Chinook

Vineyards on a warm winter day                                        © Diane B. Reed

A Chinook is "a warming wind from the ocean into the interior regions of the Pacific Northwest." It may have been named for the Chinook people, who lived near the ocean along the lower Columbia River.

Playground at Lions Park, College Place        © Diane B. Reed

It's been unseasonably warm the last few days, in the high fifties, brought to us by one of these Chinooks. The sun came out for awhile this morning, encouraging folks to get outdoors. The park playground was busy and I even spied several people sporting shorts.

Frisky squirrel at Whitman Mission                 © Diane B. Reed

 The ice has left the Lions Park pond for the time being. The birds and wildlife seem to be enjoying their respite from the cold as well.  Out at Whitman Mission National Historic Site a squirrel was running along the fence in wild abandon, back and forth, back and forth.

We'll enjoy it while we can, colder temperatures are on their way.