Hike-a-thon...only one mile, but what an awesome story!!

So this week was super busy at work and I just did not spend much time on the ground for hiking. However, I did do one measly mile on the Duwhamish River Trail. Okay, I cannot recommend the Duwhamish River Trail. It is through an industrial part of town that is depressing. It is boring and it is loud along a busy street and busy railroad line. BUT it does go by some very interesting parks that are part of the history of the indigenous peoples here in the Seattle area. I was down there because I went on an Eco Tour sponsored by the Duwhamish Tribe. We set out from their Longhouse on West Marginal Way in West Seattle and the guide took us along the banks of the river and gave us a history lesson of the native peoples, the geology and the river and waterways in this area of Seattle. We also were introduced to some native plants and viewed a clam midden from an ancient village that was sited along the Duwhamish River long before the first white settlers were here. It was so fascinating and informative and I cannot say enough good things about the Duwhamish Eco Tour!! This qualifies for a square on my hike-a-thon bingo card, Learning about the  history of the land on one of your hikes!!  And now it is back to work. 

Duwhamish Longhouse

Looking south along the original bend in the river

Silverweed

Looking north towards Harbor Island and Downtown Seattle

Informational sign in one of the parks

Clam Midden along the original village site, erosion along the river has exposed many layers of this midden

Area where original Duwhamish Longhouses were located excavations in the 1970's revealed many artifacts from this site which are now in Burke Museum in Seattle

Yarrow

Looking east from the original village site, it was also the site of a community called Youngstown for about 80 years after the indigenous people were forced out. The area was purchased by the Port of Seattle for expansion in the 1970's and Youngstown was also demolished. Remnants of piers and bricks are from the Youngstown settlement.

Duwhamish River Trail

I also completed another square for my hike-a-thon bingo card by making my own DIY trail mix. My creation is the Halloween Candy Corn and Peanuts combo!! Luckily Candy Corn is already in the stores with Halloween stuff. (shaking my head) -So you combine candy corn and peanuts and the combo together tastes like a payday candy bar. Super yummy in my opinion and very convenient to carry around.    

I'm working to raise money for Washington Trails Association through Hike-a-Thon. This August. I'll be hitting the trail to support the outdoor experiences I love so much. Will you join me in supporting trails by making a donation to my Hike-a-Thon fundraising page? Thanks so much for your support.

https://give.wta.org/fundraiser/5619901

Or if you prefer, you can send cash or check (made out to WTA (Washington Trails Association) and send to 

PO Box 16131 Seattle, WA  98116