spontaneous ride along the Burke-Gilman trail
When was the last time you went on a bike ride on the Burke-Gilman trail?
This evening, after a full day of teaching at this excellent writing program, I came home mentally enlivened but a little exhausted, physically. The temptation to lounge on the couch, just watching television all evening, was nearly overwhelming. But these golden days of summer are coming to an end. Can you feel it in the air? That little nip at the end of the day, the air a little cooler on our faces as we walk toward home. Some of the older trees are starting to yellow. And it
thank goodness for defunct railways!
http://www.burkegilmantrail.org/history.html
Thanks, Josh. I’m such a dork–I forgot to link to this!
If feels like an English country lane in places, doesn’t it? It took a lot of effort in the 70s by Cascade Bicycle Club and others. The struggle to get it done was much like the task of closing on the East Sammamish Trail (which now looks like a done deal) with neighbors using the fear of crime as a smokescreen to try to annex property they didn’t own.
It’ll soon be blackberry season on the trail - some are already out. Check the stretch between 65th NE and Matthews Beach park.
I’ve run the other end — from Kenmore to Marymoor Park. It gets better. On the east side, the Burke Gilman runs along the Sammamish river. This time of year the blackberry bushes alongside the river an\re so heavy with fruit that the trail smells like a Smuckers factory on a hot day. Taking you out of the city increases your wildlife opportunities as well. I have come across eagles and herons in addition to the typical rabbit and dragonfly. Occasionally you run past a horse and rider. I encourage you to head eastward - you won’t regret it!
If you’d care to support more rail/trails, check out Rails To Trails Conservancy.