You approach a pair of plain stone columns, wrapped around with blackberry vines. Between them, a pale blue light portal glows. Through it you can see a path leading towards evergreen trees.
Go through the portal towards [[the brick-lined path]]
You are on a brick-lined path. You hear the sound of birds, mainly ducks.
The temperature is about 40 degrees. Just chilly enough for a coat, and thank goodness one has manifested on you! There is even a pair of gloves in the pocket.
Further down the path, there is a plastic bench.
To your left is a water fountain.
To your right is another path that leads into some more trees. You can't see where it goes.
Go to the [[plastic bench]].
Go to the [[water fountain]]
Go back to the [[Portal]].
The water fountain is dry. You see pine needles stuck in the drain holes, and draped over the side. A sign has been bolted to the back of the fountain that reads, "Shut off for winter."
Go back to [[the brick-lined path]]You reach a gray plastic bench. There is a small sign attached to center. The sound of the water is louder here, as are the birds.
Nearby you see a collection of plants, surrounded by beautiful multi-colored stones. You can see shiny placards with text on them, but you can't quite make them out from here.
After the bench, the river bends to the right. Evergreen trees block your view. You hear the sound of rushing water in that direction.
Go to the [[edge of the river]].
Read the [[bench sign]].
Visit the [[plants]].
Go around the [[river bend]].
Go back to [[the brick-lined path]].
"Plastics are great, but they create a lot of waste. There are lots of creative and useful ways to recycle. This bench used to be a lot of old plastic bottles. Now it's a nice, sturdy place where lots of people can enjoy nature!
Want some tips on how you can recycle plastics? Scan this <a href="http://www.ecocycle.org/index.php">QR Code</a> for more information."
Sit down on the [[plastic bench]].Trees, bushes, shrubs, and flowers grow behind in the dirt beside the path. Signs explain what the plants are.
[[sword fern]]
[[coastal strawberry]]
[[western trillium]]
A sign at the end of the list reads "More coming soon."
Go back to the [[plastic bench]].After you pass by the evergreen trees, you can see the waterfall that has been making so much noise. You also see a bridge, but not how to get on to it. The path is becoming steeper.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EMiiiuluVEc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Travel further [[up the river]].
Go back to the [[plastic bench]].The path leads you to the source of the waterfall - a stone bridge with a slight opening underneath. The sound of water is much louder here, echoing off the stone. You don't see any way to get up onto the bridge, and the path has ended.
You are welcome to stay for awhile and watch it.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JYGUJknrwYs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Go back to the [[plastic bench]].You look over the railing that separates the river from the path, and you see a miniature beach at the edge of the land. You also see about 30 ducks having a grand old time - sleeping on the beach, swimming, looking for food.
To the left, in the middle of the stream on a rock at surface level, you see two ducks. They dip their beaks in the water to eat whatever they are finding there.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qyShBZRu44" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
After watching the ducks for awhile, you can head back to the [[plastic bench]]."Polystichum munitum (Sword Fern, Christmas Fern, Sword Holly Fern)
The Sword Fern is an understory plant in coniferous and mixed forests. It grows between sea level and mid-elevation.
Want to add a low-maintenance species to your Pacific Northwestern garden? Give this a try! It's appropriate for USDA zones 3-8"
Below the sign, you see a <a href="http://nwplants.com/business/catalog/pol_mun.html">QR Code</a> for more information.
Look at other [[plants]].
True to its name, this strawberry is native to beach areas and other inhospitable growing sites from Alaska to Chile and in Hawaii as well (USDA 7-10).
It spreads by runners to forms low, compact mats, 6 - 12" high.
Below the sign, you see a <a href="http://nwplants.com/business/catalog/fra_chi.html">QR Code</a> for more information.
Go look at other [[plants]]."Trillium requires seven years to grow from seed to flower. It grows best in shade and rich soil - which is perfect for the overcast days we have so many of!"
Below the sign, you see a <a href="http://nwplants.com/business/catalog/tri_ova.html">QR Code</a> for more information.
Go see other [[plants]].
↶↷You approach a pair of plain stone columns, wrapped around with blackberry vines. Between them, a pale blue light portal glows. Through it you can see a path leading towards evergreen trees.
Go through the portal towards the brick-lined path