The more you get to know someone, the more comfortable you become in their presence. Eventually the obvious attractions are supplemented by the hidden qualities, the character traits, idiosyncrasies and features that become endearing. Boundaries and barriers fall away as you become willing to share more of yourself, to reveal the hidden nature of the real you. When someone accepts all that you are, and you accept and embrace it in them, intimacy develops and grows and fulfills. We connect beyond friendship. That’s how I feel about our backyard trail. Maybe you have one too, a trail close to you that you hike frequently just because it’s there. It may not be dramatic or well-known or famous for its beauty. It might be short and simple. But it’s where you hike quite a bit, and in so doing you get to know it well. You see more than just the trail; it becomes an intimate friend. We walked over to Washington Park, a block away from us. The day was warmish but overcast. We hike here frequently, several times a week. We’ve explored nearly all the trails. As we hit our first intersection, I hesitated. Kath had asked me to lead the way, and I had no plan, no purpose other than to enjoy the woods. That’s when it hit me – this trail is like a close friend. We can explore in any way we wish, take a short walk or a long hike, go slow or fast, follow familiar routes or go somewhere new. We walked a backtrail slowly, deliberately, listening to and looking for birds we could hear: a black-headed grosbeak, a trilling Wilson’s, and the haunting tune of a Swainson’s, until we came to a dirt road I had never walked before. We followed that to a trail we had hiked a week earlier. I closed my eyes and asked Kath to lead me as a blind person to the next trail intersection, wherever it might be. She took my hand, braced my elbow, and we walked closely, together, down a root and rock-strewn trail. We went slowly. She guided me beautifully, forgetting once that I was taller than she as brush gently brushed my face, but with nary a stumble or misstep for ten minutes. At this pace, without vision, I gained a new vision, a feel for the uneven tread, for the rhythm and roll of the trail. Every unevenness became an exploration; each turn, each slight change of grade a new surprise. I heard robins chirping, loudly, quickly. They were upset. An intruder might be in their neighborhood. We came to the next trail. I opened my eyes. What a joy that I could see! And then I saw a flash of feathers just ahead that flew to a nearby tree. We looked carefully, and there watching us with big round eyes sat a barred owl. This was its neighborhood too. We followed one trail which led to another, which led us to start climbing southwest toward the point. Near the top of the ridge, we explored banana slugs up close, caressed soft mosses and grasses, and nosed among bouquets of wildflowers. Through fern-covered forests we marveled at bright-red madrones, and trees sprouting from stumps. Whether looking at slime molds underfoot, hearing the songs of sparrows in the brush, or viewing tree branches above, the depth of life and beauty enveloped us. We came out to the south meadows, where juniper perfumed the air and parting clouds opened our souls with sunshine. This park’s beauty shines forth to me on the south side, the rocks and meadows inviting, the trails wide open, the views dramatic and yet still intimate. We were unhurried, reflective, just experiencing the land, the life, the loveliness here. Eventually we followed the trail along the channel back home. Warmth pervaded the hillside. Kelp floated the waters offshore. A raven croaked out a lonely song. Two eagles soared overhead. Two beetles clung to each other in spring’s dance. This is our familiar place. jack Directions: From the Highway 20 intersection roundabout at milepost 47, take the Highway 20 Spur into Anacortes. Follow the signs to the Anacortes - San Juan Islands ferry. This route goes north on Commercial Avenue, then west on 12th Street, which becomes Oakes Avenue. At the intersection which leads down to the ferries, take the left option instead, which is Sunset Avenue. In about a half a mile you will arrive at Washington Park. Parking is available as you enter the park.
By Bus: Take Skagit Transit Route 410 to the intersection of Sunset Avenue and Skyline Way. Washington Park is a quarter mile further west on Sunset Avenue. By Bike: Bike route 10 follows 6th Avenue west in Anacortes, then zigzags up to 12th Avenue, which becomes Oakes Avenue. Follow this until the road diverges at the ferries. Follow Sunset Avenue a half mile to the park. The road is rolling, with a three to six foot shoulder most of the way. The trails in the park are not designed for bikes. The paved road is a good option instead, or park your bike and hike. Mobility: The trails in Washington Park can be challenging. An ideal option is to come to the park before 10 a.m., when the paved road through the park is closed to vehicles. After 10 a.m., this road is still a great option, as traffic is light, moving slowly, and drivers are usually careful about going slowly around pedestrians.
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Maribeth Crandell has been a hiking guide in the Pacific NW for over 20 years. She's lived on Whidbey and Fidalgo Island for decades. As a frequent bus rider she easily makes connections between trails and transit. Archives by date
April 2024
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