Each year we always love to have a friendly bet on which rose in the gardens will bloom first.
The America is in a close second as the bud is getting close to opening.
The Pink Iceberg will take third, but outdoes the other two with the number of buds. 
This image caught Annie and Shelby in the window seat of the tent trailer watching for squirrels.
I love this way this one frames Annie in the screened window.
This looks like an old-fashioned photo capturing our bridal wreath spirea in full bloom.
Here is the picnic table and the gazebo sitting in the morning stillness.
On Saturday we took the 1.5 mile hike around Swan Lake. It was an easy hike, but between keeping the dogs out of swampy water and watching for mud and fallen trees, it was an adventure for all. 
The hike begins at an old, rustic covered kitchen that can be reserved for large groups. 
The fireplace inside is so inviting. You want to bring in a group for a wiener roast!
No bridge over this creek which didn't bother JEJ, Shelby, and Annie.
I was glad this part of the trail had a wood plank boardwalk that helped us through the swampy part. 
As we stood across the lake from the campground we could observe people loading canoes and kayaks into the water for some morning enjoyment. The trees mask the tents and campers above the beach.
As we drew near the end of the hiking trail the path opened up creating an aisle through the cedars. It was so peaceful. I almost wished we hadn't reached the main road to hear some noisy pick-ups a few minutes later.
On our hike around the lake Saturday at Swan Lake I studied the uniqueness of the trees. Here are some of my observations.
Though rocks kept these roots from moving deep into the ground and the wind blew it over, the tree was still alive!
Eagles have good taste in choosing a spot for their nest.
Woodpeckers add their own form of beauty to a tree.
Finding the forest for the trees in this cedar grove reminded me of how soothing trees can be.
" I never knew how soothing trees are- many trees and patches of open sunlight, and tree presences; it is almost like having another being." D.H. Lawrence
I also remembered the A&W Root Beer stand on Hamilton. Every time we headed up the hill after passing Gonzaga I spotted that root beer stand, the landmark that we were close to Grandma's. I always hoped some time during our visit we would get to drive down with Mom and pick up a gallon of frosty, cold root beer. I don't remember eating at the A&W as much as I remember getting the root beer to go. Back then you couldn't buy this brand of root beer in the store, so it was a special treat to get in while in Spokane. I think we also made root beer floats with the Darigold ice cream Grandma kept in the freezer on hot, muggy days in August.
I have a memory of saving the gallon jug and Grandma would have it waiting on the floor by the washing machine when we came back another time because I think you got a discount if you returned with a jug. Was there also some wooden tokens with the logo on them?
It seems like we drank that whole gallon while it was cold because there was never room in the frig to hold it. I like remembering these rituals that repeated themselves in my childhood. There was comfort knowing the jug would be there and we could once again enjoy that cold, tasty root beer when Mom would drive down to the drive-in.When I head north on Hamilton today I always glance over there at that building when I head up to Bridgeport as Hamilton turns to Nevada. It has been a few different cafes since the A&W closed. I can still taste that cold root beer.
Swan Lake Campground was our destination for camping this week-end.
Annie and I took a walk Saturday morning when things around the campground were still pretty quiet. 
This lake is so peaceful since gas motored boats aren't allowed. This couple with their dog were out enjoying some early morning fishing.
I love the shades of blue I caught in this view of the lake.
The trail around the lake was bordered with wildflowers, blooming bushes, and a variety of trees. 
