Today was a day of more trails. I started back at the same lake from yesterday. There was no one there except a lone fisherman enjoying the peace and quiet of the morning. The trail system throughout Seattle Washington is extensive. I have only rode a small portion. I think you could spend two weeks out here and never hit the same trail twice. My early morning ride was very similar to yesterday. One thing I noticed is that the trees were covered in heavy moss. It looked as if the trees were wearing a fuzzy coat. I ran across Dave who was taking a picture on one of the trestles. He was on his standard 72 mile Sunday trail ride loop. We talked for a while and he enjoyed the company. Up until this point I had not seen too many people. Eventually the trail descended into a more urban area along a lake. This area was extremely congested with runners, walkers, cyclists, and even the occasional homeowner attempting to cross the path to get to their house on the lake. I must’ve rode along that lake for over 6 1/2 miles. I continued through the suburban setting taking different connecting trails winding my way through residential and park areas. The last few days have been so much fun. The weather has been great the sun shining and tons of people out enjoying themselves. I saw kids playing in parks, several groups playing cricket, and plenty of soccer along with the forementioned activities. These are the type of trails that make cycling so much fun.
Insights from Lisa Marie
Leaving North Bend this morning to drop Norm off at the lake where he stopped yesterday. Today was all trail again so I had another day to explore. Looking for some more “scenic” roads I took North Fork Road which turned into a forest road 3320. Started with some amazing horse farms and then abruptly turned to dirt. Two signs were at this entrance. One said something about CB band number? The other clearly stated anything other than the road itself was private property, no horses, bikes or hunting allowed🤔. But nothing about motorized vehicles 😂. So I went ahead. Enjoying the great road all the way through the forest, I saw an interesting sight. Of all things, a full couch in front of an old campfire. I could have laughed, but my thought is how this could cause a forest fire. Odd to still be out here.
After going for awhile I decided to take one of the other fire roads that connected to another road going north, Tolt Reservoir road which implied to me water. I found with the first 2 fire roads they were both blocked by cement blocks. So I drove back to Spur 10 a short connector road to Tolt. Making the turn onto Spur 10, I came this time to a gated barrier. Now I was determined to see if I could get in another way. Found another road through a neighborhood that intersected with Tolt Reservoir. Took the neighborhood road in and when making the turn north, yes you guessed it! Another gate barrier with another CB number sign and the sign that tells me I am not allowed in😂. A new sign at this gate stated this property belonged to Washington forest development and Global Environmental Group😉. At this point I did call it quits and was thankful for the miles I was able to enjoy. Trying to go south into the Tiger Mountain area just east of Seattle, I again found two fire roads blocked off. At the Tiger State Park I ran into 2 mountain bikers finishing up. I stopped to ask why the closures. Their answer because of the fires and potential of more, the Forest Service had closed that whole area off. Ok I may be stubborn but not stupid so that was it for me. I drove a scenic parkway into Woodinville where I met Norm at our hotel. We went to do some wine tasting which this area is known for and ended another day done.
