Winter Wandering In Washington

He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter. — John Burroughs

The joyous celebrations that come with the holiday season are over, and spring is right around the corner. Although the longest days of winter have passed, there is still a frosty chill in the air, and darkness envelops the sky before supper. One might be tempted to curl up under a comfy blanket and hibernate a bit longer until the days of 4 pm sunsets are a distant memory. But for me, this time of year offers more than the opportunity to embrace cozy season nestled safely inside a warm house. It is the perfect time to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with a little winter wandering in Washington.

Today’s adventure finds me and my husband at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a bitterly cold morning, so we are bundled up warmly, ready to wander the boardwalk and tapestry of forested trails. The refuge sits where the Nisqually River flows into Puget Sound, creating the perfect conditions for diverse wildlife habitats.

As often as we have visited the Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge, I’m still struck by its sense of serenity and boundless beauty. No matter what time of year, it’s always an enchanting experience. That said, wandering in winter is my favorite. There are fewer crowds, and it’s quiet, save for the lulling sound of birds and other native animals. The hushed stillness is like a quiet embrace from Mother Nature herself.

As we wander further, we get our first glimpse of the twin white barns in the distance. These majestic beauties were built in 1932 and were used for educational purposes until becoming damaged in the 6.8 magnitude Nisqually earthquake of February 2001.

At last, we approach the grand twin barns, standing tall, their boards weathered and faded from nearly 100 years of watching over the park. Rosy-cheeked from the cold, we feel the crunch of frozen gravel under our feet and speed up our pace.

Up close, you can see that weather and time have taken a toll on the barns, yet there they stand, proud twin beacons of a time gone by. I walk slowly past the rows of windows and press my hand against the scarred planks. Closing my eyes, I am thankful for the resilience of these old buildings and proud of my own resilience when weathering the storms of life. We are a lot like these old barns, weathered and scarred, perhaps, but strong and mighty.

It’s been a lovely morning exploring the beauty of nature. As more people begin to gather at the refuge, we make our way back to the car with the promise to return soon. With one final glance, we bid the park adieu and start making plans for our next adventure. Stay tuned!

Thank you for joining me today. For fun travel photos and updates, be sure to follow Ramble & Prose on Instagram.

Life is short. Get out and explore!

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