Peavy Arboretum and Firehouse Café

Today was our last day off before Ben returns to the hospital for a stretch and I return to my various editing and writing responsibilities. This afternoon we hiked around Peavy Arboretum, where the wildflowers are in full bloom. We saw a ton of gorgeous purple Oregon irises along with these flowers, which I could not identify (gotta get a plant book!):

After our hike, we paid a visit to the Firehouse #5 Café, which is located right at the northernmost trailhead for Peavy. The "potato smiles" were adorable until you took a bite and returned for more ketchup, then they just became grisly.

The food was so-so, but I'm still happy to have found the place since it's the closet thing to a diner I've seen since leaving Connecticut. Plus, they have bacon waffles! We'll be back.

Peavy Arboretum

Section 36 Loop/Powder House Trail: 4 miles, moderate
Rated "moderate" in a few trail guides, I would have been tempted to call this a difficult hike the first time I hiked it (Connecticut is flat and I'm out of shape!). Heading left at the first trail junction starts you on a steady climb that eventually enters a clear cut area with a view looking down over the valley. From there, a descent through old growth woods leads to a lake where rough-skinned newts swim in the shallows.
Those who stay right at the beginning bridge enjoy a milder hike. Regardless of which direction you choose, you will encounter a banana slug approximately halfway through your hike.

A fixture of the 36 Loop Trail at Peavy Arboretum