The to-do list from the move is down to minor issues and we’re back from vacation, so it is time to get back on the Centennial Trail.

We joined San Diego Frontrunners and Walkers for a walk through Balboa Park.

Today we drove down the Oregon Coast.

We got up early and drove to the coast for the 11:15 guided tour at Tillamook Creamery where we learned about cheese production from milk arriving in the factory to blocks of shrink wrapped cheese headed to the Cold Storage Warehouse for aging.

The tour ended with a tasting of aged cheeses. Then, we sampled more cheese before exiting through the gift shop.

After lunch we returned for the Exclusive Ice Cream Experience. We were given two tests: first, we “tasted” four paper strips to determine if they had no taste, pleasant taste, or unpleasant taste; then we ranked five fluids from least to highest flavor intensity. We passed both exams and were made honorary Taste Buds.

Testors cut random cartons in quarters to make sure additives are evenly dispersed.

We also sampled four flavors of ice cream.

On our way out we sampled more cheese (and did a little shopping in the gift shop).

Things are finally slowing down – one item left on the to-do list and no errands to run, so I took three walks.

1. A solo walk along the Centennial Trail in Kendall Yards.

2. With Frontrunners along a similar route.

3. Spokane AIDS Walk in Riverfront Park.

Today we participated in the 2025 Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build. There are three duplexes and a single family residence in the complex. We installed siding on the first duplex.

My Meetup group hiked Knothead and Indian Painted Rocks trails today.

The hike took us along the Little Spokane River. Today the Yellow Flag irises (non-native/noxious weed) were in bloom.

The route back to the trailhead passes the petroglyphs.

Some of the other flowers in bloom today.

I started the day walking with Frontrunners.

Then I stopped by the Friends of Manito Park plant sale.

We ended the day with the Pride Cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Meetup group met outside Athol, ID for an out-and-back hike up Chilco Mountain.

Flora and Fauna. I don’t recall seeing Beargrass in the past. I saw some old favorites, too.

We drove to Bonners Ferry for lunch (and shopping) at the Gathering Place before heading back to Sandpoint where we walked the Pend d’Orielle Bay Trail.

Flowers on the walk.

Slipper Orchid

Guelder-rose

We had vegan cheesecake before heading home.

This morning a Meetup group hiked in the Post Falls Community Forest – walking along the Spokane River and across some rock outcrops.

I started the day walking in Kendall Yards with Frontrunners.

And ended the day with a Meetup group at a Garden Work Party for Growing Neighbors (urban farming/community gardens). Part of the group did planting before joining the rest of us tending the Pollinator Garden.

Today I joined some Meetup group members to help setup for Habitat for Humanity’s Blitz Build 2025 – nine day event to build homes for families in Spokane Valley. This complex has three duplexes and one single-family residence.

Our first task was assembling the 20×20 canopy.

Then we built scaffolding and hung sponsor banners.

After lunch we took the Boston Whaler out on the lake.

And up Brickle Creek.

After dinner, we took the pontoon boat (Myrna) for a ride around the mill pond.

We ended the day on the balcony.

I walked Woofy while Gregg was out of town.

Rainbow this morning.

Today’s route was through Riverfront Park.

Today I joined a Meetup group at Idaho Panhandle National Forest for a hike up Gold Hill.

A lookout point near the top provides panoramic views of Lake Pend Orielle.

We saw a variety of flowers and mushrooms.

Today I took advantage of a break in the weather and hiked a portion of the trail.

Today I joined a Meetup group for a hike to Quartz Mountain Lookout Tower. There was a bit more snow than I was expecting, but it turned out to be a great hike.

The sun broke through for a bit while we were at the tower.

Today I took a nice walk through Saltese Flats. There were lots of birds out, plus a bull snake.

I saw a mallard with several ducklings and a sharp-tail grouse but didn’t get good pictures.