Day 6: Burke-Gilman (almost) completed: Matthews Beach Park to Fremont Bridge

  Day 6 Highlights:

If I’m honest, I woke this morning a bit grumpy and tired – overwhelmed at what I’ve committed myself to with this Faux Camino thing.  But then, I received an encouraging note from one of my MO Faux Camino Blog followers (yes, I have followers), and decided to pull myself and my stuff together and just focus on the day ahead.

If I were doing the real Day 6, I would have walked 13.4 miles from Estella to Los Arcos, where I would have made merry at the Irache wine fountain, been charmed by the historic Monjardin village and savored the remote path to Los Arcos.

In real life, I set out to complete the full Burke-Gilman trail (which I will have done twice because I have done in loops each day), exceeding today’s target mileage but eager to achieve this milestone.  So I did it (I thought!) – I walked from Matthews Beach Park to the Fremont Bridge (pronounced Free-mont) – a 17 mile round trip.  

But there was a problem. My foot weary brain had told me the end of the trail was the Fremont Bridge.  After I was miles away from reaching Fremont, I looked at the trail map disagreed and saw that the end was actually the Ballard Bridge. Doh! Another 1.7 miles x 2 that I will have to add to my journey before I finish.  The good thing about my faux Camino is that I can have do overs.

 Today was another PNW spectacular in terms of weather – mid 70s, cloudless sky, and many parts of the path cool and shady with a steady but not obnoxious number of walkers and bikers.  I think that this trail is a trusted route for summer day camps because I enjoyed three long lines of children on bikes with masks, back packs and what must have been counselors at the front and in the caboose, looking stressed and constantly yelling - "stay right, stay right!"

Get a taste of the views I enjoyed in the picture journal below – the iconic Huskies stadium (University of Washington), Seattle's Needle as part of the distant downtown skyline, houseboats (yes, just like from Sleepless in Seattle),and Gas Works Park.  You will also see some random wall art that I captured just because I liked it.  I especially appreciated the dentist who named her business “Fiddler on the Tooth” even if the accompanying art mixed metaphors with the tooth fairy.  I have to say though that it wasn't all lovely and fun. I once again passed by homeless encampments right at the side of the trail that continued to juxtapose those in this city who have lots  (and lots) with those who have not.    

Halfway through today’s journey, I called into a weekly zoom meeting with our good friend Gail who became my tour guide when I got to Fremont, looking for an iced soy latte.  (I know, it really is a faux Camino!) So cool to share and discuss in real time what I’m experiencing, making it richer for me for sure and hopefully for them as well.  

You’ll notice that I’ve included some pictures from yesterday's rest day when my husband and I drove to Mount Rainier National Park.  It was a perfect day for viewing this magnificent sight and I wanted you to see it.   

I wore new shoes today (I know, never do that) and they were wonderful. Skechers make trainers with super padded soles and, while the jury remains out, I think they will help me win the blister battle.

Day six was filled with beauty and my gratitude for the amazing variety of this emerald city.  Thanks for coming along.

See you on Day 7.  ¡Buen Camino!






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