Seattle City Walk - Madison Park on March 6, 2016

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Come walk with us! We are leading free urban nature walks around Seattle. We've got a new walk planned for Madison Park on March 6, 2016. 

Description:

This urban nature walk takes in all of the upscale beauty and charm of the Madison Park neighborhood. You'll get great views of Lake Washington, a look at the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants that border Madison avenue and a nice walk through this peaceful neighborhood of beautiful homes with amazing landscapes.

Our walking trail parallels Lake Washington, heading south from Madison Park to Madrona Park. It's about 4 miles round trip. Depending on our pace and stops along the way, it will take approximately 2.5 hours. The terrain is mostly asphalt, so wear comfy walking shoes. 

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One darn good reason to get up early!

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One darn good reason to get up early!

Sometimes it's good to get up early. But given the choice for most of us, the soft sheets, warm cozy blankets and lull of sleep make it way more appealing to stay under the covers. And if it's still dark outside when your alarm goes off...it's even more challenging to get out of bed.

Here's one good reason to get up early...

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Next City Walk with Nature Me - Special Holiday Walk on December 20

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WALK THIS WAY to the BALLARD FARMER'S MARKET. A special holiday walk! 

Come walk with us. We are leading free, fun and interesting walks around the greater Seattle area. See details below for our upcoming December 20 walk.

Description:

We've designed this urban walk just for the holidays! This special walk will explore part of the Ballard Neighborhood, but mostly introduce you to the fantastic Ballard Farmer's Market. You'll have ample time to shop and explore all of the bounty this market has to give. 

 

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Five outside activities that will help your holidays shine

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Five outside activities that will help your holidays shine

I love this time of year. Right about now I start getting that good feeling of what's to come.

And, I've intentionally scaled back so much throughout the years that now the season feels way more festive than frenzied.

Not only have I trimmed back, but I've let go of all my expectations (well most). That in itself is a great gift!

This year we are opting for a different kind of Thanksgiving. Circumstances (good ones) just worked out that Curt (my life partner) and I have the day to ourselves.

So, I'm packing a lovely simple picnic with a great bottle of Pinot Noir (exellent with turkey and cranberry sandwiches) and we are heading to the foothills of the Cascade mountains for a nice hike along a river.

It seems like the perfect place for us to give thanks for all that we have in our lives while surrounded by natural mountain beauty.

Here are four more ways to experience the beauty of the holiday season outside...

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PICTURE IT WELL: the mind-body connection

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PICTURE IT WELL: the mind-body connection

According to author Esther M. Sternberg, MD, growing research shows a mind-body connection between nature scenes (either a real or photograph) and how they make us feel emotionally. Even though many of us intuitively seek out beautiful surroundings because they make us feel better, Sternberg takes it further.

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Next City Walk with Nature Me - November 21

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WALK THIS WAY - Green Lake 

Come walk with us! We are leading free, fun and interesting urban nature walks around the greater Seattle area. See details below for our upcoming November 21 walk.

Description:

This fun and high energy walk will take us around Green Lake, which is so loved by Seattleites.

The path around the perimeter of Green Lake is just under 3 miles and it winds through a variety of terrain. You'll see everything from sports fields, to swimming ducks and geese to a wonderful variety of preserved natural plants and trees. Not to mention joggers, walkers, bikers, skaters and strollers. 

Also, we will add part of the bustling Green Lake neighborhood to our walk, making it approximately 3.5 to 4 miles. Depending on our pace it will take about 2 hours. The terrain is mostly asphalt, so wear comfy shoes. (Tennis shoes work great.)

Our intent for this walk is really more about discovery and connection with nature in an urban setting than fitness. The exercise is just a bonus! And, just so you know, it's not a formal tour, we explore right along with you. 

Date and Time: Saturday, November 21 at 10 am

Where: Green Lake, Seattle Washington. (Meet-up location and parking details to come with confirmation email)

Optional: As always, after the walk we'll gather at a nearby coffee house for refreshment and a little conversation. 

What we experience when we walk:

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Next City walk with Nature Me - October 31

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WALK THIS WAY. Seattle's Beautiful Washington Park Arboretum Come walk with us! We are leading free, fun and interesting urban nature walks around the greater Seattle area. See details below for our upcoming October 31 walk. Description: This gorgeous walk starts and ends at the south end of Washington Park Arboretum near the Japanese gardens. (Check our option below about the Japanese garden add-on.) The arboretum is a 230-acre outdoor gallery of sorts. The north end of the park spills into Lake Washington with Marsh and Foster Islands making up that part of the park habitat. From there, it stretches south through a beautiful land of plant collections.
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Next city walk with Nature Me - September 19

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Come walk with us. We are leading free, fun and interesting walks around the greater Seattle area. See details below for our upcoming September 19 walk. Description: This gorgeous walk starts and ends in the Belltown neighborhood. We'll stroll through Olympic Sculpture park with its massive outdoor sculptures and then on to the adjacent Myrtle Edwards park with its paved path along Elliot Bay. You'll see panoramic views of the harbor, Olympic mountains and downtown Seattle . The walk is approximately 3.5 miles, so depending on our pace it will take about 2 hours. The terrain is a mix of asphalt, dirt trails, and a little up and down, so wear comfy shoes. (Tennis shoes work great.) Our intent for this walk is really more about discovery and connection with nature in an urban setting than fitness. The exercise is just a bonus! And, just so you know, it's not a formal tour, we explore right along with you.
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7 ways to get the most out of your walk

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Walking is one of the simplist ways to get some exercise and clear your mental clutter. Here are some simple things you can do to get more out of your walk. 

  1. Set a simple intention before you start your walk such as...
    • I will be aware of my surroundings
    • I will notice all of the flowers, animals, birds, trees or gorgeous views (choose one or two)
    • I will be present and let my thoughts float on by
    • I will embrace the season
  2. Feel your body. Your feet. Your strong legs. Set your posture. Shoulders back and arms loose. Thanks your body for giving you the physical stamina to do this.
  3. Start out positive...approach your walk with a sense of adventure, curiosity and discovery.
  4. Find a pace that feels right for you. If you are with others, set your pace together.
  5. If something is going on that you need to process mentally, give yourself 5 minutes, then let it go. You'll be amazed at the insight or clarity that will come later.
  6. Along the way look for things you've never noticed before and find interesting.
  7. Expect nothing but the best on your walk.

Are you looking for someone to walk with or a fun, interesting walking route? Then come join us for our monthly walks! Check out our Seattle Walks page and subscribe to Nature Me get all the details delivered to your inbox.