As a wordsmith, you may be surprised to hear that I love round numbers. The numbers I love the most are milestones that we hit from hard work and a sincere passion for delivering positive stories to our community.
Today WhatcomTalk published our 1,000th article. For the past three years, we have been writing, publishing, and sharing positive stories about what it’s like to live, work, and play in Whatcom County. And as we look toward the future, the path is just as bright as it was when we launched.
Our team includes 15 local people that are dedicated to WhatcomTalk’s mission. Our writers live, work, and play in Whatcom County so we’re able to deliver the stories that matter most to you, our readers. (And if you have a story about a person, business, or organization making a difference in the community, drop us a note at submit@whatcomtalk.com.)
Thank you for being a part of WhatcomTalk, turning 999 into 1,000.
WhatcomTalk is a digital media company sharing positive stories about people, places and businesses in Whatcom County. WhatcomTalk offers content marketing and online options to advertise across our community social network in Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale and beyond. Advertise with WhatcomTalk to reach your target market, grow your brand, and measure results.
Nothing says Happy Holidays quite like a gingerbread house.
Designing and building an award-winning gingerbread house combines the skills of baker, architect and visionary. For a family-designed gingerbread house, it takes many hands—both adult and child-size to construct the dream home. During this season of sugar plum fairies and other food-related enchantment, it’s the perfect time to blend spices and flour to create a cookie palace. And what better way to honor this annual confectionery tradition than by participating in the Port of Bellinham Gingerbread House Contest?
Daniele O’Connell and team mate Darcy Walters were proud winners of the 2015 gingerbread house contest. Photo credit: Darcy Walters.
The 21st annual Holiday Port Gingerbread House Contest hosted by the Port of Bellingham brings together sugar plum dreamers, gingerbread architects and bakers into one place—the Bellingham Cruise Terminal (355 Harris Avenue). The contest will be held on December 2 – 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Armed with this year’s theme, “Northwest Adventure,” contestants ranging from under five years old to sixty-five years old compete for prizes in 16 categories.
The O’Connell Team won First Prize for the Family category during the 2015 contest. Daniele, her husband Shane, her two boys, Alex (11) and Ryan (6), and friends Darcy and Colin Walters constructed Snoopy’s Merry Christmas to embody the contest theme of “Home Sweet Home.”
The O’Connell team possesses a creative genius with edible structures. The team has taken home prizes three years in a row.
“That was the third year we entered the gingerbread house contest,” Daniele O’Connell recalls of the team’s Snoopy masterpiece. “The first year we won third place in the Family Category, the second year we placed second and in 2015, we placed first.”
Snoopy’s Merry Christmas grabbed First Place for the Family Category in 2015. Photo credit: Darcy Walters.
While the team didn’t rely on sketches for their design, they chose a combination of improvisation and meticulous planning. “It evolves as we are working on it,” Daniele describes of the award-winning team’s process. “We have an idea and a list of materials and we just start building. We use the internet to help build the characters so they are recognizable.”
They arrived at the Snoopy Christmas theme and then used their collective imagination from there. “We start about a month before, brainstorming ideas and thinking about the materials we need to buy,” O’Connell says. “I usually start scouring Deals Only and Grocery Outlet for candy and decorations.”
Gingerbread House competitors head to the grocery stores and outlets to stock up on ginger, flour and an assortment of candies. The O’Connell team was no exception. O’Connell says that last year’s dream home took “literally tons of sugar, meringue powder, Rice Crispy, marshmallows, fondant, coconut, ginger, grahams, red licorice, candy, candy and candy! My house smelled like a Christmas wonderland when we were in the process of making that creation.”
Tons of flour, Rice Crispies, fondant and sugar went into the construction of this winning house. Photo credit: Darcy Walters.
As with constructing any home, big or small, one can expect mishaps to occur. The O’Connell’s near-disaster began in their kitchen. “We began building this huge wreath on the backside of Snoopy’s house and quickly realized it was too heavy for the structure,” O’Connell says. “We tried to reinforce it, but when I got up the next day that part of the house had fallen onto the floor of my kitchen. Since the houses were due at the port the next day I spent half my day rebuilding and repairing – with a much smaller and lighter wreath!”
Next came transportation which was half the fun. The family loaded the fragile structure into their van. “It’s probably the most stressful part of the process, getting it safely and in one piece to the port,” O’Connell reminisces. “The worst part of the drive is the bumpy old cobblestone street leading to the ferry terminal.”
Colin Walters and Alex O’Connell inspect their work. Photo credit: Darcy Walters.
The O’Connell Team successfully arrived at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal and their gingerbread house took up residence among blocks of gingerbread castles, barns, cottages, mansions, trains and chocolate factories. The rest is history.
While the O’Connell Team is sitting out this year’s contest, O’Connell reminds the contestants to have fun. The popular annual event draws 100 gingerbread house contestants and offers eye-candy for local photographers and foodies alike. It’s another quirky and fun event offered in the City of Subdued Excitement during the darkest days of the year.
The Holiday Port Gingerbread House Contest is part of the Port’s Holiday Festival which begins on Friday, December 2 and runs from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Sunday, November 4. Other activities include performances by local choirs, bands and dance troupes. In addition, the good folks at the port host tours of the Alaska Ferry, horse-drawn wagon rides, art activities for children and a visit from Santa Claus.
Daniele O’Connell proudly displays her team’s gingerbread house at the competition. Photo credit: Darcy Walters.
On Sunday, the port hosts a silent auction of the edible structures with proceeds donated to the Home Port Learning Center, an alternative school for at-risk youth of Whatcom County.
Rocky areas are the Pika's preferred home. Photo credit: Sue Dabney.
It’s coming. Short days will grow shorter. Cold, wet weather will grow colder and wetter. We’ll cling with mittened hands to our coffee cups and wait for another bitter winter to end. Bellingham is wonderful, but its winter months are less than glamorous. However, it doesn’t have to be a time to stay inside and wistfully relive the sunny summer moments. There’s plenty to do if you’re not afraid of a little pacific northwest rain. So grab your gore-tex, slap on your rain boots and get out there. Here are five ways to get outside and get moving this winter.
Members of the Senior Trailblazers take in a breathtaking view at the top of the Burnout Trail in the Chuckanuts. Photo credit: Sue Dabney.
Skiing, Boarding and Snowshoeing
Much of Bellingham has been stalking the Mount Baker snow report in eager anticipation of its 2016 opening. For many Whatcom County residents, hitting the slopes is a no-brainer. But downhill skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only ways to enjoy our stunning mountain this winter.
Along with its eight chair lifts, Mount Baker boasts an entire network of trails perfect for cross country skiing. Take a break from the adrenaline of the slopes and take in all of Mount Baker’s alpine beauty while getting an aerobic workout. If the cost of downhill skiing has been holding you back, cross country skiing is an ideal and less pricey alternative.
Ascencio-Hall shows off two lingcod in Bellingham Bay. Photo Credit: Danny Ascencio-Hall.
Snowshoeing is another option for those looking to explore the mountain from a new angle. Most places that rent skis will also have snowshoes available to rent. Find your favorite summertime hikes and explore them in the snow.
Fishing
The sun may stop shining, but the fish don’t stop swimming. Local fish enthusiast Danny Ascencio-Hall says that there are plenty of advantages to fishing in the colder months of the year. “There are a lot fewer people on the water, so you don’t really have to compete,” he says. Always check the forecast for dangerous conditions, but don’t be stopped by a cloudy day, because it might increase your luck.
During the winter, crabbing is open seven days a week. Stay up to date on additional licenses and restrictions. Photo Credit: Danny Ascencio-Hall.
“Check your local licenses before heading out,” advises Ascencio-Hall. “Fishing regulations change frequently and are different in every region.” If you don’t have a boat, don’t worry. All you need is a shovel and some rubber boots to access some of the best clamming in the area. “This time of year there’s no red tide to worry about, so it’s really the best time for clamming,” Ascencio-Hall points out. If you can’t get enough of shellfishing, you’re in luck, because this time of year crabbing is permitted seven days a week. “If you’re crabbing in the winter, deeper is a little bit better,” Ascencio-Hall suggests, “Everything else is cleaned out early in the season and in the summer.”
Bird Watching
Step outside of the chaos for a moment this winter and take some time to listen for the birds. Bird watching is an opportunity to better appreciate and understand our unique pacific northwest environment and the creatures that inhabit it. “Birding connects me with the whole world,” says local birder Sue Wu. “It opens my world and makes me consider my role in my environment.”
Bird watching is a fun and calming winter past time. Photo credit: Jodi Broughton.
Of course, winter months bring unique and exciting opportunities to local bird watchers. “A lot of migratory birds like Snow Geese and Trumpeter Swans come our way a little later in the winter, in January,” Wu says. “It’s also easier to see hawks this time of year.”
Wu recommends open areas like Padilla Bay or Tennant Lake as winter birding locations. “Walk in the open, but look toward the forest,” she suggests. It is typically helpful to do some research before heading out so you know what you’re looking for. If you don’t have a guidebook on hand, the Audubon bird guide is an excellent resource.
Mountain Biking
Biking is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise all year round.
For personal trainer and biking coach Nicola Mann, Bellingham is a mountain biker’s paradise. “There’s really easy access close to town,” she raves. “You can literally ride from your house to any of the main biking trails.” There’s no reason to hang up your bike when the weather turns. As long as you prepare properly, according to Mann, you can keep moving all year. “You definitely have to be prepared for some pretty wet conditions,” Mann says. “It’s a good idea to bring extra gloves in your pack and to wear wool socks.” It may be wet, but the trails are no worse for wear during the winter. “The trails here are really well built and well maintained,” Mann notes, “We have a really good community of trail builders. WNBC is a big one. They make sure there’s good drainage, even in the winter.”
Senior Trailblazers head back from a snowy hike near Hermann Saddle. Photo Credit: Sue Dabney.
For Mann, winter is when it is most important to get outside. Amidst the dullness of winter, a day on the trails can be a much needed breath of fresh air. “When the rest of the day feels really gray, you can go to the trails and be surrounded by so much color and beauty. It’s really healthy to get out and explore.”
Local bike shops have weekly rides for people who are new to mountain biking. “There are a lot of opportunities to be coached in groups and in clinics,” Mann says. “We have tons of mountain biking resources here that people should take advantage of.”
Hiking
Bellingham’s trails offer a wide range of hiking experiences for all ages and abilities all year long. Avid Bellingham hiker Sue Dabney is grateful for the versatility and accessibility of local trails. “It’s all beautiful and all within a day’s drive,” she says. Dabney explores the trails every Thursday with the Senior Trailblazers, a hiking group for Bellinghamsters age 50 and older. “It’s a really inclusive group,” Dabney says. “Everybody is welcome. All you have to do is contact the senior activity center if you’re interested.” The group meets on Thursdays all year, rain or shine, for 5-10 mile hikes of varying difficulty.
Senior Trailblazers explore Lake Ann in the Mount Baker area. Photo credit: Sue Dabney.
“Hiking is a gift any time of year,” Dabney says, in the spirit of her group, “It’s colder and wetter in the winter but it’s also beautiful. Things look different in the winter. You don’t see it the same as you do in the summer.”
Julia Moss from Allied Arts gives a behind the scenes look at all that goes into the Holiday Festival of the Arts. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.
The Holiday Festival of the Arts is now in full swing at the Cordata Place Shopping Center. For Julia Moss, Assistant Manager at Allied Arts, it’s an exciting time. She finally gets to meet the new artists she has been emailing back and forth with and reconnect with returning artists and friends from prior seasons.
While the holiday festival kicks off towards the end of November and continues through Christmas Eve, it’s really the finale for a process that began all the way back in February. Applications go out early in the year. Then artists begin sending their completed applications back to Allied Arts with slides or photos of their booth, handmade products and price points for their work. In April, the artists’ work is judged and participants are selected.
Julia Moss, recent graduate from Western Washington University and Assistant Manager at Allied Arts, feels appreciative to work in an environment that connects both community and artists. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.
“We always have a good number of returning and new artists every year,” Moss shares. “We like to have a good mix of painters, fiber artists, soap makers and food vendors. We try to have something there for everyone.”
In addition to working out which artists will be attending the show, staff members also correspond with the musicians who will be performing live on the weekends. A schedule is worked out and a piano is even donated for the duration of the event.
With around 100 booths and artists contributing their hand made work, there is a lot to see and enjoy at Allied Arts’ Holiday Festival of the Arts. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.
In addition to live music, weekends at the festival also include a free, drop-in kids’ crafting room from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Here Allied Arts-connected art teachers provide a fun crafting lesson. Parents can feel free to peruse the festival while their children hand craft ornaments or engage in other projects. Kids can look forward to papermaking, beading, print making and origami. There’s even a magical box making activity on Sunday, December 18.
With around 100 booths and artists contributing their work, there is a lot to see and enjoy. Think festive decorations, paintings, fiber art, wood working, handmade soaps and even food. “We have a fair amount of ornaments and holiday themed items as well as functional things,” Moss shares. “We also have a lot of cards and wearable art, like jewelry and earrings.” Here you will find one-of-a-kind presents for the whole family, ornaments for your tree, delicious holiday treats and plenty of stocking stuffers.
Come enjoy a plethora of beautiful things at Allied Arts’ Holiday Festival of the Arts. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.
Prior to opening, the Holiday Festival of the Arts team thoughtfully works out artist placement, draws out a floor plan and sets up the building. Hand created items for sale are priced complete with bar codes that can be scanned for ease at check out. Staff are scheduled to work as cashiers. The artists work three-hour security shifts to keep an eye on things while the booths themselves remain unstaffed.
Moss’s role in the festival is that of Onsite Assistant Manager. She works as a go-between for the artists, staff members and performers. She also opens the festival in the morning, helps answer participant questions and contributes to restocking when any display items are sold. It’s a time of year she genuinely enjoys. Working so closely with artists cultivates bonds and friendships. She also enjoys seeing the artists’ work going into appreciative hands. “We love our artists and we love people who love art,” Moss shares.
Julia Moss from Allied Arts gives a behind the scenes look at all that goes into the Holiday Festival of the Arts. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.
When the festival ends at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the work doesn’t stop. For Allied Arts, the next step is looking over feedback forms. “It’s important to us to see who we are drawing and what we’re reflecting,” Moss explains. Summaries also have to be written which are important for grants. Being a non-profit, grant work is vital. For Moss, moving from intern to an assistant manager position was made possible because of a grant. Although grants aren’t the only influencing financial factor. Donations can dramatically impact operations as well.
The Holiday Festival of the Arts is easy to find at the Cordata Place Shopping Center. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.
Being an Art History and Cultural Anthropology double major graduate from Western Washington University, Moss feels appreciative to work in an environment that connects artists and the community. “I feel so lucky,” Moss shares. “It’s exactly where I want to be in Bellingham.”
Allied Arts’ 37th Festival of the Arts is open now through December 24. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The festival will close at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The festival is located at 4145 Meridian Street, at the Cordata Place Shopping Center next to the Burlington Coat Factory.
The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce will be presenting awards to the Small Business and Large Business of the Year at the Annual Awards Dinner on December 1.
With over 300 in attendance, this event boasts as one of the largest awards events north of Seattle, carrying a lot of recognition and admiration for the recipients.
Supportive members stand to cheer on an award winner. Photo courtesy: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.
Each year, beginning in July, Chamber and community members are invited to submit their nominations for Small and Large Business of the Year.
Their nominations include those businesses that meet the following criteria including company management, community service and contribution exceeding the scope of the company’s mission, economic stability, ethics and integrity, growth of the company, new jobs created in the community, and upward mobility for employees. Companies considered will be those who put resources and energy back into Bellingham and Whatcom County.
A committee of Chamber members is then assembled specifically to review the submissions, gather information and determine the top four finalists for the Small and Large Business categories. After the four in each category are chosen, the committee members then interview each of the finalists before making their final selection which is announced at the Annual Awards Dinner.
The 2015 Annual Awards winners included bottom row – Lauren Branch, BioLife Plasma Services; Leena Kirschman, Caliber Home Loans; Emily Rose Mowrey, Limitless Law; Radley Muller, Radley Muller Photography, top row – Mike Hammes, RAM Construction; Darrell Hillaire. Photo credit: Radley Muller Photography.
Business size is based on number of employees with Small Business being defined as 20 employees or fewer and Large Business being more than 20 employees.
Excitement is already in the air as the big event approaches. The impact on the business community as well as the individual businesses chosen is meaningful as they have been recognized by their peers in the community.
The Annual Awards Dinner will be December 1 at the Silver Reef Hotel and Casino from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Additional awards being recognized that evening include: Man and Woman of the Year, CEO of the Year, Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Nonprofit Organization and Green Business of the Year.
As a financial advisor at Waddell & Reed, Nicole Burdick is committed to working with people to make their lives easier. Photo courtesy: Nicole Burdick.
Nicole Burdick recalls one of her first memories of creating organization for someone else. “I remember playing hide and seek at a friend’s house and hiding in the closet. I rearranged her closet while I was waiting to be found by the other kids.”
At the young age of 10, Nicole had already established herself as a person who knew that she could help others lessen the stress of their lives by simply making things just a little bit easier through her passion for organizing.
As a financial advisor at Waddell & Reed, Nicole Burdick is committed to working with people to make their lives easier. Photo courtesy: Nicole Burdick.
“It’s something about that fresh perspective,” says Nicole of working with people needing organizational assistance. “I see the hard choices that have to be made.”
Nicole’s youthful reorganizing skills blossomed into Simplified Space, a business around organizing for people based on their needs. While the business no longer exists, the experiences have propelled her forward.
Nicole, now a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed, has always been committed to making people’s lives easier and better and helping them to see a fresh perspective.
Growing up in a budget-conscious family, Nicole knows the importance of planning and what kinds of choices need to be made in order to achieve her goals both professionally and financially.
“If I wanted something, I figured out how to get it,” she says as she recalls picking up jobs such as dog sitting, nannying, and coaching gymnastics at the age of 13.
This entrepreneurial spirit came out of a necessity to plan, organize and make choices and has helped her throughout her career and life in working to meet the needs of others. Nicole says she’s learned to pick up on those clues when working with clients.
“It’s about quality not quantity,” says Nicole about making life choices. Photo courtesy: Nicole Burdick.
She recalls her family being very connected to the community. They knew the people in the town and liked connecting with them. Dinner time often meant discussing the day and who in the community they had seen.
Nicole enjoys building those same relationships today in Bellingham. She loves connecting – connecting with people and connecting people to people.
“I’m always interested in what resources are out there to help the people I know,” she says. “It brings me a lot of joy knowing I can bring the right people together for the right reasons.”
“I’m not afraid to have the tough conversations,” says Nicole of working with her financial clients. “I know that hard choices sometimes have to be made. I want to help make people’s lives easier and better by understanding those choices and how they can make a difference in their lives.”
“I want to see them reduce their stress loads and put themselves in a better situation,” she says.
Nicole goes on to say that, when working with clients, she sometimes sees a lot of shame around the discussion of money, whether they are comfortable or struggling. Situations are often stressful and hidden. But, as a compassionate and trusted resource she works with them to identify the tools that will help them understand budgets and goals.
Connecting with the community has always been important to Nicole. Photo courtesy: Nicole Burdick.
“It’s budgeting and organizing melded into one,” she says.
She goes on to say that making financial decisions or engaging in financial planning isn’t always about avoiding stress but rather finding peace of mind. “There’s a lot of peace in simply knowing and understanding what you have and what your future can look like,” she says of the process.
For Nicole, it’s also about understanding the “why” behind a client’s motivations. She can help with framing the choices available so decisions don’t seem like a hard sacrifice but rather putting what’s more important at the front of the line.
And, it’s the understanding of the “why” that helped Nicole better understand the motivations of people in general. It’s something that’s always been important to her.
“Changes are hard and can be painful, but not as painful as the situation you may currently be in,” she says of working with people who may be in the midst of making difficult decisions. “When it comes down to it, you have to ask: are you willing to sacrifice what’s comfortable for what’s most important to you?”
It’s more about the quality of life than the quantity of things, she says. Sometimes working less hours may mean less money, but it also means more family time. There’s a lot of peace and confidence that comes with understanding why you’re doing the things you choose to do.
“I love helping people have a long-term perspective,” explains Nicole. “It’s helping people look to their future and protecting it while also creating the peace they desire in the present. I enjoy seeing people better their situations.”
It’s this giving with no expectation of getting back that has positioned Nicole as a resource for her clients and her community and has made her successful.
Recently, Nicole was honored to be nominated as one of the Top 7 Under 40 in the Bellingham community, a true testament to her commitment to the community and her clients and friends.
“In a nutshell, I just want to help,” says Nicole of her continued efforts and success in connecting and bringing her community together.
Michelle Schutte and Jess Flegel explore reflections and predictions of disaster and home in their new show. Photo courtesy: Honey Salon.
Submitted by: Honey Salon
Honey Salon presents “The Flood” a collaborative art showcase featuring new work from Bellingham artist Michelle Schutte and artisan and quilter Jess Flegel on reflections and predictions of disaster and home. Flood themed cocktails, artist meet and greet, and corresponding flood-themed ambiance will accompany the showcase opening December 2 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Michelle Schutte and Jess Flegel explore reflections and predictions of disaster and home in their new show. Photo courtesy: Honey Salon.
For their newest exhibit, “The Flood,” Schutte and Flegel have had a visual conversation on the topic of the gentle violence of flood waters and various emotional outposts. At least a few of these imagined ruins may be familiar to the Bellingham viewer. Schutte admits an interest in paradox and points to thoughtful procrastination, “happy accidents,” and controlled mistakes as her favorite means to illustrate the precious and the mess of everyday life through her subjects – living, sentient and otherwise.
Bellingham artist Michelle Schutte works in a variety of media to explore her longtime affinity for the darkly expressive in life and art. The Western Washington University Fine Arts graduate and former owner of Hand to Mouth Art Gallery and Jinx Art Space manipulates heavy layers of charcoal and graphite with acrylic pastel colors and white empty space to stark but emotional ends.
Large scale, handmade, one-of-a-kind quilts have been Jess Flegel’s medium for more than 10 years. She moved to Bellingham from Chicago in 2003 and has been showing work locally since her first show at the Paperdoll in 2009. Jess is proud to call Bellingham home and thankful to be a part of the creative community here. She works out of her studio in the basement at Make.Shift Art Space.
For more information on The Flood, or the life and work of Michelle Schutte and Jess Flegel contact Honey Salon curator Shultzie Willows at shultziefay@gmail.com or hair@honeybellingham.com.
The holidays are here. This year, gift a different kind of present.
It’s gift-giving season – the time of year when way too much stuff is exchanged. If you’re ready for a new take on special gifts and are tired of accumulating more things, consider gifting, or requesting, the gift of experience. Here are our top picks for cool Whatcom County experiences that make delightful gifts.
Whatcom County offers hiking trails ideal for any fitness level. Photo credit: Lila Steffan.
Bellingham is well known for its great hikes and natural landscapes. Around here, where winters can get cold and rainy, hiking is usually thought of as a summer activity. But the area’s entertaining walks don’t have to be limited to warmer months. Fall and winter hikes have a lot to offer. This winter there are plenty of places where individuals, dogs and families can go to enjoy the multicolored foliage and crisp air.
Breathtaking views are available to awe and inspire all year round. Photo credit: Lila Steffan.
One of the easiest, most accessible and most common nearby walks is Whatcom Falls. The namesake waterfall is especially full this time of year with runoff from all of the rainfall. Running alongside many of the pathways are streams and smaller waterfalls. There are also plenty of yellow, orange and red leaves on the trees surrounding the trail. Extremely kid-friendly, this walk includes a playground and a multitude of trails. This makes it easy to tailor the trip to fit a schedule or avoid boredom with children. Dogs are also welcome on the trails and usually enjoy looking at the adjacent duck pond. Whatcom Falls is a great option for people with limited time, kids, or those who simply want a nice, relaxed walk.
The sound of rushing water enhances any hike. Photo credit: Lila Steffan.
Another easy walk is Lake Padden. Like Whatcom Falls, it has plenty of trail options. Some have uphill stretches while others are flat. There is a longer trail that follows the edge of the lake in a loop, which offers great views of the water. In some places, small streams and ponds can also be found. Lake Padden is perfect for people with dogs. A large portion of its trails are off-leash so dogs can run freely. Most of the trails are far from roads, so there are no worries about pets running off and putting themselves in danger. One small portion is a bit close to the freeway, but can be easily avoided. There is also a dog park which includes a tunnel, picnic benches and a hose for thirsty canines.
There’s nothing quite like getting out into nature with man’s best friend. Photo credit: Lila Steffan.
Lake Padden contains trails that connect to another popular hiking destination: Galbraith Mountain. The biggest attraction at Galbraith is mountain biking. There are plenty of challenging courses and even a space with ramps for jumping. Non-bikers are also welcome. It proves to be a very pretty walk, with a view of the city from the top. The high vantage point makes for a beautiful view. Small children might find the climb tiring, but dogs are common and seem to enjoy the hike.
For more of a hike and less of a walk, Fragrance Lake is a great medium level place to try. There is beautiful fall foliage to look at all along the way. Most of the hike is uphill so younger children might find it a bit difficult, but dogs are allowed. At the top of the hike is Fragrance Lake, a pristine spot to stop to rest or have a snack at one of the many benches overlooking the water. There is a small loop that circles the lake for those who are interested, but the trail layout allows people to skip it if they so choose.
Taking a walk in nature is the perfect way to relax and unwind. Photo credit: Lila Steffan.
Yellow Aster Butte is perfect for those in search of a challenge. The strenuous climb is not a good fit for most kids or elderly dogs, but for those who can swing it, it is extremely rewarding. Gorgeous views can be seen from the very beginning of the walk. Once up in the more mountainous regions, the 360 degree views begin. It is especially beautiful in the fall and winter when wildflowers and bright red leaves can be found all along the trail. Camping is also available.
There are many breathtaking trails around Whatcom Country. Photo credit: Lila Steffan.
Similar to Yellow Aster Butte, the trail at Artist’s Point is a beautiful and demanding hike. The difficulty level is similar. Those willing to deal with the drive to get there will experience spectacularly beautiful scenery. Artist’s Point offers a stunning view of Mount Baker and surrounding terrain. Fall foliage and colorful leaves abound and crystal clear lakes, streams, and waterfalls surround the area. It is also a popular camping spot. Many people like to use the spots closest to the lakes. Be sure to listen for marmots, too. Their high-pitched whistles can be heard at both Artist’s Point and Yellow Aster Butte.
Opus Performing Arts presents a holiday ballet performance of "Winter White" on Thursday, December 10th at the Mount Baker Theatre. Photo courtesy: Opus Winter White.
In Bellingham and Whatcom County, we can opt for an old fashioned holiday season or we can jazz it up urban style. Whatcom County offers a variety of tree lighting festivities, holiday music concerts, arts and entertainment. From athletics, to animal portraits, and holiday musicals, or chances for singles to mingle, celebrate this holiday season—Whatcom-style.
Kevin Wiebe is a Ferndale native. Although he graduated from Ferndale High School, he admits he wasn't a model student. His teachers and administrators...
In Bellingham and Whatcom County, we can opt for an old fashioned holiday season or we can jazz it up urban style. Whatcom County offers a variety of tree lighting festivities, holiday music concerts, arts and entertainment. From athletics, to animal portraits, and holiday musicals, or chances for singles to mingle, celebrate this holiday season—Whatcom-style.
