The bitter and the sweet

 

It was a cold but spectacular day for a drive to the Skagit Valley. With Mt. Baker in the background, John is having a cup of 90% dark hot chocolate made with a Lindt bar (see below.)

We went to the Fir Island Farm Reserve Wildlife area near the scenic town of La Conner, a  popular viewing area for the migrating Snow Geese and Trumpeter Swans that winter on the fallow farmlands and rich estuaries.

In the past we've seen massive flocks here, but yesterday only a glimpse of a few honking geese flying high above. The smart ones. 

It was hunting season, with the unpleasant sound of gunfire all around. That was part of the problem, but we also heard that the wintering flocks were sparse this year. No one knew the reason why.

Still, it was a nice outing. We had lunch at a restaurant on the Swinomish Channel watching the boats go by. We browsed the shops. I bought a cutting board shaped like a ukulele. It was that kind of day.

La Connor is far from the ocean, but the saltwater channel gives the town a charming seaside ambience. Good luck finding a place to park here on a summer weekend.

Back to the hot chocolate. I wasn't sure if this would even work...

Melt the squares over low heat...

Whisk in whole milk and about 4 teaspoons sugar...

The heat gently until all the bits all melt into the milk. Perfect drink for a cold and bittersweet day.