Tour de Magnusón

Hang on tight, folks because this is the inaugural Tour de Magnusón at Magnuson Park in Seattle, WA. I have the good fortune of having this park at my fingertips, and with my fingertips, I will bring it to you. Put on your helmet and lets go!

Lets start by just appreciating some of the great backdrop that the weathered architecture from the original airfield provides. Top left: The entrance to the park. Top right: Brick buildings dot the west side of the park. Bottom left: One of many hangers that is still used today. This one is used for indoor soccer, beach volleyball, and assorted other sports when the rains grace the great Pacific Northwest. Bottom right: Previously used for, well, administration.

Left: The mountaineers, a local hiking and nature conservation group, have renovated this old building and made it their new mothership. On the other side, they installed an 80' climbing wall. Its HUGE! Right: Other buildings have been renovated and are cleverly being used as community housing...playground and all!










Alright, lets head up to the Northshore to check out the sailboat launch and other activities.


From here, its just a jump and a skip over to the P-patch. This is one of my favorite activities at Magnuson Park. I go here to grow food, play in dirt, log some volunteer hours, get some much needed sunshine, and clear my mind when things get tough. Top left: It looks like there are still some veggies going strong. I suppose some will over-winter. Food all year long...spectacular. Top right: My food bank plot has been cleared for the season and is recovering from a nice tomato harvest this past summer. Bottom: These lil' eggplants are refusing to quit. Better luck next season my wee friends...

We have many miles ahead of us so lets keep moving through the park. Top left: Referred to as the Sports Meadow, this is one of the best grassy fields that I've ever experienced. I like to lie down in the middle and feel small...that is, when there aren't a million knee-biters trying to play soccer. Top right: Magnuson Park has acres and acres of winding trails through beautiful nature preserves. Bottom left: As we crest over Kite Hill, the waterfront and Mt. Rainier comes into view. Bottom right: I spotted a few brave blackberries that were hanging on for dear life...I promptly ate this one.

Lets head on down to the waterfront. There's so much to see. This is a piece of public art called The Fin Project. It sort of looks like fish, as their seen from shore, swimming in the grass.



Summer of 05: My friend Tanner and I would travel from far and wide to go swimming off of this dock. Its just a superb little beach.



It looks like the locals are out sailing. Looks like fun!







And don't forget to look across the lake. It appears as if the Cascades are getting their first snow dusting of the season.


Change is abound at Magnuson Park. The City of Seattle has begun to invest several million dollars to turn the western corridor into outdoor recreational facilities. Next autumn, I imagine things will look a little different...


Well, no one...and I mean NO ONE...enjoys this park more than the dogs. Seriously. It's been scientifically proven that one can't walk through the dog park at Magnuson without smiling. I dare you to try...


Crazy canines. Is anyone else famished after the inaugural Tour de Magnusón??? I hope you aren't sore tomorrow. Drop by sometime and we'll make this virtual tour a reality!