5/24/12 I’ve done several interesting volksmarches this month, most recently at Joint Base Lewis McChord in conjunction with Armed Forces Day. Paul and I enjoyed seeing some of the historic buildings, officers quarters, memorials, and the parade ground with giant American flag, flags of the 50 states, and a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier. The walk also included a forested area which I remembered from Girl Scout camp 50 years ago. The return hike took us through base housing for enlisted people, and ended up at a fair which included re-enactors in uniforms and displaying equipment from the American Revolution to modern times. Also this month, I’ve walked at Snoqualmie (with Becky R.) and at Issaquah.
1/4/2012 2011 was the year I got back into volksmarch (explained below), but I haven’t been conscientious about reporting on my walks. Rather than trying to catch up, I thought I’d just mention some of my favorites. Hood River, OR: from a forest trail overlooking the river, through the historic downtown with brief sidetrip to the train depot, through interesting neighborhoods, this was a great way to explore a town I’d previously only driven through on the freeway. Des Moines, WA: Spectacular views of the Olympics and white-capped Puget Sound, long hill-climb to the old Masonic home, waterfront park with long fishing pier. Kent: historic neighborhoods, Earthworks Park, Interurban and Green River Trails. Renton Clam Lights: through Old Renton to see the Christmas lights at Coulon Park. Sometimes I’ve walked alone, and on other occasions I’ve enjoyed the company of Paul, Becky K., Becky R., and Keith.
8/18/11 I had a great time walking through several Bellevue parks last Saturday with the two Beckys. We started out from the Bellevue Botanical Gardens (more about this later), and continued along city streets to Kelsey Creek Farm Park. We enjoyed seeing the farm animals, and were especially attracted by the chickens with rich dark colored feathers, almost like brocade. We happened to meet some church friends walking their dog. Then we walked through Wilburton Park, where we welcomed the cool shaded forest. The final part of the walk, back to the botanical gardens was the steepest part, fortunately short! We enjoyed the botanical gardens so well that we decided to return with the Fitness, Faith and Friends group (fffriends) on Monday evening for a more leisurely stroll to appreciate the Japanese garden, the native plant area, the “lost meadow,” the perennial border display, and the waterwise garden features.
8/4/11 After a break of about 12 years, I’ve recently gotten re-involved in volksmarching, which is organized, non-competitive walking over distances of 5K, 10K or greater. I prefer 10K, which is equal to 6.2 miles. There are two types of volksmarch, both of which are sponsored by a volksmarch club: special events, often connected with a community festival or special occasion, which take place at a specific day and time over a marked course; and year-round events, which are self-guided, using a map and written instructions.
Some people keep track of their walks in distance and/or event books, others walk just for fun and exercise. (I have completed 1000+K since I started, but haven’t kept track of all my events.) At some events, walkers can purchase a medal, patch or other memento. Walks are usually organized in such a way as to take participants past scenic, historical or cultural locations.
Walks are rated according to difficulty, starting with 1, which is flat paved surface suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, up to 5, which is rugged terrain for serious hikers. The highest level I’ve done is 3+ (which had some challenging parts!).
Next Saturday, Aug. 13th, some of us from Fitness, Faith and Friends are going to meet at the Bellevue Botanical Garden visitor center at 10AM for a 10K volksmarch. I believe it’s rated at 2, which is still fairly easy but will probably involve some rustic, unpaved paths. You are all welcome to join us. Just meet us at the visitor center. If you’d like more information, give me a call at the office (425) 454-2059, and Happy Walking!
7/23 My husband and I went on an 11K volksmarch in Renton, the first one I’ve done in 10+ years, and was pleased to complete it without too much difficulty. Although I drive along most of the route several times a week, I hadn’t known that there’s artwork relating to aviation along the newly-opened bike trail, or that there’s a memorial to Will Rogers at the seaplane landing on Lake Washington. So many details that we miss out on by keeping in our cars… [Since this posting, I've done an additional walk in Renton, plus one in Yakima.]
7/22 An unusual Friday day off for me. I went to Black Diamond, which is a great place to eat pizza, buy baked goods, and visit the book store. I walked from “downtown” to the Black Diamond Cemetary, which dates from the 1880s. I saw a pair of deer grazing on the lawn. The air smelled of flowers and evergreen trees, and along the roadside I saw thistles taller than me. I paused to read about the “union stump,” where coal miners once gathered to rally for their cause. Currently, Black Diamond is a quiet historical town–sad to think that probably a large development will be going up, completely changing the character of the area.
7/21/11 Once again, I’ve been walking more than I’ve been blogging. Some explorations have taken me around Tradition Lake and Round Lake on Tiger Mountain; around Phantom Lake in Bellevue; across an old wooden footbridge in Allentown; and around the perimeter of Seward Park in Seattle. Of course, Coulon Park, and the Cedar River Trail in Renton remain favorites as well. Although we complain about our lack of sunshine in the NW, these cool grey days are ideal for walking.
5/4/11 Took advantage of sunshine for short walk at mouth of Cedar River. Admired a mallard pair with 13 (!) ducklings. I guess mallards are not an endangered species. Other birds: osprey, violet-green swallows, red-wing blackbirds.
5/3/11 Saw some turtles swimming sedately at Coulon Park.
4/30/11 Enjoyed the Renton portion of the King County Library’s “Book Cover Talking Tour.” Poster-sized reproductions of book jackets are displayed on windows or walls throughout the business district. It was fun to try figure out connections between the topics and the businesses they’re adjacent to. Some were easy–cookbook at restaurant; wedding boquets at antique shop displaying floral china; “sexy and sassy” romance at wine bar…hmm…. We would have been smart to visit www.kcls.org for a map.
4/27/11 Wesley Gardens at Des Moines. Early for an appointment so decided to explore the grounds. Smaller homes and duplexes surround the main apartment building. Cutting wind coming off the Sound. Yes, there are gardens at Wesley Gardens–they are allotted to residents in a way similar to p-patches, some for flowers and others for vegetables. Some colorful tulips and daffodils are in bloom now.
4/26/2011 Took advantage of an all-too-short sun break to walk at the former Fort Dent Park in Tukwila, now a sports center, primarily for soccer. Park is bordered by the Duwamish River and connects with the Interurban Trail system. I saw killdeer, widgeon, and mama mallard with 7 fuzzy ducklings.
Fitness, Faith and Friends at Kelsey Creek Farm Park
4/5/11 Cold and damp at Coulon Park. Still seeing some winter birds like buffleheads and a horned grebe on the lake. Also spied a Canada goose tending her (?) nest, re-positioning the egg with her beak. Other sightings: spotted sandpiper, song sparrow, common merganzer.
3/3-3/7/11 Have just returned from annual retreat at Camp Indianola. Chilly beach walking–saw a number of goldeneye (ducks). The mature bald eagle pair were present as were immature birds from last season. A wonderful setting for quiet reflection.
2/20/11 Fitness, Faith and Friends visited Lewis Creek Park, which included mossy thickets and forest and open hillsides. We also hiked up into a nearby residential area. A highlight (?) was watching some young people attempting to skateboard on the grassy slope. Perfect walking weather–sunny but cool.
Update: 6/7/11 Revisited Lewis Creek Park. The wetlands were covered with yellow buttercups and other wildflowers.
2/2/11 At the mouth of the Cedar River at twilight–14 great blue heron circling and then settling down to fish, plus a mature bald eagle. Thank you, Great Creator!
1/9/11 Fitness, Faith and Friends had a wonderful walk at the Mercer Slough. First we stopped at the Environmental Center to see the new facility and to pick up a map. The Center has received LEED gold (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification for its conservation features, which include green (living) roofs, permeable concrete and catchment ponds to filter run-off, and use of local renewable and/or recycled materials. Then we proceeded to walk on trails and boardwalks through the Slough, which historically was used to raise blueberries and also supported a rhododendron nursery. We saw the remains of a boiler plant which had been used to heat greenhouses. Our walk took us along several slow-moving streams, where we saw some kayakers. A few waterfowl, including buffleheads, mallards and gadwalls; we heard a great blue heron but couldn’t spot it among the thick grasses. We enjoyed the subtle colors of winter foliage, the golden brown leaves and wine red barks of marsh plants. Our walk took us near the Winters House, an historic landmark. It was a peaceful day with no wind or precipitation. Although the ground was spongy and the boardwalk slippery in places, it was mostly comfortable walking (provided one had good boots). For more info about Mercer Slough, see http:www.bellevuewa.gov/mseec.htm
12/13/10 The Garden of D’lights at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens is totally amazing and includes numerous “gardens” made entirely from lights. My favorites were the vegetable garden with a bunny to steal the carrots, a tropical glade with palm trees and a crocodile, and a waterfall with salmon jumping upstream. Extravagantly wonderful (at least it uses LED lights).!
12/7/10 The winter wildfowl are back on Lake Washington and the Cedar River. I saw canvasbacks, barrows goldeneye, bufflehead, horned grebe and ring-necked duck (along with the regular coots, mallards and gadwalls).
7/11/10 A new place to walk at a newly-opened park beside the Duwamish River in Allentown (Tukwila). From the road, Codiga Park, on the site of a former cow pasture, appears tiny. However, paths lead through shrubs and trees down to the river banks. This far inland the water is fairly clean, unlike the highy-polluted mouth of the Duwamish, which goes through several past and present industrial sites. I-5 is visible from the park, but it feels like it’s in another world. We saw an osprey nest, with a young bird on it and another nearby, a great blue heron, and two hummingbirds chasing off a cedar waxwing many times their size. Beware of blackberry stickers if you venture of the main path! No restrooms. A sign at the park says it was developed using volunteer efforts–great job!
4/20/10 Did a lot of walking on recent trip–the boardwalk at Asbury Park, NJ; shoreland and nature preserve at Cape May, NJ; from Madison Square Garden to Times Square in NYC; around Ground Zero and Wall Street area in NYC. Most recent local walk was the section of the Cedar River Trail (Renton) behind the Carco Theatre to see the new dog park, and grassy meadow covered with tiny intensely-purple flowers. Very thankful to be living in an area filled with trees and flowers.
3/21/10 MacDonald/Tolt Park near Carnation–walked across swinging bridge, up the hill to check out the yurts, which are available as camp sites. Saw a sign saying a cougar and bears have been seen in the area (We didn’t see any). Walked back down along the water to the confluence of the Tolt and Snoqualmie Rivers–interesting to see how the two rivers are distinctly different colors. Raven croaking overhead. Short walk under threatening sky. Typical March in the NW.
3/14/10 Amazing sights at Coulon Beach Park: an entire regatta of radio-controlled miniature sailboats. There were also a couple of miniature speedboats, but the sailboats were much more elegant. The figures of the three (stylized) naked people on the statue nattily attired in green spring outfits for St. Patrick’s day. A spectacular redwing blackbird flashing his red epaulettes and proclaiming to any female blackbirds in the area what a great mate he would be.
3/4-3/7/10 Several walks on the beach at Camp Indianola, where I was attending a women’s retreat. Highlights: views of the Cascades and Olympics, bald eagles, northern pintails, a complete moon snail (left it on the beach), big ships heading into port, and best of all, simply having the time to contemplate and enjoy!
2/23/10 I don’t really mind these damp grey days–more like how February in the NW is supposed to be. Things to see in downtown Renton which are not readily noticeable from a car: businesses which have changed hands, buildings being spruced up; new restaurants opening, including a Guatemalan restaurant and bakery, where I eat fried bananas and cream (not vegan but delicious!)
2/18/10 Coulon Beach Park in Renton–how fabulous to walk along the lakeshore in shirtsleeves in mid-February. Everyone I pass has a big grin on his/her face. Even Mt. Rainier looks happy!
2/16/10 These temperate sunny days make it practically a sin to stay indoors, and I realize I’ve been way too sedentary–no, downright slothful–of late. I don’t know the name of the trail I walked today–it can be accessed from the far northeast corner of the Tukwila Costco, and parallels the Green River. The trail is marked as closed, due to extensive sandbagging for flood control, but one can make one’s way cautiously along the edge of the berm. (I don’t recommend doing this after a rainfall.) At the entrance to the trail is a poignant little plaque that reads “If tears could build a staircase/and memories a lane/I’d walk right up to heaven/and bring you back again.” I wonder what the story is on that. Heading north on the path, one comes to a small storm-water retention pond, where I saw mallards, coots, a bufflehead, and a pair of double-crested cormorants with enormous yellow beaks. The only person I met along the way, an intrepid photographer, pointed out a ring-necked duck, but I am too near-sighted to verify the field markings without binoculars. I heard red-wing blackbirds and chickadees. Another interesting bit of “wildlife” I observed was a giant inflatable green and yellow dinosaur in the parking lot of a warehouse abutting the river. All sorts of things to enjoy not visible from a car!
10/25 Black River Riparian Forest (with a friend from church). Trail is in good shape; appears to have been re-barked recently. An enjoyable site, even in the rain. Not too much in the way of winter waterfowl yet, just mallards and gadwalls. The bald eagle’s nest is visible, but there are still sufficient leaves on the trees to hide the heron rookery. At one point, the reflection of brilliant red foliage in the water amazed us. From the ponds, we entered the Springbrook Trail system (paved), continued out to the main road, then backtracked to Waterworks Gardens, which is actually the final part of a wastewater treatment system. The water is filtered through a series of ornamental pools, aerated and exposed to sunlight as part of the purification process. The gardens have an amusing stone grotto with native plants, as well as a viewing area with stone pillars a la Stonehenge.
9/22 Took a detour on my way home from Tacoma to walk the boardwalk at Redondo. Views of Vashon Island and Des Moines, houses ranging from beach cottages to mansions, clean shoreline, calm clear water of Puget Sound. A glorious day, marred only by a brown smudge of smog over Seattle.
9/21 A short walk around the perimeter of Bovee Park near the church. Twice around would have been ideal, but uneven paths weren’t too comfortable in street shoes. Heard red-breasted nuthatch calling. Noticed a number of broken-off tree trunks and uprooted root balls, reminders of the 2006 wind storm and nature’s power.
9/20/09 A glorious afternoon to walk the Cedar River trail. A cheerful breeze coming off Lake Washington made the stream’s surface sparkle and look like it was flowing backwards. Crows vociferously expressing their opinions, violet green swallows playing in the wind, merganzer sunning on a partly submerged log, friendly dogs and people.
9/20/09 I’ve done more walking than blogging of late, including some explorations east of the mountains–slogging around Lori and Ruth’s goat farm at Tieton in the rain (and eating a lovely lunch of home-grown vegetables sauteed w/ goat cheese); walking all around downtown Spokane and Manitou Park, revisiting some of my husband’s childhood haunts; a forest hike along the shores of Priest Lake in Northern Idaho; strolling around the appealing town of Cle Elum. Plus some of my regular walks through downtown Renton and along the Cedar River.
8/13/09 I have some time between appointments so walk briskly around an attractively landscaped shopping center in Issaquah, people watching, window shopping and counting Priuses in the parking lot (eight including mine, and zero Hummers. Yay!)
8/11/09 The Cedar River trail between the Renton stadium and the river’s mouth at Lake Washington. All was green and fresh after last night’s rain. The river was surprisingly deep and placid near the mouth, considering recent drought conditions. Heard factory sounds, noticed the machinists from Boeing out on their lunch break, glad they’re working. Birds: merganzer, robin, mallards, cormorant, Canada geese.
8/9/09 Black River Riparian/Springbrook Trail System. Blissfully cool in the shade; blackberries almost ripe, abundant, still slightly tart. The trees are too leafy for us to see the heron rookery, didn’t see heron activity in the area. The eagle nest was also empty. Saw these birds: pie-billed grebes, shovelers, mallards, king fishers, wood ducks (including juvenile), downy woodpeckers, flicker. I saw a wild rabbit, and Paul spotted a Douglas squirrel (the small native one). Many wildflowers. We followed the Springbrook trail to Grady Way, and after a short distance on city streets, picked it up again in the newly-restored wetlands adjacent I-405. To give credit where it’s due, the Boeing Company played a major role in restoring the wetland area and placing informational signs about the habitat.
8/2 A familiar loop in downtown Renton, walking from shady patch to shady patch. Noticed a new frozen yogurt shop, detoured through Tonkin Park to pet “Donkey Run Away from the Mines” (a realistic sculpture), felt sad to see the old train station with the fountain shut down and the gardens gone to weeds–alas the Dinner Train is no more.
7/30 Community walk in my Skyway neighborhood. A small group met at the park and admired the demonstration garden, then walked through a residential neighborhood picking up litter. I confess that I wimped out after about an hour in the 100+ degree heat!
7/24-7/27 Attended the UMW School of Mission on the campus of Central WA University in Ellensburg. Someone with a pedometer calculated that people walked 3-4 miles per day to and from dorms to various classrooms and dining hall. That figure seems a little high to me, but did enjoy seeing the campus, plus I’m pretty sure I spotted a goshawk perched in a tree one morning.
7/22 I confess I’ve been lazy about walking and even more lax about blogging. As the Apostle Paul says, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” (Rom. 7:15)
That being said, when temperatures are too warm for strenuous walking, a leisurely and educational outdoor activity is exploring the Master Gardeners Demonstration Gardens near 156 Ave. and SE 16th. The gardens are bordered by colored flowers. Within, you can see and compare different varieties of tomatoes, or summer squash, or corn. The list goes on and on. Informational signs tell you about the preferred habitat and care of the various plants. There are also several theme areas: a children’s garden, fern garden, waterwise garden, native plants garden, etc. Also nearby is a large community P-Patch. Finish off your visit by checking out the flowers and produce at the little stand on the corner, or go for a more extended walk by stepping onto the Lake Hills Green Belt trail, which parallels 156th Ave.
7/7 Stolling around downtown Renton running errands and visiting with a friend.
7/1 Goldsmith Park (off 148th)–shady, cool and uncrowded. It smells like summer!
6/30 Nifty way to combine walking with necessary things: park car at grocery store on edge of downtown Renton. Walk briskly to bank and P.O. in middle of town. Two circuits of the Renton Farmers Market. (Avoid the handmade chocolate truffles; pick up a half-flat of local raspberries) Return to grocery store. (Buy ice cream to go with the berries!)
6/29 A late afternoon jaunt around Larsen Lake, surrounded by blueberry fields. The berries are mostly still green, though a few show some color. Birdsong and wild flowers–buttercups, clover and others I don’t know. I see some sort of mammal swimming in the lake–otter? water rat? I wish I’d brought my binoculars!
6/26 A leisurely stroll around the theatre district in Tacoma, with old friends visiting from Wisconsin. Not strenuous, but pleasant to see the restaurants and galleries.
6/23 A river runs through it–Renton, that is. I explore an older residential neighborhood that parallels the Cedar River. Interesting sights: a raised-bed garden tended by three smiling scarecrows…a gate posted “Beware the dangerous attack duck”…a fly-fisherman in hip boots casting in the river with swallows swooping nearby.
6/21 A quiet grey morning at Crossroads Park, not one of my usual haunts, but I’ve just come from doing a Sunday service at the nearby retirement home. Crossroads Park includes a golf course, a skateboard park, and a black full-sized poodle chasing a ball and looking quite pleased with the world.
6/17 Doing my four circuits of the church, I amuse myself by thinking of things that come in fours: gospels, the tetragrammaton (YHWH), elements (earth, wind, fire, water), horsemen of the apocalypse, seasons, directions.
6/16 My day off, so I go to my favorite place to walk, Coulon Park at the south end of Lake Washington. I could go every day and not fail to experience something interesting and delightful. Today it’s an immature bald eagle (head and tail not yet white) winging its way up the lake, plus the spicy scent of white Japanese roses.
6/15 I walk from the church to visit a member who lives in downtown Bellevue. As I leave the church, I spot a pair of fledging juncoes with white tail feathers like the adults, but stubby. The nest must be on or near our property, but I haven’t spotted it yet.
