Today Mary, Gail, and Mike started out on their hike from the Sky Country Trail head on Cougar Mt. Gail bravely decided to go even though the rain was pouring down by her house as she got ready to leave. The hike was great. Only at times we could feel a light drizzle as we walked along the lushly green forested paths which connected two trail heads. The bright green foliage cascaded from trees and bordered our path while only a light mist occurred at times. We all loved the hike which took almost exactly 2 hours.

Mary's birthday lunch and walk with Vickie

Today Vickie honored Mary with lunch at the Monsoon Restaurant in Old Bellevue. It was a beautiful day for a walk before and after lunch so we started out down the sidewalk from Main Street to the steps going down to Meydenbauer Park. The large trees and saved wooded area looked both old and new to Mary who had not visited the park since her girlhood days. After visiting some local shops and then lunch we walked around Bellevue Park just next to Bellevue Square. We had great conversation and it was much fun. Thank you Vickie!

Coal Creek Trail Hike

Today, Sunday, Mike and I went on another hike. We first drove to the Coal Creek trailhead and found no parking spots available. We then decided to access the trail from up above across from the Redtown Trailhead. It was a beautiful hike on a sunny and cheerful day. We hiked for about 30 minutes, turned around and somehow missed our return path. We ended up on Lake Mt. Blvd and decided to walk the road back to the trailhead and our car parked at Redtown. Next time we hope to bring Jim and his directional device with us. Regardless, we loved the hike and want to return for a full hike down to the other trailhead next time.

Hike on Squak Mt.

Today the Evergreen hiking club outing consisted of two people, Mike and Mary. However, we had a very nice hike on Squak Mountain via a new trailhead on the east side of the mt. We did not go as far as the Bullitt Fireplace but envision this hike as one coming up soon. It was slightly rainy on our trip back down the hill but the moss covered trees and budding greenery made it all a refreshing and invigorating hike.

Weowna park hike

For our hike Sunday we again visited Weowna Park in Bellevue and hiked the northern path. Diane, Scott,and Tyler picked Mike and me up and we met Gail at the Lake Hills Park both cars arriving within 1 minute. Tyler could not resist the play area and happily went down the slide a couple times before the hike. The day was cloudy but mild. It was again a beautiful hike considering the close-in residential area but filled with old trees and lush foliage. It was a very nice hike!

Kelsey Creek Farm and Bellevue Botanical Gardens

The last several hikes have been covered in Jim and Vickie's blog - address to the right above. As they are presently vacationing in Bath, England, they were not here for Sunday's fun hike so this blog will cover the present hike .
Gail, Diane, Tyler, Mike, and I started out from Kelsey Creek Farm. Tyler rode up high in the backpack carried by Mike. The look of joy on Tyler’s face as he was placed in the pack hardly subsided during the walk which he loved. We proceeded up the sidewalk and into the woods surrounding the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. The flowers and shrubbery were just beginning to bloom which made a lovely sight on this fine spring day.
On our return to the Farm Gail had to leave but the rest of us continued over to the field and barnyard area where sheep, goats, horses, pigs, and cows roamed freely and in their pens. Lily was unceremoniously barred from the area so Mary and Lily rested in the lower picnic area as the others roamed the farm. Everyone had a good time.
All the way home Tyler spoke of the animals and would say very clearly moooooo. It was a great day!

Coal Creek Falls Hike

Today Jim and I went on a beautiful hike. Jim arrived at our door at 9:30 am. Unfortunately others were unable to attend. Scott and Diane had to work, Vickie had to stay home to greet the home repair workers. Mike had to be in Ephrata on his housing assignments, Gail had to rest from her numerous social engagements.

We started from Redtown Trailhead and traversed up Cave Hole Trail which was a semi-steep but invigorating walk. Turning right on Coal Creek Falls Trail we began to level off to a woody trail and enjoy the fresh and lovely early winter season foliage and scenery. The day was crisp and partly sunny making it ideal weather for an enjoyable hike.

We reached Coal Creek Falls midway into our hike. The rushing stream curving around rocks and under the rustic bridge made a picturesque sight. We surmised that the heavy stream was the result of an early year snow in the mountains followed by a warm spell.

Continuing down the trail we turned back toward the familiar Redtown Trail ending at the trailhead at 11:40 am. Our hike was approximately 2.4 miles and took about 2 hours. (Jim please correct these figures). It was a great hike and a great morning!