hovander park and tennant lake

I suppose part of me returning to Washington is visiting the old stomping grounds of my childhood. This morning, I saw the rhododendrons (the Washington State flower) blossoming outside. After noting how clear the sky looked and remembering what a positive weather forecast we have for the next week, I decided to reminisce a bit more outdoors.

So, I visited Hovander Park and Tennant Lake. Hovander is a historical farm-turned-park with real roosters, goats, pigs, peacocks, and rabbits, lots of open spaces, old farm equipment, and historical buildings to check out. Tennant Lake is a boardwalk through a swamp and a frangrance garden and interpretive center are at the beginning of the trail as well. I loved tramping around the place like I was eight years old again. I must admit, though, my eight year old self would not have been there to see the spectacular view of Mount Baker on a clear day, which was what I hoped for most when I set out after lunch!

It didn't take long in these surroundings for me to remember the pungent smell of skunk cabbage, the disconcerting sight of slugs and gardner snakes, the feel of boards giving under my feet and sometimes forcing water between the cracks, or the sounds of those elementary school field trips.

On one of the corners of this boardwalk, I also recall fertilizing the wetland with the help of dad some 20+ years ago. Dad gave me an ultimatum of "hold it for an hour or go right here." He held my hands and I put my feet on the boards and we balance my little bare bum over the murky waters. If you want an illustration of trust, there you've got it! I must have had to pee pretty bad, because I remember being terrified of landing in the brown water. I'm sure there was some leaf substitute for toilet paper there, too.

They have a lookout tower by the lake and one also by the farm. The one by the lake was better when I was little, but built stronger and safer for these days of lawsuits. The field trippers still count the steps on the way up "38," "no, it's 56," "nuh-uh, it's 62," and finally "fifty million, guys." Well, kids, it's really 61 steps to the top.