riverside State Park in Eastern Washington. Riverside State Park meanders along Lake Spokane and the Spokane River. The Centennial Trail Spokane begins near Nine Mile Falls and continues 40 miles to the Idaho border near Coeur d’Alene.

walking in sunflowers
Hubby caught me in the wild sunflowers. Notice the river.

Sometimes, one can find something wild on the trail, such as wildflowers (grass widow) beginning to bloom in spring…

Purple Autumn Crocus

…or, Mr Moose out for a stroll.

Moose on the trail
Moose on the Trail

Several attractions are within a few miles, including Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. This was the first visit for my oldest daughter when she arrived during Thanksgiving in 2023.

Riverfront Park
Family walking in Riverfront Park, Spokane

The Bowl and Pitcher is a must-see attraction with easy-to-moderate hiking trails and camping. We like to bring anyone who visits us to this area.

Bowl and Pitcher Suspension bridge
Marsha walking the bridge in Sept 2022
Bowl and Pitcher
A recent wild elephant sighting at the Bowl and Pitcher 😉

The Centennial Trail follows the path of the Spokane River. There are always those who blaze their own trail.

Paddling downriver
Stand-Up Paddlers

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

Around our property, wild deer hang out free of stress.

wild deer

My Own March Madness

After we returned from our six-week stay in Arizona and San Diego, we realized how much we miss being close to our kids and grandkids, most of whom live in San Diego. Other family members live in the Scottsdale area (my brother, Dad, and stepdaughter), not to mention several blogger friends near Phoenix!

Bull Elk
Elk on Streets of Payson, AZ

I haven’t shared this yet, but in mid-February, we got a “wild hair” and began to look for vacation homes in Arizona, primarily focusing on Northern Arizona, like Prescott and Payson, where the temperatures are much cooler on average. We found a small house we liked in Payson, where the elk roam free (hence the image), made an offer, and then got mired in paperwork. To avoid risking copyright infringement, I didn’t include an actual image of the house.

small house
AI-generated version of home we considered

Hans flew to Phoenix to consult with the inspector on March 3. Sadly, the house needed a lot more repairs than we liked, so we were able to back out of the deal. Buying this home and spending $$ to fix it would put us at the top of our budget and comfort zone. This idea is on hold for now. Note that I am NOT ready to leave Washington just yet.

We’ve been working on various projects on our current home, and our local contractor finally scheduled us to build our front porch. They work fast, and this was done on Friday. Soon, Hans will build a small porch deck with a railing to complete the look.

front porch roof

Meanwhile, March weather came in like a lamb, but a wild lion suddenly roared mid-way through the month with winds and rainfall. And just like that, on March 26, our temperature in Eastern Washington broke a record set in 1881 at 75F (23C), which allowed wildflowers to suddenly appear.

wildflowers
Tiny Spring Draba

By the time you read this, it is expected to rain again.

“Spring is a whimsical wanderer, blooming beauty along her path.” – Angie Wyland-Crosby

Sharing for Dawn’s Spring Festival, Jo’s Monday Walk, Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday, and Lens-Artists: Wild.

flower border

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Reminders

The Sunday Stills weekly-themed photo challenge is easy to join. You have all week to share and link your post. Please use your own original images, whether new or from your archives.

  • Remember to title your blog post a little differently than mine.
  • Please create a new post for the theme or link a recent one.
  • Entries for this theme can be posted all week.
  • Tag your post “Sunday Stills.”
  • Don’t forget to create a pingback to this post so that other participants can read your post.
  • I also recommend adding your post’s URL to the comments.

I can’t wait to see how you interpret this week’s theme! Creativity is encouraged, so please share your own photographs (old or new), poems, original short stories, and music inspired by the theme. Join me next week as we explore gardens and flowers (yes, again).

Please visit my Sunday Stills page for April challenges.

In wildness lies the hope of the world. John Muir
graphic

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116 comments

  2. fun post and I thought that was marsha before I read her name in the caption
    I did not know 3/30 was walk in the park day – and your post showed some great nature diversity and fun wild things – like the elk from AZ – very cool

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  7. Every day is ‘National Walking Day’ for me, Terri. I ensure I go out and walk for at least 30 minutes daily to reach my goal of 10,000 steps. I know I walk the dogs, but Toby is getting so slow as he ages, so our walks are interrupted by many stops. I should use the nearby local gardens, but I tend to stick to the same walking route. It inspires ideas for my writing. I have tried other routes, but the inspiration doesn’t come.

    It’s good to hear you are looking for a second home to be nearer to your family. We have a second home near family and enjoy visiting, although our main house is just far enough away not to have to see them daily (if you get what I mean). They visit, but usually just for a day, as the drive is only about an hour.

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    • Walking is so good for our bodies and minds, isn’t it Hugh? Perhaps you can place Toby in a dog stroller? Aero enjoyed riding along on our walks. And I love walking for generating blog ideas!
      I didn’t know you have a second home! If we can swing it we’d like to go that route. And yes I get what you mean 🤣 In the meantime we’ll continue to visit a couple of times a year.

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  8. To be able to have wlaks in such wonderful wildlife so close by is heaven, Terri. We’re going through a warm spell with no rain (unheard of!) for weeks now… I’m starting to wonder if this is our very early summer 🙂

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    • I never get tired of walking, even in our neighborhood, Sofia. I’ve managed to meet most of the neighbors along the street that connects to ours. Most of these folks live on 5-10 acre lots, so it’s always interesting to see their properties. Hoping you get some rain!!

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  9. Such an interesting post, Terri. I had no idea that March 30th was National walk in the park Day. I’m sure I walked. Just not in a park.
    I hope you get the house you’re looking for in AZ. The porch looks lovely.
    And all the views around the place you hike are beautiful. Good to see Marsha, too 😊

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  10. Terri,

    I didn’t know it was National Walk in the ark Day, but I did it anyway in a local park that meanders along the Tennessee River. We returned home to beautiful spring weather filled with blooming trees and flowers. I love your pictures. Your hubby had a great find in the wild sunflowers! Joe

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  11. How wonderful to have so many beautiful parks to visit Terri. Nature is the best tonic for our souls. I love that you’re contemplating a little vacay home. Good you did all your homework and were able to get out of the deal. The universe always brings us where we need to be. Perhaps that just wasn’t the house for you. 🙂 Something else will come along. ❤

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  12. March is the time of year when my husband and I start thinking about moving too. Lol. But we think about heading north into the mountains, Teri. But I know soon that spring and summer will be here in all their glory. I do get how family and friends make you want to be near. Thanks for sharing your parks. I missed Take a Walk in a Park Day, but will catch up!

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    • How funny, Diana! We love living where we are now. I always wanted to live among the pine tree forests and mountains. If we can find the right place at 5000 ft elevation in Arizona, that will be our preference. Hopefully you can get out and walk this week!

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      • 🙂 Home prices have started dropping. Probably good you didn’t get the one you looked at because they’re likely to plummet. Keep your eyes open and I’m certain you’ll find something.

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  15. I’m sorry the house deal didn’t materialize but glad Hans was able to look at the property and determine that the amount of work required to get the little cottage in shape would have stretched your budget. It wasn’t the right house for you and the perfect one will come along. I would think as we near summer, there will be more properties on the market. Things are beginning to go up for sale and rent here as the school year winds down.

    Love that the deer can be stress free around your property in Washington. And that Arizona elk looks pretty ‘chill’ meandering down the streets in Payson.

    I understand wanting to have a place nearer family. One daughter is here in El Paso with us but the other is waaaaaay across Texas in Ft. Worth. I don’t see her nearly enough. And my brother, sister, and PC’s family live in KY, TN, OH. We could easily spend all our vacation time and funds just trying to see family each year. And often do.

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    • Thank you, Leslie. We believe it all worked out for the best now. But traveling through 3-4 states does take 3 full driving days, which is fine for now. We travel with our dog who would be too stressed to stay in a kennel for very long. El Paso to Ft Worth is a loongg drive…I’ve done it! Funny how us retired folks have the time to travel but not always the funds. The opposite is true for our kids. I appreciate your comments!

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  17. I’m sorry that your house purchase didn’t work out, but it sounds like it was for the best… for now. We’ve talked about buying a small vacation home somewhere from time to time, but we realize that it’s probably better and cheaper to just get a short-term rental when we need it. That way the upkeep is someone else’s problem, and we can sample different areas without the commitment.

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    • Thank you, Janis! Your idea makes perfect sense. There is a LOT that went into our decision, one of which is to eventually move full-time into the home. Now, when we drive to AZ from WA, we pack (or overpack) the car with the dog, Hans’ tools, the kitchen sink, etc. Then as we stay with various family members we have to pack, unpack, figure out where in their homes our stuff can fit… well, you get the picture. Having something would give us a home base. For now the plans are on hold but we’re open to the right opportunity. It’s also cheaper to fly out of Phoenix for other travel than out of Spokane.

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  18. Lots of wildness here, Terri. Sure wish you could use a great townhome in Prescott. Brody would love the walks in the wild areas of Tanglewood Hills, but he’d miss his yard. I like your porch. What is next on the building to-do-list? BTW, I notice that I’m famous this week. I feel honored.

    Funny thought, I saw the picture of your deer and I wondered for a second what it was because it was lying down, or at least the legs were cut off in the picture. I thought for a second, “There really are jackalopes.” On that note, I’ll say bye bye for now. Lots of love

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    • Thanks, Marsha! I love where your townhome is situated, but yes we need a yard. I’m glad you liked the shoutout, I need more people-walking pictures! We have a small herd of deer, mostly does of varying ages that roam around our area. The one doe is tame and she likes to hang out. I think my neighbor named her Dusty. She can be Dusty the Jackalope 😀
      So, yeah, our contractor is installing a water hydrant line to the south part of our property today so we can water trees on that side with a timer. Then Hans has to build a small porch deck to fit under the new roof overhang. We’ll chat soon!

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  31. I am so sorry the Northern AZ house did not work out but something will come along.
    That Elk was fabulous!
    And your new porch is wonderful.
    I will be linking up to your post on Tuesday!
    Have a wonderful week my friend!

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  32. Terri, the wildlife around your area is stunning. What a joy to see animals roaming safely and freely and also enjoy wildflowers and rivers. Wonderful post! I hope you find the home you guys want in AZ.

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    • Thank you, Debbie! We enjoy living so close to trails and the state park. The state of Arizona has amazing parks and national parks. If we decide to stay there part time or move there full time one day, we’ll have plenty to do and see.

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  37. Terri, you and I sure agree on how to enjoy a good walk, by ambling through a beautiful park. Your pictures from other seasons make me hopeful that even though Spring has officially sprung, that the weather will finally settle down and we’ll get off this rollercoaster ride we’ve been on.

    Today, it’s 66 degrees as I write this and I sit, trying to cross my fingers for luck while typing because any sun this afternoon will increase our severe weather threat for this evening. I’m not liking what I see in other states as this storm inches closer to Michigan. And we have another severe storm on Wednesday night! Plus, we have snow flurries tomorrow. It. Makes. No. Sense.

    I like this quote the best of your quotes today:

    “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

    It’s very true. So, here is my post, hot off the press, about my favorite venue for walking, but with a sad twist.

    When the expression “It’s No Walk in the Park” …

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      • Hi Terri – I’m sorry, I’m bopping between here and watching the weather reports and getting back here now. I wish we were having plain ol’ rain – it would make me happy. These high winds of 70-80 mph we’re getting are worrisome. Then we need to deal with Wednesday’s weather. Sigh.

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      • Yes, it was intense for awhile and I think it is over for now, but there was a bow echo/MCS (mesoscale convective system) which means nothing to me, however, that caused a reduction here in my area. We got to 63 mph and Ann Arbor at 65 mph, however in Jackson, (different county) they had 96 mph winds. My NOAA weather radio has gone from red (warning) to yellow watch, so I’m not going to assume we’re totally out of the woods yet. Yikes – another year gone from my life from worry!

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  42. I didn’t know there were elks walking on the streets in Arizona, Terri. It’s a good idea to walk in the park today especially since there sun is out here. I’m with you about the March weather. Oh, I didn’t know you were considering buying a house in Arizona, but good to hear you would stay in Washington in the meantime. Have a wonderful Sunday.

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  47. A perfect post for our challenge this week Terri. Sorry the purchase didn’t work out but that means it wasn’t meant to be and you will find the perfect fit at the right time. In the meanwhile happy to see you are exiting winter and hopefully your spring will be glorious!!

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  48. Lovely photos, Terri! I’m glad that you guys could back out of the deal on that home. Prescott is a beautiful place based on what I’ve read and photos, a good choice.

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  50. We just got back to North Dakota on Friday, it’s 30 degrees here with little chance for warm up and strong winds forecast for the afternoon. I’ll wait until next week to take a walk in the park. >grin<

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    • Thank you, Anne. We’re hoping for a vacation home there for now. Family could also use it to get out of the desert heat. We’re not ready to leave Spokane yet but perhaps in a few years we can sell this and make a permanent move. We feel blessed to have options.

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