Hiking Coal Creek Park

Just 15 minutes south of Seattle is Coal Creek Park, which use to operate in supplying coal through the Newcastle mine. The opening of this mine is still visible from the trail.  There is a side trail, Primrose Trail, that I highly recommend taking because it contains Sandstone Falls. In addition, Primrose Trail contains a little change in scenery; you travel by Coal Creek, cross some moss covered bridges, and get a little incline workout.

Now, it’s time for me to explain to you my experience of hiking the park on September 21st. Before I go on a hike, I always check wta.com (Washington Trail Association website) to read what other hikers experienced and things to be aware of (i.e. mudholes, bugs). The last entry was in June and the only thing reported was that wildflowers in bloom.  First off, the first parking lot was inaccessible because of construction, but the second one (starting at the end of the trail) was relatively easy to find. Then once on the trails, the waterfalls were mostly dried up which was all kinds of sadness; seriously they were pitiful! Then, the Primrose Trail was closed; however, we took it anyways; yes we are such rebels. We deduced that the trail was closed because of mudholes and fallen trees. Some of the fallen trails were difficult to climb over for this vertically-challenged individual but completely doable. Additionally, the creek was completely dried up in certain sections of the trail.

Overall, it was nice to be hiking again because I haven’t been since I got back from visiting my parents in Missouri. I have been told that the best time to see the waterfalls roaring with water is early spring when the snow has melted off the mountains.

On the Primrose trail; the bridge was missing a couple boards and was wobbly but surrounded by moss.

Pitiful Sandstone Waterfall on the Primrose trail.

This is what the trail looked like throughout the park.

Spotted slug

North Fork Falls; it's been dry so it was basically just trickling.

This is on the Primrose Trail; the background is Coal Creek, and as you can see it is  almost dried up.

Visible coal mine from the trail.

Progress on Bucket List

I came up with a bucket list last year for Seattle and the surrounding areas. Below is the progress I have made on that list. I honestly feel that as soon as I accomplish something on my list, I add two more things.

• Washington State Ferries

On the ferry to Bainbridge Island from Seattle

• Green Lake Park

View of the lake while walking the trail in early spring. There are turtles on the log in the water,

• CenturyLink Field

I have been Sounders (soccer) games in CLink. This picture shows streamers falling after the Sounders scored a goal.

• Golden Gardens Park

Late August waiting for the sunset 

• Smith Tower

I purchased a groupon to go to the observation deck of Smith Tower. It provides a 360 degree viewpoint.

• Japanese Tea Garden

I went to the garden in the spring and the cherry blossoms were in bloom.

• Fremont Troll

For a while there was construction in this area so people were unable to climb on the troll.

• Pacific Science Center

View of Space Needle from inside the courtyard of the Pacific Science Center

• Otter Falls

View of Otter Falls

• Parsons Garden

View of Upper Queen Anne from inside Parsons Garden

• Pointe Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Riding a camel with my niece

Shopping in Chinese Markets, BC, Canada

While we were sampling all kinds of Asian food in Richmond, we also did some shopping in grocery stores. Here are some pictures of some of the unique items in my opinion in the markets.

Popsicle flavors: Yogurt Soda Ice Cream and Red Bean Milk Ice Cream

Taro Pudding

Specialty bread= Bread with NO crust

Pain Simple bread= PLAIN bread

Taro Snowy Deluxe Cakes

Chicken feet

Soft Shell Gutted Turtles

Live Rice Field Eel

Lobster Bisque Flavored Potato Chips

Shrimp Flavored Chips

Prepared Sliced Squid

Most colored fish in the market= Parrot Fish

King Crabs

Armed With A Fork in Richmond, BC, Canada

I recently went to Richmond, British Columbia, Canada with a friend. The main purpose for this visit was to enjoy the cuisine and experience the Night Market in Richmond. Being an American and visiting Canada already makes me a foreigner; however, while visiting Richmond, I was the only Caucasian for the majority of the time; making me a double foreigner. Richmond has an immigrant population of 60%. Also, 50% of the residents of Richmond identify as Chinese; however, since we spent 100% of our time in the International area, it felt like I was the immigrant 100% of the time. There were places that charge additional charges if I wanted a fork instead of using chopsticks, and believe me, I need a fork when I eat. The night market in Richmond is comparable to a State Fair but with Asian food galore, and without forks. Here are pictures of me being so proud of my fork and food from the night market.

Only Caucasian in restaurant and you betcha I am armed and proud of my fork

Only Caucasian again

Waiting in line for the entrance into the Night Market

Inside the Night Market

Night Market entrance

Kebob sword fight

Me pretending to use chopsticks

Eating yam fries with chopsticks, I ended up using my fingers or stabbing the fries with the sticks :)

Kebobs galore

Saucy Chicken Pops

The mascot of the Night Market

Curry balls

Grilled squid

Bubble Waffle

Those Funny Canadians

I recently went on a trip to visit the cities of Richmond and Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada with one of my good friends from high school. This was my first time being in the city of Vancouver; therefore, we participated in some tourist destinations. One of those destination was the Historic Gaslight District in downtown Vancouver. While we were walking through this neighborhood I found some merchandise that I found to be amusing. The majority of the merchandise were t-shirts.

Evolution of a Canadian....eh!

Northern Exposure, Welcome to Canada

Take the Test:
If you got- 9 out of 10 correct: Congratulations, you are as Canadian as Stanfield's underwear and back bacon.
5 to 8 correct: Not bad...eh!
3 to 4 correct: You should be set adrift on Lake Louise in a canoe filled with Pierre Berton books.
0 to 2 correct: Oh! You're American. 

*I am Canadian*
I am not a lumberjack or a fur trader.
The BEAVER is a proud and noble animal.
I believe in diversity not assimilation.
I speak English and French not American.
I don't live in an Igloo or eat blubber or own a dog sled.
I pronounce it 'About' not 'A Boot'
I believe in peacekeeping, not policing.
It is pronounced 'zed' not 'zee'... ZED!!
I can proudly sew my country's flag on my backpack.
I have a Prime Minister, not a president.

BEWARE: Moose dropping

May the Forest Be With You

All You-Can-Eat Buffet

I need a MOOSEage