Copyright
©Jane H. Johann, 2016
Whatcom Creek
Walkway along Whatcom Creek flowing into Bellingham Bay
Copyright
©Jane H. Johann, 2016
“Whatcom Creek” with an improved modern bridge named Pickett Bridge after Major General George Pickett, who in 1857, had built a wooden bridge at the same location.
Copyright
©Jane H. Johann, 2016
Whatcom Creek
Whatcom Creek is just a short distance from where I was staying in Bellingham. It is a refreshing sight to behold! A beautiful park graces the creek as you near the old downtown area of Bellingham. There is a wooded path along either side of the four mile stretch of water. The creek begins at Whatcom Falls and empties into Bellingham A museum curator explained to me that the name “Whatcom” means “Lots of Noise.” The story behind the name is that when White settlers came into the area, they made a great deal of noise with their logging operation and so the Native Lumni People, called the place, “Whatcom.” However, upon further study, I have discovered that Whatcom means “noisy or rumbling water” in the Lumni language. I do imagine the logging story is a bit more colorful for some.
Copyright
©Jane H. Johann, 2015″Whatcom Creek” Bellingham WA
Copyright
©Jane H. Johann, 2016
“Black-crowned Night-Heron” Whatcom Creek, Bellingham, WA
As I was walking along the creek one day, I spotted a “Black-crowned Night Heron” taking in the calm of the creek. He sat there for at least a half hour resting his wings, joined by a number of Mallards, who escaped before I could capture them on my cell camera. However, the ever present seagulls were content to pose for me.
Copyright
©Jane H. Johann, 2016
Seagull along Whatcom Creek.
Copyright
©Jane H. Johann, 2016
Seagull along Whatcom Creek in January, 2016
Footprints of Thoughts 
Thank you for sharing this trip with us, Johann. The wild water in the Whatcom Creek looks exciting but a little scary! Beautiful posts in Washington State. I have made it to the East side of the Grand Canyon, Arizona and the states east. Someday, I hope to make it to California, Oregon and Washington. 🙂
I have always loved birds and that black- crowned night heron is regal and seems rare. Smiles, Robin
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed it, Robin…more to come…LOL October was my first time that far West. I still haven’t been to Oregon (except for the airport change in Portland) or California. Looking forward to that! And the Southwest is waiting for me also! I think I have been to at least 25 states…been to IL, IN, PN, NY, NJ, MD, VA,WV,NC, SC, TN, MO, AK, LA, TX, KY, SD, WY, IA, MI, MN, WI, KS, OH, MT and the District of Columbia. But then I am on Level 66…so I have been around for a while! LOL You just gave my brain a mental workout! Thanks for the exercise! Have a great evening and HAPPY ❤ week!
Jane
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a beautiful post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, Kevin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Johann, the silliest thing happened when you wrote such a lovely comment it came out under someone else and I cannot seem to reply back on my post. So, here is a big hug for “seeing” the peach colored river. I came around a bend in a road and saw this. I was so excited and pulled over to capture it. I appreciate your liking my poetic expression. Although no one will see my response to your lovely comment, here it is. ♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol…thank you for your response, Robin! Yes, it was a photograph of a life time!
Have a great week!
Jane
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did not know that “Whatcom” means “Lots of Noise.” I continue to learn… Great post as always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, Rebecca!
LikeLike
What beautiful falls, I believe they were quite ‘noisy!’
LikeLike
Yes, I have a video on my cell phone that would verify that fact, Eliza. However, I do not know how to send it to WordPress. Whatcom Creek was much quieter in October…but this December it spoke loudly! 🙂
LikeLike
I think you’d have to send the video from your phone to your computer, then on your post when you hit ‘Add Media’ there is an option for uploading videos. Hope it works!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, Eliza. Yes, I tried sending it from my Android to my gmail, but the file is considered too big to transfer. Thank you! Have a great Tuesday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too bad!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, in the …video you can hear the rushing waters of the creek. It was very quiet in October, but I guess the snow from the mountains has hurried the waters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely. I live in the southern part of the state near Portland, Oregon.
LikeLike
ah…then you are blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the USA! I have only been to the airport in Portland, as I flew home to Wisconsin from Bellingham. Maybe next time I will be able to see a bit more of that state. Thanks for your visit and comment, Robert!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfectly lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed the piece, Cindy…it paused me to return and read it again myself! Great memories!
LikeLike