We have returned to our lush, green, cool home. We enjoyed seeing family and friends in California, but it is hard to match the beauty, and the weather, of this area.
Our friends John and Mary invited us to their cabin for the afternoon. It is three and a half miles off the pavement, nestled on the side of a mountain overlooking the Skagit River. 
A stream with a waterfall runs right outside the front door.
It is a beautiful place. John and Mary bought it over thirty years ago when it was uncleared land. They built all the structures, including their own hydroelectric plant (they are WAY off the grid), as well as the ponds.
The guys were in charge of cooking our lunch, but first they had to catch them.
A little rain didn’t stop Frank from making a catch!
Rick and John cleaning the fish. Yes, they are wearing jackets in August, it was actually chilly in the rain.
Rainbow trout, they look good enough to eat don’t they?
In addition to being a great builder, John is a pretty good chef too.
Trout cooking on the grill. Standing next to the fire felt pretty good in the chilly weather. It is really hard to remember it is still summer on days like this.
The view from the dining room. You can just get a glimpse of the stream and waterfall on the right.
Raindrops hitting the pond.
It is a truly beautiful place. It was great to see it and spend time with our new friends. We have been very fortunate to meet some wonderful people here, and John and Mary are two of the nicest.
Wow. So beautiful. It is quite a bit greener where you live and those fish look scrumptious.