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.