Olympia's Sizzlin' Third Thursday Walk

It was perfect weather for walking. The sun had appeared just a short time before the 3 p.m. start, and while it was still cool under the trees, in the sun it was 72 degrees. There was a 10K and 5K walk available.

I only did the 5K  because I was scheduled to man a checkpoint later on. Both walks started at Burfoot County Park which is about 8 miles north of Olympia. The trail wound through woods that were hushed in the late summer sun. There were many steps to the beach and the tide was high. The Capitol Building shimmered in the distance, but the Olympics could barely be seen in the light haze.

Because of the very high tide, I was unable to walk around the rocks in front of a charming beach cottage. The breeze was fresh as white caps played along the shore. Two kilometers more of enchanting woodlands led me to the highway to Boston Harbor. This road was lined with juicy blackberries.

The sun was warm at Boston Harbor. Sailboats dotted the blue sound. Normally busy, Boston Harbor was quiet this Thursday afternoon. The breeze sang through the trees as the wind waves splashed the sandy beach. It was pleasant to walk with the sun on my back and think of nothing in particular.

After the walk my friend and I drove to the checkpoint where a deer ran out in front of our car. I drove the rest of the 10K after we closed the checkpoint. I wished I had walked its gentle hills and peaceful gardens.

107 people walked with us today. It was a perfect day for a volkswalk. Make sure you don’t miss the next one.

Lesley Willardson