Wednesday, July 27: Everett - Jetty Island

Wednesday we're headed up north to Everett.  We plan to take the passenger ferry to Jetty Island and spend the day there.  We've never been there before, so the info I have is just from the internet and from recommendations from other friends.  Here's what I know:

• The ferry runs on the 1/2 hour from 10am until 5:30pm
• Parking is free Mon-Thursday (so that includes the day we'll be there - yahoo!)
• The ferry is free (but donations are requested - $2 for adults, $1 for kids)
• The ferry departs from the 10th Street Boat Launch and Marine Park, located at 10th and West Marine View Drive on Everett's waterfront.

Bring:  water, food, sunscreen, jackets, sandals, swim stuff, beach toys
We plan to stay most of the day if the weather is nice, less if the weather is not so nice.
Come along on our adventure!

Tuesday, July 26: Bellevue - Mercer Slough

Tuesday morning we'll be heading to Mercer Slough.  Here's a good link to learn more about it:
http://www.bellevuewa.gov/mseec.htm#visitor

First we'll stop at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center to learn about wetlands and the birds, animals and plants that live there.  I've heard that there are "explorer" backpacks to borrow if you get there early, so we'll hopefully get to use one of those as we explore the trails through the slough.  


Then we'll be heading over to either the Mercer Slough blueberry farm or to the Larsen Lake blueberry farm to pick some blueberries.  


So we'll be leaving our house around 9:30am
We'll likely be picking berries around noon.


Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center
Open 10-4


U-pick blueberries

Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm
2380 Bellevue Way SE

• Hours of operation:
       Mid-April through October
       Daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Information and product availability:
       Farm - 425-467-0501
       Bellevue Parks - 425-452-7225
• Driving directions - From I-90, take Bellevue Way exit north.  Turn right into the blueberry farm after passing the Park & Ride.

Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm
14812 SE Eighth St.

• Hours of operation:
       Mid-June - October
            Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (reduced hours in October) 
• Information and product availability:
            Farm - 425-260-2266
            Bellevue Parks - 425-452-7225
• Driving directions - From I-90, take 148th Avenue SE exit (BCC exit, 11B) north. Turn right into parking lot just past SE 8th Street.

Monday, July 25: Snoqualmie

Monday we are headed to Snoqualmie. Our main goal is to ride our bikes on part of the Snoqualmie Valley Trail - an unpaved trail that runs for miles from Snoqualmie all the way up to Rattlesnake Lake (we will NOT be riding the whole trail. No way.)

Our plan is to leave Bellevue by noon and head out to Tanner's Landing Park (a Greenway Challenge site, so bring your cameras) to access the trail. Then we'll ride for a while - hopefully making it to 3 Forks Natural Area (also a Greenway Challenge site) and if it's hot we'll stop and play in the river.

After we have had enough of bike riding and the river we'll head into town to see the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie and the kids' favorite = the candy store across the street from the museum.

We'll also make a stop at the Log Pavilion to get another photo for the Greenway Challenge.

Depart Bellevue: noon
Return: sometime later in the afternoon

If you come, be sure to bring:
bikes and helmets
shorts and sandals for river exploration
raincoats (because you never know about the weather around here)
cash for the candy store
camera
food and water

Here are some addresses for where we'll be:
Tanner Landing Park
S Mt Si Rd, N of North Bend Way
North Bend, WA 98045

Three Forks Park/Natural Area
42320 SE Reinig Rd
Snoqualmie, WA 98045
(dirt parking area located across the street from the above residence)

Northwest Railway Museum
38625 Southeast King Street
Snoqualmie, WA 98065

Snoqualmie Log Pavilion
SE Fir St
Snoqualmie, WA 98065

Thursday, July 21: North Bend

We're hiking this afternoon - somewhere near North Bend. The original plan was to hike Little Si because of the great view, but with the weather the way it is (rainy) we will likely do another trail that includes waterfalls. There are a few options, including a few hikes that are new to us. If you want to join us, just send me a text or email and I'll let you know where we are. We won't leave Bellevue until after diving lessons - so around 1:00pm.
If you join us, bring:
Water
Good shoes
Fleece or sweatshirt
Snacks
Small day pack
Camera

Wednesday, July 20: Pioneer Square

Although there can be some sketchy characters around Pioneer Square, we love to visit this area of Seattle (we are a bit sketchy ourselves!). This Wednesday we are headed there for a few hours of exploring and visiting places that we enjoyed last summer. We plan to leave Bellevue right after lunch and will stay in Seattle until 6:30 - including catching the pre-game parade before Beckom meets Dan for the Sounders game.

So here are the places you'll be likely to find us (in no particular order...) -

UPS Waterfall Garden
219 2nd Ave S
(between S 2nd Avenue Extended & Main St)
Seattle, WA 98104

Klondike Goldrush Museum
free
Open: 9-5
You can earn your Junior Ranger badge by completing a little booklet.
319 2nd Avenue South

Seattle, WA 98104-2618

http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/seattle/s29.htm

Last Resort Fire Station Museum
free - donations accepted
Open:  11-3:00 (only open Wed, Thurs)
They have a scavenger hunt for certain items within the fire station.
1433 Northwest 51st Street
Seattle, WA 98107-5128
http://www.lastresortfd.org/museum.htm

Glass House Studio
free
Demonstrations:  10:00-11:30, 1:00-5:00
You can watch glassblowing and for a small donation get your own glass cane - kids loved this!
311 Occidental Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98104
http://www.glasshouse-studio.com/home/home.html

Metropolitan Police Museum
Adults: $4.00
Children: (under age 12) $2.00
Open 11-4 (Tues-Sat)
They have a dress-up area and mock-911 station for kids.  Other displays about finger-printing and much historical information about Seattle Police.
317 Third Avenue South
Seattle, Washington 98104
http://www.seametropolicemuseum.org/

We'll be taking the bus there from Eastgate - much easier than dealing with parking.  Give us a call if you want to meet up at some point during the day.  We'll be on the look-out for other exciting places to visit while we're down there!

Tuesday, July 19: Bellevue

Today we're doing a park-hop. "What is a park-hop?" you may be asking. Well, in between our daily activities we will be stopping in at a few of Bellevue's fine parks. There are a lot of them.

Here's a link to all of the parks in Bellevue:
http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/parks_intro.htm

We'll be prepared for anything - so packed in the back of Vinnie, our trusty mini-van, we'll have sandals, sneakers, beach towels and swim suits, beach toys, sunscreen, blankets, bikes, tennis rackets, fleece jackets, raincoats, and plenty of water and snacks. That way we are ready for whatever the park has to offer.

Our plan is to stay at least 30 minutes at each park and then move on. Who knows how many parks we'll hit in between diving lessons and piano lessons and a few chores at home?! It's going to be great. In the process we will be answering some questions about the parks - sortof our own little park review. The boys will rate the parks and rank them in order. We'll have to post our results after we're finished. So far all of our outings have gotten a 2-thumbs up rating from the boys, so I'm not sure how well they'll be at ranking the parks. Guess we'll see how it goes!

If you want to join us or meet up at any time, let us know - the more, the merrier!

Start time: 9:00am
Finish time: 7:00pm (with hour breaks starting at noon and 1:45 for our lessons!)

Monday, July 18: Snoqualmie Pass - biking

Have you been through the tunnel at Snoqualmie Pass?  It's on the John Wayne Trail - which was a railroad route, now converted to a hiking and biking trail.  The tunnel has been closed for the past couple years (which is why the photos here are pretty old...but look at the cute little boys!  oh, time flies!) but just re-opened this month after a few repairs.  It's 2.5 miles long, but then the trail continues all the way to Rattlesnake Lake.  We'll just be riding through the tunnel and back, and then maybe a little way in the other direction toward Keechelus Lake.
Here is more info about the trail:
http://evergreenmtb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Trail:Iron_Horse

If you join us, here are the details:

Location:  Hyak exit off I-90.
Time:  depart Bellevue at 10:30

***you may need a WA state parks parking pass - we purchased an annual pass at REI for $30 last year.  I'll check into this and update this post when I know.

Bring:  headlamps, flashlights, warm jackets (it's cold in the tunnel), snacks or lunch, bikes and helmets (if biking) or good shoes (if hiking).  Both of my older boys will be riding their bikes, I'll be pulling Garrett in the bike trailer behind my bike.  Just a warning - riding in the tunnel is a bit freaky at first because it's so dark.  Be sure that if your kids are riding they understand the need to be careful, go slowly, and follow good trail rules for passing other cyclists and hikers in the tunnel.

Friday, July 15: Ballard

We are making our way north along the Puget Sound!

Today we'll be visiting Chittenden Locks in Ballard and then head to Golden Gardens Park to spend the afternoon at the beach. We're hoping again for some sun, we'll see if it happens!

Things to do:

• Watch the boats go through the locks
• Look for fish swimming up the fish ladder
• Roll down the big, grassy hills
• Picnic in the beautiful gardens
• Watch the drawbridge go up
• Build a sandcastle
• Dig in the sand
• Explore the wetland
• Look for turtles and birds
• Watch sailboats coming and going
• Enjoy the beauty of the Puget Sound

It should be a great afternoon.
If you join us, we plan to go to the Locks first, stay for a while, and then head to the beach.

We'll leave Bellevue at about 1:00pm and plan to return sometime later...no set time as we want to be able to just enjoy!  The boys and I always read about the parks and places we visit before we go - if you want to do the same, you can check out these sites for today's destinations:
http://www.seattle.gov/tour/locks.htm

http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=243

http://www.seattle.gov/parks/history/sherwood.htm

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks)
3015 54th st nw, Seattle, WA 98107
(We park in the pay lot on the Ballard side)

Golden Gardens Park
8498 Seaview Place Northwest, Seattle, WA 98117

Thursday, July 14: Magnolia - Discovery Park

Thursday we'll head to one of our favorite places - Discovery Park. It's another low tide day, and we're skipping swimming practice so that we can get there at the lowest tide (10:50am). We'll have an early start, leaving our house as soon as we've gotten dressed and eaten breakfast. We'll be there until about 2:30pm.
If you come, be prepared for a hike. Although there are a few spots to park down by the beach, they are often taken quite early. Last time we were there you had to get parking passes up at the visitor center before heading to the beach. But we always hike to the beach and enjoy the scenery.
What to bring: good shoes for hiking, sandals for the beach, beach toys, camera, sunblock (ha! we'll hope for sun!), swim suits, snacks and lunch, water
Where to go:  Discovery Park
3801 W Government Way
Seattle, WA  98199

Wednesday, July 13: West Seattle

Wednesday is a low tide day in Seattle, so we are heading to West Seattle to the beach.  The lowest tide will actually be around 10:00 am, but we won't be able to head out there until after swimming - so we'll likely be there at noon.

First stop:  Just south of Alki Point (approx 3540 Beach Drive SW) there is a great area for looking for sea stars and other creatures.  We may not see much as the tide will be coming back in, but we'll give it a shot.  It works best to have rain boots or good sandals for this beach - it's rocky and a bit slick.

Second stop:  lunch - not sure if we'll try to get some food at Duke's Chowder House or just pack a lunch.  We'll see how the morning goes.  But either way, we'll then hang out at the beach across the street from Duke's.

Duke's Chowder House

2516 Alki Avenue Southwest, Seattle, WA

(206) 937-6100 ‎ · dukeschowderhouse.com

We may also rent a family bike thing - last time we were on Alki the kids really wanted to do it, but we ran out of time.  We'll see how things go...

here's the website for that:

http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/ListLocations/104

Let me know if you'll be joining us.  We'll be going over there rain or shine! 

Want to check out the tide schedules?  Here is a good link:

SEATTLE, PUGET SOUND 9447130 Tidal Data Daily View

Tuesday, July 12: Mercer Island

Tuesday afternoon we are heading to Mercer Island.  There are some great parks that we just love there.  First stop will be the Children's Park at Island Crest Park so that the boys can play on the dragon (I promised we'd see it this summer!).  We probably won't stay there too long, because our main stop will be at Luther Burbank Park.  We could spend all day there - but we have other things to do in the morning so will just be there in the afternoon/evening.  Be prepared for playground play, swimming and playing at the beach, and hiking around.  There are also tennis courts and it is also possible to ride bikes.  We will be at the Children's Park at 3:30 and will leave by 4:15 to head to Luther Burbank at about 4:30.  Call or email if you want to join us and I'll let you know where we are as it is a huge park.  We plan to pack a picnic dinner and eat at the park.

Island Crest Park 

Mercer Island, WA 98040

Dragon - Children's Park

Playground - Children's Park

Luther Burbank Park 

2040 84th Avenue Southeast, Mercer Island, WA 98040

Playground - Luther Burbank

Earth Sculpture - Luther Burbank

Beach - Luther Burbank

Friday, July 8: Kirkland - but not with us!

Remember my disclaimer (see above) about needing to change our plans sometimes?  Well, tomorrow is one of those days.  Although we love Kirkland and St Edward's State Park (actually in Kenmore), we need to go to Seattle tomorrow so I can pick up my packet of stuff for the Seattle to Portland ride this weekend.  I also need to think about packing and picking up a few other things before Saturday - which leaves tomorrow afternoon only.  Too many things to squeeze in, even for me.
So we will not be doing the Kirkland sites tomorrow.
We still highly recommend you visit Kirkland and Kenmore.
If you visit St Edward's State Park you will need to purchase a state park pass at the ranger station there - it is $30 for an annual pass - I'm not sure about a day pass.  The park has a great playground, hikes, mountain biking trails, an old seminary building that is really cool looking, and nice spots for picnics.
Other places we had planned to visit included:  Marina Park and the library.  Some other day!  Hope to see you next week.

Thursday, July 7: International District

The first Thursday of each month is free museum day, so we are heading to the Wing Luke Museum in the International District.  We usually take the bus when going there, but because of our short window of time this Thursday we will likely drive.
Details:  leave Bellevue at noon
First stop:
Wing Luke Museum
http://www.wingluke.org/home.htm

Also on the to-do list:
We will make a stop at the Tsue Chong Inc/Noodle Company to pick up fortune cookies.  We like to buy a big bag of "Unfortunates" - the cookies that are less than perfect and so are sold for a really cheap price (last time we were there $5-$8).  The factory does do tours if arranged ahead of time (on Tues, Wed and Fridays only), but all children must be age 9 or older, so we will not be touring the facility this summer!

800 S Weller St
Seattle, WA 98104
Neighborhood: International District

(206) 623-0801





We need to be back in Bellevue by 3:30 because we have a 4:00 swim meet, but there are a lot more things to do and see in the International District, so feel free to stay longer.

Wednesday, July 6: Carnation

And we're back! Vacation was great but we're glad to be back home. We're happy to see that this week is going to be nice and sunny. Wednesday our plan is to pick a few berries and make some jam. We already picked a few pounds while in Sequim today, but we'll head out with anyone else that wants to pick some more. Because of the cool start to summer the berries are a bit late (by now we would normally be at the end of the strawberry season and beginning of raspberry time) - so we will likely only be able to pick strawberries. We will be making a few batches of freezer jam with the berries we pick, and you are all welcome to join us for that.
We are planning to pack our lunch and find a nice spot to eat out in the Carnation/Fall City area.  There are a few Greenway Challenge sites out that way, so we may be able to snap some photos on the way.

Here are the details:

• Berry Picking: 

Harvold Farms in Carnation.
Berries are $1 per pound (Cash only).
We always bring our own containers to put berries in (tupperware bowls).
Location:
Harvold Farms
32325 Northeast 55th Street
Carnation, WA 98014-6309
(425) 333-4185
Depart from Bellevue: about 12:00 pm
Lunch....somewhere and then play a little.
We plan to be at Harvold Farms from 2-3:00pm

We will be back to our house at about 4:00pm to make jam.

• Jam making

If you want to just come to make jam, that's fine.
What to bring:  1 quart of berries, jelly jars and lids (1 batch makes 5x8oz containers of jam), package of fruit pectin.
We have plenty of sugar to share, so no need to bring any.
If you don't have jars and berries but want to just come and see how it's all done, just bring yourselves.
We'll be sure everyone gets a jar of jam to take home.
4:00pm
Our house
3835 139th Pl SE
Bellevue, WA 98006