I dawdled after the meeting let out - the heavy rain was distinctly more like Texas than Washington.  I layered myself in Gore-Tex waterproof pants and vest and New Balance 961 waterproof hiking shoes.   Reluctantly, I slipped an umbrella in my pack.  It is a badge of honor that Northwesterners don't use umbrellas, we use waterproof jackets with hoods instead.   That's how we tell who in a recent immigrant or visitor.

The delay paid off.  I arrived as the rain ceased and blue sky was seen on the horizon.  Remlinger Farms is a family fun park which also has a great country store and areas for group picnics.  It is adjacent converted rail trails and working farms.

I greeted many folks who were ending their walk, looking like wet t-shirt contest participants.  The trail had a bit of mud and I was grateful I chose to wear the hiking shoes.  We went around the farm lake and down the rail trail and over the river.

We passed a pen of big birds - emus or ostrich.  The sun came out and I took off some layers.  I hadn't worn the hiking shoes for many months and by 6 kilometers I could tell they were rubbing my little toes.  I stopped and put on bandaids to prevent blisters.

The walking was very pleasant and peaceful.  At 6K we passed strawberry fields and the fruity scent brought back memories of picking them every summer of my youth.  At the end we passed through the family fun park with its little railroad, country store, and children's area.

Our evening social was scheduled to begin at 7 pm at the start/finish area with a salmon dinner.  As I finished soon after 6 pm, people were lined up for the appetizers of shrimp, vegetable sticks and chips.  The line was long, but as I got into it the hamburger and hot dog grill opened.  Since I hate salmon anyway, I got a great grilled burger and a Red Hook ale and joined my friends from Florida.  Ah - a perfect end to a walk - burgers, beer and buddies!

The dinner line opened and eventually I went over and picked up a caesar salad and bottled water.  Also available were spinach salad, corn on the cob, wild rice, rolls, and salmon.  Folks who like salmon said the salmon was very good.  But I was quick to jump into the dessert line which featured berry cobbler, Remlinger Farm apple pie, cookies and watermelon.

The rain began again just in time for the entertainment.  Dry seats and tables were already in short supply, but they had a tent set up for the Tsimsion Hayuuk Tribal Dancers.  This group of local Native American dancers perform throughout the United States. The dancers make their own authentic costumes and masks.  The host explained that they have had to reconnect to their traditions which were lost in recent generations.   Their songs and dances are original, but done in the traditions they have researched through museums and interviews with surviving elders.