Elliott's Thoughts » 31 days

Day 12 – Hiking Coal Creek

Elliott — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:34:48 +0000

The trailhead of this hike is located right off Coal Creek Parkway between 405 and Newcastle. It’s a small dirt parking lot which fits about 6-7 cars.

You’ll see lots of knocked over trees and erosion around the trail but the trail itself is well maintained. The hike starts out very close to Coal Creek. After leaving the trail head you can hear the parkway for a while, but soon it fades away as you get deeper into the park.
From this trailhead you can go to just about all the mountains in the Renton/Issaquah area to mine shafts and babbling streams.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGjKZCiO-4c&hl=en&fs=1&]

Day 11 – Kayaking On Lake Washington

Elliott — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:09:57 +0000

Last week I went sea kayaking with my sister and had a blast paddling around the Puget Sound. So for day eleven I was able to get out of work a little early and meet up with Bryan to go kayaking on Lake Washington. We went down to Cascade Canoe & Kayak to rent our boats and launch out into the water. They have a great place there with very personable people that are more than willing to help, give you tips, and make sure you have a fun time on the water.

The head cam actually ran out of power while we were on the water however, I think we got some great video. Starting at the Cascade Canoe & Kayak in Renton, WA we put in right across from Boeing field and started heading north to Mercer island. It was great! Misty rain, and fog made for conditions where most people wouldn’t go out so we were the only people on the water. After head out to Mercer Island we headed back and cruised the beaches of Coulon Park where there was a mix of colorful trees from the season change standing next to the amazing evergreens of the northwest.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QcbLj6BxYQ&hl=en&fs=1&]

I hope you enjoyed the video and go out and try it for yourself. If you need some people that are fun and motivated to try some new sports with reach out on NWevolution to head out with us on my 31 days of 31 activities or match up with other members on the site.

Day 8 – Wilderness Creek Trail

Elliott — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:59:00 +0000

Before I get into the details of this hike make sure you watch the video because I’m running a little contest at this trail!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxQc3IvAQPE&hl=en&fs=1&]

This is a hike that to get you in shape that has easy access. The trail is mostly dry but there’s plenty of water running down the Wilderness Creek. This route takes about 2 hours from start to finish (it all depends on your skill level)

The Wilderness Creek Trailhead is in between Renton and Issaquah on SR 900. The lot can fill up quick since it only holds about 10 – 12 cars however, if it is packed you can park along SR900

If you want to help maintain this hike there’s filler rock at the parking lot that you can hike in to lay down on wet/muddy spots along the trail. The Wilderness Creek trail is in the best shape of the three trails on this hike. The trail climbs up quickly, but along the way you are treated to be the best creek views.

After about 1.5 miles of uphill hiking you connect to the Wilderness Peak trail (there is no view at Wilderness Peak).

Continuing another .4 miles the trail connects to the Wilderness Cliffs Trail. This is where the trail becomes a bit muddy still — but is not too bad. Hint – This is where you might find a little notebook.

On the way back down the mountain, there is a peek-a-boo view The Wilderness Cliffs trail connects back to the Wilderness Creek trail and then continues back to the trailhead and the parking lot.

Directions:

From Interstate 90 (eastbound or westbound), take Exit 15 and drive south on Highway 900 (Renton-Issaquah Road Southeast) for 3.3 miles. Turn right at the trailhead sign into the parking lot

Day 5 – Sea Kayaking On The Puget Sound

Elliott — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:14:39 +0000

For my 5th day of r 31 days of 31 activities my sister and I headed down to Alki Beach to do some sea kayaking on the Puget Sound. Known by Seattle residents as one of the only “real” beaches area in the city, Alki beach is often compared to Southern California for its rollerblading, bicycling and jogging activities along the waterfront. Reminiscent also of European seaside towns, its narrow strip of sand accents the bustling cafes along the boardwalk. Outdoor activities abound, and cultural opportunities are present within walking distance of the waterfront.

Alki beach steches for 2 1/2 miles along the coastline of the Puget Sound, from Alki Point to Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay, the Alki Beach Park runs parallel with Beach Drive in West Seattle. It is public land, teeming with life year-round. In the summers, the people-watching is reason enough to be there, with rollerbladers, bicyclers, volleyball games, boarders and more. Stay into the evening for a bonfire right on the beach; Alki is one of only two public beaches in Seattle that allow them.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8UL1ZSdTJg&hl=en&fs=1&]

Whether you want to join a guided tour or strike out on your own, kayaks are available from Alki Kayak Tours. The guided tours include an Alki Lighthouse Sea Kayak Tour, one on the Duwamish River, Elliott Bay, Blake Island, and a sunset tour. No experience is necessary and the guides teach you all you need to know on the spot. Hourly rentals are also offered to those who are confident in their abilities already and wish to explore the Seattle waters in their own way. Singles and doubles are available, and a three-seater, which provides an opportunity to take your kids out in a kayak.

Go out joing the fun and make sure to share your experience on NWevolution.

Day 3 Biking – 31 Days of 31 Activities

Elliott — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:24:38 +0000

Since I’ve moved back to the Northwest my road bike has been sitting in the garage. So, for my third day it seemed fitting to pump up the tiers and take the trusty bike out for a spin down at the Cedar River Trail. I haven’t had such a calming experience like that for a long time. With the fall colors blanketing the trees and the crisp air on my face it truly didn’t even feel like I went to work that day. I hope you enjoy and Today we’re heading out to Lake Union for Some SUP. If you’re interested in joining us let me know.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPbeL4bzf7M&hl=en&fs=1&]

Day 2 of 31 Days of 31 Activities

Elliott — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:52:14 +0000

So the story goes on the second day that the initial idea had to be ditched since Cory and Karl ran supper late. However, I had a backup event in my pocket and we drove out to Bellevue, WA to Sky High Sports. If you haven’t been to this place you need to go at least one time. Sky High Sports is a massive warehouse full of trampolines that are linked together along with a huge foam pit to work on some new tricks without hurting yourself.

Over if you’re into wakeboarding, snowboarding or any sport that involves aerial stunts this is a great place to work on your moves. It’s ten buck for an hour and on Wednesdays they have a deal (2hrs for $12). Anyways I hope you enjoy the video and I’m always looking for people to come out and join the fun along with suggestions for activities that I should try out.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj4Ufi4cVmo&hl=en&fs=1&]

31 Days of 31 Activities – Schedule

Elliott — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:13:24 +0000

I took my nephew to Mt. Rainier over the weekend

For a personal project/experiment I’ve decided to do 31 activities in 31 days. This is a rediscovery of the northwest for me since I’ve recently moved back to the Seattle area (note first five days will not be in the Northwest). After each event I’ll post up a new video for everyone to see, hopefully inspiring others to go out and try it and maybe even come out and meet up with me at a future event.

I’ve scheduled the whole month of October out so take a look and feel free to reach out to me at Elliott@nwevolution.com if you want to come out for one or multiple days. If you do come out remember that I’m going to have cameras rolling the entire time so if you’re camera shy let me know in advance. In addition if you think there is something else that I should do than what’s on this list leave a comment.

31 Activities in 31 Days:

October 1st – 3rd: I’ll be in San Francisco since I’m speaking at West Coast Green so it’s going to be running on the pier an some nice hikes (you never know I might sneak something crazy in).

October 4th – 5th: I’m going to be in Phoenix with Small Leaks Sink Ships and I’ll be hitting up Squaw Peak and hopefully some rock climbing.

October 6th: Hiking Poo Poo Point

October 7th: Canoo Lake Washington

October 8th: Bike Ceder River Trail

October 9th: Stand Up Paddle on Lake Union

October 10th: Skydiving!

October 11th: Little Si Trail

October 12th: Rock Climbing

October 13th: Cougar Mountain Trail

October 14th: Bike Mercer Island

October 15th: Kyak in the Puget Sound

October 16th – 18th: Hike the American Ridge Trail

October 19th: Wakeboarding Lake Sammamish

October 20th: Para Gliding off of Poo Poo Point

October 21st: Hike Rattle Snake Lake

October 22nd: Hike Burt Gilman Trail

October 23rd: Hike Snoqualmie falls

October 24th: Bungee Jumping!!

October 25th: Hike Mt. Si

October 26th: Sky High Sports

October 27th Hike Squak Mt.

October 28th- 30th: Mountain Biking

October 31st: Hike Mail Box Trail and party afterwards!

Come out an join the fun or you can also follow me on Twitter.