This morning the weather was cloudy, warm and humid with drizzle off and on. The trail is mostly undercover protected by the trees of the forest. Very few people were on the trail. One can usually have a great view of Mt. Rainier from the first grassy view point. Today, the mountain was in hiding. It takes less than 10 minutes to continue to the top - Poo Poo Point - where the paragliders typically take off and one can see the town of Issaquah, Bellevue, Seattle and Mt. Baker on a clear day. Today, I was the only one at the top with views of Issaquah and Bellevue. The highlight of my hike was the number of mushrooms popping up all over - several different varieties. In addition, the vine maple trees are starting to lose their leaves as a reminder that Autumn has arrived.

This afternnon I arrived to a full parking lot at 3:45 p.m. I was lucky to find a parking spot along Issaquah-Hobart Road. The weather was perfect and the trail was in great condition. The trail was somewhat wet in some areas but not excessively muddy. In the beginning of the trail, there are a few places where the trail has subsided or eroded due to the rains this spring. I met a nice man on my way down the trail who was meticulously working the trail by re-arranging the placement of the large rocks on the hillside. He explained this would stop further erosion and ensure the safe use of the large rocks on the path of the trail. Thanks again to this wonderful man who was spending his afternoon repairing the trail. Within 5 minutes of being on the trail, there is a special stone etched with the words "Bailey Falls Soar Higher" along with the outline of a paraglider. This was discovered by surprise on one of my outtings. If you look up on the hillside above the stone marker you can see the possiblity of a small water fall. On my past adventures, I have heard water trickling down from up on the ridge. I have tried to find out the history of this marker and have been unsuccessful. It would be great if someone knows more and can share their findings. This would certainly add to the history and meaning for everyone who uses this trail. An added bonus for today - the paragliders were taking off from the north side of Poo Poo Point. I must have had perfect timing as I was able to watch three paragliders take off. I spoke with one paraglider who said the winds were a bit strong today which I could appreciate but a sport I know nothing about. It was spectacular to watch the paragliders float in the sky and maneuver over the valley.

Chirico trail is located on the Issaquah-Hobart road and starts from the landing area for "flyers" that take off from the Poo Poo point. The trail is 1.5 miles and gain elevation 1600'. I took a quick hike to the top of Poo Poo Point via the Chirico trail today noon. The trail is in great shape and there is evidence of trail work. I hike this trail whenever I feel guilty about needing exercise and do not want to drive hours.North takeoff area, as always, provides great views of the Issaquah area, Lake Sammamish, and even up to Mt Baker…from the green takeoff carpet.But not today.Weather was raining and fogi.Hike takes,roundtreep 2 hours. One hours to go up exactly.

No rain predicted so we headed out. Got almost the last parking spot at 9:45. Hiked the Chirico Trail to Poo Poo Pt. Greeted by a large group of VERY LOUD 20 Somethings. Trail was in excellent condition with almost no mud and shows lots of extensive upgrading. Thank you, trail volunteers. Continued on the Poo Poo Pt Trail to One View Trail and then east on the TMT to Paw Print Rest Stop, meeting only one other hiker and a couple who had been doing trail maintenance Ate lunch in the sun. The toliet here needs TP and a good cleaning. Stopped going and coming at Poo Poo Pt. to watch dozens of gliders enjoying the good wind and weather. All trails were in excellent condition with minimal mud. We saw no snow, although a hiker reported to us finding snow patches on the top of Tiger 1. Stats for this excellent hike are 10 miles and 3,180' gross elev. If more ambitious than we were this day, various loops could be made on the return, including over Tiger 1.

Alpine Art went on hike with the Issaquah Alps Trails club to POO POO point on Memorial Day to test his legs out a bit on steep trail and to enjoy the views from Poo Poo Point. Monday Morning was cool and cloudy with some scattered and small showers on the drive to Issaquah from Seattle with some fog on Queen Anne Hill. Once at the trail head, we could see fog covering the launch areas for hang gliders. Our fearless leader, Mary, took names and marched ahead at what I call my wife's walking pace (faster than most trail runners). The Chirico trail is in good shape with the exception of mud puddles near the South Launch point. The forest and cloud cover kept our group cool during the assent but prevented any views from the launch points. The group made the trip including lunch break in about 3 hours. Parking at the base of Yah-er wall is usually tight so park with consideration to the many who use the area.