I live between Lincoln Park and Seahurst Park and during this strange/surreal time of quarantine, I have been doing a leisurely 3 mile walk in Lincoln Park. First I did the beach walk, but then they closed the parking lot and since it is close to the ferry terminal it’s hard to find street parking in that area. Next I started doing the forest walk because parking is easier to find near that entrance. Unfortunately Lincoln Park was declared totally closed today and guarded by citation-issuing police officers. So I went to Seahurst, an equally beautiful Park which somehow escaped the park closure list. The walk there is more difficult with an over 400 foot elevation gain but it has gorgeous scenery and more flowers than Lincoln Park.
On my way up, I chatted with a young woman who passed me coming down the hill. She mentioned not to miss the “Easter Lily” at the top, which I would have missed because it was on a little side trail off the main trail. It turned out to be a giant Trillium, one of the largest I’ve ever seen — about 24″ tall, in peak bloom, and one of my favorite spring flowers. On my way down the hill, I noticed a skunky smell — “a skunk, the smoke from a skunk-smelling weed, or could it be — skunk cabbage??” There is an alternate side trail off the main trail that goes over a little creek, so I decided to take it in hopes that the scent was from my other favorite spring wild flower. And yes I was rewarded with a few nice little patches of skunk cabbage growing along the creek. After that a beach walk at low tide and a robin at the end that posed long enough for me to get a photo. A very HAPPY EASTER to all!!
Jeanne Bender-Irvine
Hi Julie,
Thanks for this post. It took me a while to read it but I’m glad I did. I’ve never seen skunk cabbage before. It is beautiful!
Glad you’re enjoying your walks in the parks and thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
I loved the robin picture. As you know from living in Wisconsin, the robin is a true confirmation that spring has arrived.
Take care and be well.
Jeanne & Carlos
Vester Marshall
Wow Julie! Thanks for sharing such lovely captures of a familiar that is much needed in these times where such is a scarcity and is so missed. I may water-taxi over and visit the park myself with such splendid beauty there to behold. I wish you and Chuck the best of health, as I do look forward to getting back to asana classes..
Julie Newcombe
Hi Vester, this park is actually in Burien, so you would have to take the 120 bus (not the water taxi) and it would leave you off on Ambaum. You would then have to walk at least a mile towards the water to get to the park. I have walked there from my house through the woods but that is a rather difficult walk, so I usually drive, even though it is only five minutes from here. Maybe someday you can take the 120 to my house and I will give you a ride there.
Vester Marshall
Thanks Julie! I was thinking that it was next to the Vashon ferry landing. I usually take the taxi to Vashon and then ferry over to Lincoln Park. Is that the same park? I love to take a boat ride when possible for the salty breeze scenery. Be well.
Julie Newcombe
No, Seahurst Park is in Burien, several miles south of Lincoln Park which is in West Seattle. From my house it’s 7 minutes north to Lincoln Park and 5 minutes south to Seahurst Park — by car. Sometimes I walk to Seahurst through the woods, but it’s a slog on rough trails! so I usually drive. BTW, they have closed the parking lots at Lincoln Park to discourage people from using it, but Seahurst is totally open, including the parking lots.
Vester Marshall
Thanks Julie! For some reason the familiar Lincoln Park stuck in my mind after reading your entry. I contemplated a trip via Water Taxi and Vashon ferry yesterday only to realize the obvious that neither were available. I hadn’t noticed not seeing any ferries crossing my view from my place in a while. I looking over the bay yesterday from the park across from S A C, I soon realized that my idea was a no go. LOL. Loving these beautiful sunny days, as I do go for walks when I do shopping and practically do it daily. Taking it all in stride as these are truly amazing times. Be well Jullie. Hope to see you soon in an asana class. Namaste.
Julie
Both the car ferries and the water taxis are still running, but on a reduced schedule, so it would work nicely to go in one direction using them and in the other direction using the C line bus that stops at Fauntleroy ferry dock/Lincoln Park and runs every 5 minutes.
Vester Marshall
Thanks Julie! Sounds like a plan. I need a boat ride and some salty air that is alway enjoyed..
Doug Holman
Julie- Happy Easter to you and Chuck. Miss seeing your smiling face. Yoga Doug
Fran
Beautiful hike and gorgeous flowers. Thank you. I’ve never been to Seahurst Park. Happy Easter! Namaste Fran