Carkeek Park — Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021

Cue the urban trek! This time, Rocky and I tackled the terrain of Carkeek. From the entrance lot, we began on the South Ridge Trail and pursued the bluff, then went on to the wetlands. I had a close encounter with a pileated woodpecker while on the ridge trail, but as soon as I paused-- of course-- it flitted off somewhere new.

From there, we paid a visit to the beach, then trailed the North Bluff trail and checked out the meadow and Grand Fir Trail. The North Traverse then Hill Climb brought us back to our starting location, just in time for the deluge to begin. Walking with curiosity, we spent ~1:45 total.

I'm taking coursework for the Kamana Wilderness Awareness naturalist school, and Carkeek has been one of the places with the chattiest and most active bird populations. A great location to hone some of my skills and practices.