Thick frost on everything this morning, and very foggy. The path is under construction heading south from the old barn. It would be extremely muddy and soft, had it not been extremely frozen and hard. Watched a heron sitting on a branch twenty yards off the trail. About ten people here exploring today. Walked about six miles total. The route from Langus Riverfront Park straight out to Spencer Island is open again(was closed last time).

I like to walk during the week to stay in shape for weekend hikes, and Spencer Island just North of Everett has miles of trails which accomplish that with great scenery. Although the main entrance to Spencer Island is closed currently, you can still access the Island via Langus Riverfront Park. The dike is still out East of the old barn. Very few bugs right now. Lots of ripe blackberries. There were many dark clouds, with sunbreaks; so there was a nice glow for pics. Only a few other people here today, some on bikes; since some of the trails are paved. Views of the mountains were fleeting today. When clear, you can see Baker, Three Fingers and Pilchuck. Walked about seven miles total. Spooked three herons, and saw several other species.

My better half and I hiked a few miles around Spencer Island today. There are some muddy spots, but you can stay on paved pathways if you wish. Lots of seaguls today, a few hawks; and we spooked a large heron out of the marsh beside the trail, but by the time I had the camera ready, it was out of sight. Only a few other folks here today. The trees and brush are bare, but interesting this time of year. There were some dark clouds today, so while the sun shone through, it put a cool glow on everything. This is a nice place to hike in the winter. And it's all level! The views of Three Fingers, Pilchuck, Whitehorse, Baker and more were great today from here. The bridge is out, and there is an impassable gap in the dike; directly across from the old barn. So if you walk around the Island, beginning North, you have to return the way you came.