Somehow, miraculously, we had a second weekend of February sunshine this year! Usually in the PNW, especially in the winter, all our sunshine is dispersed throughout the week, with little left over for the weekend. This time the sunshine arrived just in time for our February Alpine Trails Book Club meeting! The day started off stormy, and my drive into Seattle for our morning with The Falconer was a little hectic. Over the course of several hours, we had the opportunity to meet several of John's bird, and even take his birds onto the glove ourselves. Even with a heavy leather glove for protection, I was initially intimidated by the idea of handling the huge predatory birds, but it was incredible to experience the birds from up close. While we sat inside, the stormy weather calmed and the sun broke through the clouds. After our morning with the birds, we had a quiet, sunny hike through Seward Park, sharing thoughts on the book we'd read and swapping favorite hikes as we walked. With sunshine on Sunday as well, after a lazy morning at home, Andy and I decided on a short hike through the Paradise Valley Conservation Area before heading to my parents for our weekly family dinner.