We are back in Seattle after a few days in Victoria, BC. Our walks there revealed that Victoria is facing many of the same challenges and experiencing many of the same changes as Seattle. Small homes are being replaced by multiple houses or apartment buildings. Restaurants and hotels are having a hard time hiring workers. We spotted a few homeless people but we didn't see any graffiti.

Today's walk took us along the Burke Gilman Trail to Sail Sand Point in Magnuson Park.


The trail was busy with bikers, runners and walkers. We walked south from Matthews Beach until we came to this sign for Sand Point Way. 


There is a bench across from this sign and a path that leads to Sand Point Way.


Looking north from the point at which the path ends, we spotted a number of camper vans, autos and a tent. Similar encampments have been migrating along Sand Point Way and 35th Avenue NE as well as in Lake City and throughout much of Seattle. I had spotted some campers vans (mostly in industrial areas) on my walks 12 years ago but not anywhere near the numbers I see now.



Obstructed from view alongside this encampment, is this sign for an entrance to Magnuson Park.


Sail Sand Point was busy on this beautiful autumn morning with many young teenagers getting ready to board small sailboats. There were also a number of kayakers already on the water.


Walking south, we passed Magnuson Cafe and Brewery, a sign for Boyer Children's Clinic, ...

... Ride Leader Pavilion (erected by the Cascade Bike Club) ...


... and the Waldorf High School. 

Except for Sail Sand Point, I'm not sure that any of these were here 12 years ago.

Across from these buildings, we spotted Magnuson Athletic Club and Arena Sports.


Continuing south, we came to the Mountaineers Building and its climbing rocks. These large rocks were being used but a smaller, more recently completed rock north of the building was not.

We exited the park at 77th Street across from View Ridge Pool and tennis courts.


Walking north, we came to a sign for NOAA.


Across from NOAA are some newer townhouses and a pedestrian-activated cross walk sign. I have noted a number of these signs being installed during the last few years as well as sidewalks near schools.

We passed a sign for Fairway Estates and a number of rental electric bikes and scooters (in various states of repair and with some or no graffiti).


We walked about 3.5 miles and noted a trail and a park being well used.



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