Lovely local walk today at Schmitz Park. With all the frightening NWAC avalanche forecast in the mountains and WSDOT posting about the 30 semis that spun out this week, decided to opt for a gentle stroll. The old growth and lushness always is a treat in the middle of the city.

The trails are very muddy from the rain and slick with fallen leaves in certain spots. The deciduous trees have pretty much dropped all their leaves so there is a lot of light now coming through. Many different mushroom varieties and more people than usual out today, probably also finding a pocket of good weather to be outside in. The bridge that’s been out for some time now has been rebuilt by local Eagle Scouts - thank you!

My last hike and trip report were in May 2020. I got COVID shortly after that timeframe, and now have long COVID and haven't recovered yet. I'm doing physical therapy, I have a huge team of doctors helping me, and my medical team knows that my goal was to hike again. Today was my first "hike" back! I knew I had to do an easy one, but this was a big milestone for me. I went 2.57 miles hiking around Schmitz Park. I had to stop a lot just to breathe, but I DID IT! I took my beautiful dog with me (she also had COVID, but that's another story). 

Schmitz Park is a great place to visit. It's an old-growth forest and is so beautiful. I highly recommend checking out the trails there. It's a very quiet place with lots of birds singing. There are huckleberries there right now. Be sure to look for the alligator log!

Our group did a short hike in Schmitz Preserve in West Seattle.  The small park is a real gem and one I did not know about until my wife gave me a book on Puget Sound lowland park walks by Craig Romano. 

The preserve is amazing as once you go into the woods; its hard to believe your in the city.  The trail starting at Schmitz Park Bridge goes down into the ravine.  Along the trail there is a bridge that must be circumvented but other than this minor obstacle the trail is wide and an easy, but muddy at times, walk.  We headed to 53rd Ave. SW and then back under the park bridge to Alki beach and lunch (excellent food) at Sun Fish.  

As I thought about the park, I was reminded of a line (song) from the Phantom of the Opera, to paraphrase "Welcome to a strange new world".  The dark damp forest of the park in stark contrast to the homes and sunlight surrounding it.

We then back tracked to a staircase which gave us access to the bridge and our cars.  This is truly and worthwhile walk in the city and does allow entry to a strange, beguiling world of trees, damp and darkness.

A bit muddy in places so bring boots, but the trails are great! Spring mushrooms are popping up. Great time to go for a hike. Lots of good photo opportunities as well.

A bit muddy,nothing we couldn't handle. One of the bridges was closed. Bummer. Looks like it's been closed a long time.