Urban Hiking

So I haven't had much luck with getting into the outdoors this summer. Tomorrow marks the first trip of the year and it can't come soon enough!

Today I walked on the Chief Sealth Trail. Despite it being a Friday morning, there were quite a few people out. The think that stuck out the most for me was the fact that everyone I smiled at waved or said 'hello' back - if they didn't beat me to the smile. People from all different age groups and a myriad of cultures. It's one of the reasons that I love South Seattle so much. When I lived in Wallingford, I felt like I was stuck in Stepford. Perhaps it's my California roots showing through, I don't know.

The Chief Sealth trail is at least 3.5 miles long and I traveled almost all of the way on it - I stopped short because my stomach was getting the best of me and implored me to turn around and head home. I'll take my camera next time I hike it because it truly is a gorgeous, amazing experience. Though one can see the city, it seems like a mirage as one strolls along the rolling pavement, looking across acres and acres of grass and flowers.

I plan on making this walk a weekly one when my schedule permits - and when I'm not beating the crap out of my knees trying to run a 12 minute, 1.5 mile circuit.

So, as you can see, there IS such a thing as urban hiking...cheater hiking, really. But I'll take it when I can't get out into the wilderness...which I hope to do quite frequently with the added benefit of a paycheck for doing so!