From Olympic Mountains To Backyard Slab, Readers Have Their Special Places

The first thing people who gathered for Ice Cream Conferences were asked was to describe a favorite spot in their yard, neighborhood or region.

The area’s lakes, streams and mountains were mentioned frequently, either in general or as specific favorites. Historic neighborhoods, and popular parks came up often, too, as did beloved features of yards and neighborhoods.

Here are a few examples of places described with special fondness, in some cases with an accounting of the changes that have been observed.

Hurricane Ridge on the Olympic Peninsula. “I think it is the best example of what should be preserved for all to enjoy - a majestic view, clear air and abundant wildlife.” - From the conference hosted by Betty Hastings in northwest Spokane.

“Our own backyard used to look out across the wheat fields. We are now looking right at the new Mead High School, which sits right in the middle of agricultural land. The huge comple is on a septic system of all things~” - From the conference hosted by Rod Shinn in Mead

The front three acres of conference hosts Betty and George Brandle’s home, .4 of a mile off Pines Road in the Spokane Valley: “We have a fire pit and a teepee setup where you can watch redtail hawks soar and hear the screech owls cry.”

Oyster Bay, Bremerton, Wash.: “For generations, my family has owned a large home on the bay. Fond summer memories include waterskiing, harvesting clams, oysters and other shellfish and late-night s’mores roasting over campfires on the beach… “A sewer line was run under the bay approximately 15 years ago. Unfortunately, the sewer line has ruptured at least once a year since it was installed.”

“There once was a marsh near my house where tadpoles swam and frogs sang. We all thought it was a natural habitat, but then a sewer cleanup team stopped a leak from a drain pipe that had created the marsh.” - From Ariel Zellman, Chase Middle School student whose environmental science class took part in a conference

“Mount Nebo Cemetery in Spokane is one of my favorite places because it is so very peaceful.” - From the conference hosted by Karen and Paul Lindholdt in southeast Spokane.

“I love my 12-foot-by-15-foot cement slab. No more noxious weeds.” - From the conference hosted by Connie Bleick in Valleyford.

“We share a common gully that we are encouraging to develop in a natural manner. Both couples are thinning trees to promote greater growth, cleaning out dead limbs and grass clippings and replanting where needed.

“In the neighborhood the Grimms (Alan and Melanie) see the change in Upriver Drive and the Centennial Trail. They relate that it wasn’t long ago this area was a place for abandoned cars and party junk.” - From the conference hosted by Jim and Larrie Adamson near Pasadena Park.

“The big hole in my back yard. We’re finding lots of Indian clay and planning to dig five feet down.” - From 8-year-old Wyeth Larson who participated in a conference hosted by Julie and Kent Larson in southeast Spokane)

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