Portland Audubon Sanctuary in the Rain

Leaf speckled Balch Creek

The rain is back, and I am a lazy hiker on rainy days.  Sunday I forced myself to get out of slug mode.  I have passed the Audubon Society of Portland’s wildlife sanctuary in the West Hills hundreds of times over the years. Strangely, I did not know until recently that the sanctuary had its own trail system.  Hello, McFly!  The sanctuary seemed a fine choice for a stroll on a rainy Sunday.  I was surprised to find plenty of other hikers.  Most were probably staying close to the Audubon buildings, but it is possible to walk a few miles on various trails spread over three tracts and 150 acres.  I wandered around a loop on the Jay Trail on the north side of Cornell Road.  The colors of foliage are always different on gray days, but it is easy to find tremendous beauty here.  I was glad I got myself motivated enough to visit in the rain.

The Wildlife Care Center

Maple leaves in the rain

A small pond near a shelter

When this tree fell, someone heard it

Don’t forget to look up

Base of a tree or dinosaur toes?

Looking down Balch Creek