For me there is nothing much more enjoyable and thereputic than a day hike on one of Whatcom County’s many trails. This wonderful county offers more than 100 trails from the Chuckanut Mountain trails system, to Galbraith and beyond, to the many wonderful higher elevation excursions in the North Cascades foothills.

The Fall and Winter months tend to deter the more tentative outdoors people, as rain and cold weather make some trails all but unmanageable. If you are looking for an easy stroll, you can always revert to the standard favorite Lake Padden Loop. Quite honestly, this short 2.6 mile loop keeps me sane during the longer Winter months when other trails are unserviceable by snow and too much mud.

If you are looking for a more challenging trip, head east towards Mt. Baker and hike the Heliotrope Ridge Trail. This in-and-out jaunt is only 4.5 miles roundtrip, but is quite strenous due to the 2,000 foot gain in elevation. You’ll begin in an old growth forest at the trailhead but will travel upwards to enjoy one of the greatest Mt. Baker views to be had. This trail is only serviceable during the Summer and Fall months, but is well worth the drive!

If you are a mountain biker, look no further than Galbraith Mountain, said to be one of the best locations for mountain biking in the country. Since I am a novice biker, I don’t venture into this big kid’s playground, but for intermediate and advanced riders this mountain is a playground unlike any other. The massive trail system is also a superb spot for avid trail runners. Get lost a bit and romp around in the mud after a solid Fall rain. We promise you’ll return home a kid again!

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is election day! Whatcom County is a vote by mail ONLY county as are 37 of the 39 counties in Washington State.  To be sure that your vote is counted  have it post marked no later than tomorrow. You may also drop your ballot off at the curbside ballot drop box located at 311 Grand Ave in downtown Bellingham.

I have always felt that people who don’t vote have no right to complain about what government does.  Whatcom County Planning and Development Services,  via a questionnaire available online, has given all of us the opportunity to provide input (similar to voting) on the comprehensive plan update which is currently underway.   Following is their request, as sent to me by Paul Davis, editor of The Tome of Lummi Island.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please take some time to tell us what you think!
We just posted a questionnaire to the website to help us gather more information from the public
to help inform our comprehensive plan update. We want feedback from you about population and employment growth, the county’s quality of life, and much more. Please follow the link below to download the questionnaire.
http://www.whatcomcounty.us/pds/2031/pdf/20081010-questionnaire.pdf 

Please take some time to check it out, fill it out, and pass the link on! We will hand out the questionnaire at the Vision Workshops on Oct 15/16 (see the website for more information about these meetings) but we encourage you to print out a copy and send it off to us!

Go to      http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/pds/2031/   for all the most up-to-date information about the Whatcom 2031 process. And, don’t forget our Vision Workshops:

October 15: 6-8 p.m., Bloedel Donovan Park (multi-purpose room), 2214 Electric Ave, Bellingham
October 16: 9-11 a.m., Bellingham Public Library (lecture room) 210 Central Ave, Bellingham,
October 16: 6-8 p.m., Lynden Community Center, 401 Grover Street, Lynden

Feel free to email or call me with any questions!

Kate Koch
Planner II, Long-Range Planning
Whatcom County Planning and Development Services
360.676.6907
kkoch@co.whatcom.wa.us

I know sad but true, summer is officially over and we are onto fall. There are several things which signify the changing of the season to me, the first of which is when I make my first pumpkin pies of the season. Well, last night was the night.  I made two delicious pumpkin pies and am looking forward to doing a lot more fall and winter baking in the upcoming months.

Aside from pumpkin pies signifing the fall season this weekend also marks the opening of my favorite place to enjoy the fall harvest in Whatcom County, Stoney Ride Farms in Everson. I drive by the farm daily on my commute and always anxiously await it’s opening and the start of the pumpkin season.

For those of you that have not yet visited Stoney Ridge Farms you will want to make it a stop this year. Stoney Ridge is not just about pumpkins. The farm is home to over 6 varieties of apple available for U-pick or from the farm stand. Also available are the traditional pumpkins, gourds, squash and fresh apple cider. While at the farm be sure to also check out the corn maze, farm animals, pie shop and hot dog stand.  Stoney Ridge Farms is a great family outing and also a great place to snap a couple of family pics for the upcoming Christmas Cards…. Yes, I said it CHRISTMAS and it’s only October 2nd.

With today being the first day of October that means that it’s almost time for Deming’s Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest is a Bavarian festival held annually at the Deming Log Show Grounds. The dates for this years festival are October 10th-11th.

I have attended the festival for the past several years and have really grown to enjoy it. The entertainers include the Polkatones, Syl’s Ya Sure Ya Betcha Band and the Rogen Bogen Dancers. It’s great fun to come out and enjoy the folk dancing, singing and activities. You will be amazed just how talented the dancers are and in awe by there wonderful Bavarian Costumes.

Several Bavarian foods are on hand including the traditional german potatoes, brats and more! Breakfest is served Saturday and Sunday morning from 7:30am to 11:00am and then the doors open for the at 12pm and close at 12am.

Admission to Deming’s Oktoberfest is $9 with advance tickets and $11 at the door. 21 and older only please.  Camping is available for a $15 a night fee. To reach the Deming Log Show Grounds head out the Mt. Baker Hwy approx 12 miles east of Bellingham. Take a left on the Cedarville Rd, the log show ground are 1 mile up the road on the left hand side. Car parking is free.

Also please note that the Oktoberfest is a fund raiser for the “Busted Up Loggers Fund.” The fund goes to help injured loggers from Whatcom County and their families in their times of need. Tons of volunteer energy and time goes into this events and it’s well worth it, so come on out support our community, dance, sing, eat and have a great time!