A Wellness Hike & A Bowl of Wonton Soup

Yesterday morning Joel and I got up early in the morning for what we plan to be the first of many hikes this year. This hike, at the Camano Island State Park, was organized by my company's Wellness committee, of which I am a co-chair. The other co-chair, Kristen, owns a beach house on Camano Island and we thought it would be fun to invite employees to go a morning hike at the state park then meet up at Kristen's house for lunch afterwards.

Me, Joel, Chris, Jackie, Kristen, Joe, Jeff, Watson (the dog), Julie, Mike, John, Elisa, and baby Bea

The weather was bit rainy, but it didn't dampen our spirits. We went on a couple different trails that wandered through the woods, with sweeping views of the water front. The first trail was the Al Emerson Natural Trail, which was a short ten minutes wander through the woods. This trail featured numbered sign posts that displayed photos of different types of plants or trees, but there wasn't a corresponding brochure or handout that explained the significance of these items. So it was a bit of a confusing walk; "Why are we supposed to be looking at ferns, again?".

 The Al Emerson Nature Trail head.

After we finished the first trail, we decided to walk down the road toward the beach part of the state park. Along the way we saw this little woodpecker making short work out of this stump! He was moving so fast, that I was surprised I was able to get his picture!

Mr. Woodpecker

Along the path to the beach, we spotted a bald eagle in a tree. It was amazingly close to us! Just as I got out my camera and was focusing in on the eagle, it flew off. So sadly I don't have any pictures, but it was a pretty cool moment!

The cloudy, but beautiful beach at the Camano Island State Park

We all wandered along the beach for a while where Julie, Mike, and Jackie searched for baby crabs and eventually found several. We also spotted a seal in the water about ten feet from the shore. Of course, the seal left before I could capture his cute little face in my camera lens.

Jackie, Julie and Mike searching for crabs in the rocks.

Jackie's collection of baby crabs - so many!

After wandering around the beach for a bit, we decided to start on the second trail. This trail wandered along the coast line of the state park for a bit, before doubling back up into the state park, toward where our cars were parked. It was a great walk and we had a lot of fun talking and getting to know each other better as we wandered through a beautiful forest.

Joel and I are ready for the second trail!

Jackie and Chris are ready to hike too!

Joel really likes his new hiking poles.

We all had lots of fun being on the trails together.

After our second hike, it was decided we were all hungry and ready for lunch. After the short ride back to Kristen's house, it wasn't long before a delicious spread was ready for us to eat. Kristen provided us with everything we needed for a great lunch. We had sandwiches with all kinds of toppings to choose from including avocados; my favorite! It is amazing how good food can taste after a hike! Everyone was quick to fill up their plate and their tummies.



A great sandwich bar - so many choices!

Nothing like a delicious lunch after a great hike!

After hanging out for a bit after lunch, Joel, Jackie, Chris, Julie, Mike and I headed back to Jackie and Chris's house for some movies and relaxation. We spent the rest of the day being pretty lazy until it was time to help make the wontons for Jackie's homemade wonton soup. After a quick lesson, we were all busy helping to make the wontons.

Jackie showed us how to fill, wrap, and press our wontons.

Jackie and Chris have done this before, so they have their method down!

Julie, Mike and Joel are getting the hang of it.

Everyone was getting in on the fun.

After we finished making all the wonton's they just had to boil for a bit with the rest of the soup's ingredients. Aside from having to make your own wonton's, this soup seemed super easy to make. Of course, I spent most of the prep time on the couch with the rest of the group, Jackie seemed to whip up dinner in no time. I ate so much of the soup, I just couldn't stop! It was so good!



Tah-dah! Wonton Soup at the Arnett's house.

Mike, Julie, Chris, Jackie, and Joel - we loved the soup!

After dinner we played a few games, shared some wine, and watched a movie. It was great end to a great Saturday. It was nice to have a relaxing first day of the weekend after the stressful work week!

 

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend as well!