[Click on photos to enlarge]
Gearing up for our hike at the trail access area at Issaquah's Central Park. Tiny snowflakes swirled around us but they didn't stick. Still, I was glad to have on my thermal undies, wool socks, waterproof coat, and gloves. The weather was pretty cold.
The trail meandered over creeks, around logs, and between rocks.
Interesting moss and fungi on logs and trees.
Our leader (also named Sandy, wearing a green jacket) talking about the area and telling us about the trail maintenance performed by the Washington Trail Association.
And then we came across some WTA volunteers working on the trail. We thanked them for their hard work.
Here I am. Tired, but happy. I'm not exactly sure how many miles we covered, but based on my FitBit numbers, I'm guessing it was between 7 and 7.5 miles. I can feel every mile in my weary legs!
From the park's website: Winding through 1,200 acres above Issaquah and Lake Sammamish, Grand Ridge Park is the result of a unique agreement between Port Blakely, which developed the Issaquah Highlands and King County. For every one acre of developed land, Port Blakely agreed to set aside four acres of park land.
For more information about Grand Ridge Park/Trail and Washington Trail Association, link HERE.
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7 miles! I can't remember the last time I was on a hike that long- probably last year, at our annual school camps!
ReplyDeleteThat was a long hike for me, too! When I looked at my FitBit, I couldn't believe we'd gone so far.
DeleteYour group certainly goes on lots of lovely walks. I admire you that you didn't let a few snow flurries get in the way of your outing, I suspect that I might have chosen to stay home.
ReplyDeleteWe all dressed in layers. As the day warmed up, people started removing scarves, hats, etc., and stowing them in their backpacks. We were prepared!
DeleteI love your photos and stories of walks. Except they make me feel like a slug. But it seems like such a healthy and sociable thing to do. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm so lucky to live in a town that supports a variety of activities for seniors. For our walks and hikes, we meet at the senior center and are transported to the trailhead. The cost is $8 to $10, and there's almost always a waiting list for participants.
DeleteI can go the distance but prefer it to be in a town or city for some reason rather than the woods.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't venture into the woods by myself, which is one reason this group is perfect for me. Our leaders are familiar with the trails and set a reasonable pace. They carry first aid supplies too. I'm hoping to be a part of this group for as long as I can put one foot in front of the other!
DeleteI am so impressed by all of your hiking...something I haven't done for ages! The closest I came to a hike in recent years was probably one in 2007, at the Grand Canyon. And that one was nowhere near 7 miles.
ReplyDeleteMy hikes are around the block...or on my stationary bike. Or maybe at the mall! LOL.
Thanks for sharing...and here's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST
I've always loved being outdoors. Maybe that comes from camping trips as a child. Hiking is great for me, both physically and emotionally, but I enjoy walking around the neighborhood, too. It's fun to see what flowers are blooming.
DeleteI'm sure once you got going you warmed up quickly:) What a lovely hike. Nature is always surprising me in its simple beauty.
ReplyDeleteYou're right - it didn't take long to warm up. My fingertips got cold after we stopped for lunch (we brown-bagged) but otherwise I was comfortable.
DeleteThis is a beautiful forest!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. I imagine it's even prettier in springtime when the trees start to bud and again in autumn when the leaves turn.
DeleteSounds like an area we'd like to explore. Good pics!
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't a difficult hike - no seriously steep hills - but it was long. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos.
DeleteBrave of you to hike in the cold! Also, that's a long hike. I hope you warmed up afterwards with hot chocolate. :-)
ReplyDeleteAlthough the temps were cold when we started, the day warmed up into the 40s. We stopped at McDonald's on the way back, and I had a strawberry smoothie.
DeleteLooks like a gorgeous hike, Sandy! So glad you were able to get out & enjoy the outdoors. I love seeing your pics of trails in WA, since I have never been there (one of only 3 states) - it's on my wish list!
ReplyDeleteSue
Book By Book
Thanks for leaving a comment, Sue. I'm delighted that you enjoy my photos.
DeleteCongrats on not being a slug! Your photos are great and it seems as if you all had a great time!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by. We had a great time, and I'm looking forward to our next adventure.
DeleteLove that picture of you. Glad the photographer finally got photographed.
ReplyDeleteLove that picture of you. Glad the photographer finally got photographed.
ReplyDelete