Carl Lobe Park

By first impression, Carl Lobe Park seems to exist as just a little neighborhood park in Bellingham, WA.

Situated along Eldridge Avenue, on the corner of Victor Street and Eldridge to be precise, its small-scale is undeniably apparent. With a bit of a green area perfect for a pick up game of softball or wuffleball (?), a few play structures and kiddie swings in a play area of wood shavings, the arrangement makes for a nice playground for those with small children. A well visited playground, the structures have been well used, then replaced and updated at least twice, if not three times, in my young life. Sidewalks encircling the area and ensconced trees along the way make for lovely walks around summer or winter.

Positioned across Eldridge, only a bit of concrete, a few yards and tightly planted houses, separate the Park from the ridge overlooking the train tracks and the harbor. Seagulls fly and squawk overhead. Train sounds rise over the ridge and penetrate over and between the houses guarding the view.  The salty Pacific aromas float effortlessly along the breeze mingling freely with the motor scents of boats and trains.

While I have stopped at the Carl Lobe Park many times growing up, this visit I took the time to read the plaque residing below the Park’s sign. Apparently the playground was dedicated to the memory of Carl “Bud” Lobe, who died in 1944 as a young man of merely 23 years.

While Carl Lobe Park is still a little neighborhood park, after I had read the dedication plaque and had done my own reminiscing, I realized this park is one where memories have been successfully made.

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Traveling along 99W between King City and Sherwood, I have often passed the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. After my coworker mentioned spending her Sunday afternoon hiking there, I decided to stop.

Tualatin River Refuge

Spontaneously I made my stop there about dinnertime one Saturday evening. With very few cars in the parking lot, I wandered about the quiet Headquarters and Wildlife Center area. Both had already closed.

Tualatin River Refuge

On the west side of the Wildlife Center there are benches that overlook the Sanctuary and Chicken Creek towards Roy Rogers Road.  I found myself sitting there, watching the bright winter sunset behind the Sherwood Hills and a thin ribbon of headlights. With the breeze coming off the wetlands, the fresh crisp air filled in me what the aroma of cheap pizza (my dinner) had lacked – an aroma of nature.

After my sunset show, I picked up a Trail Map and made a mental note to return.

Tualatin River Refuge

19255 SW Pacific Hwy

Sherwood, OR 97140

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge