Because I had already walked 2 miles earlier in the day, I took a shorter (2.5 mile) walk this afternoon. Walking south on 36th Avenue NE, I came to the Little Brook Natural Area hidden away at 120th Street. This link describes the efforts that have gone into restoring Little Brook Creek in this area.

I didn't notice any designation on 36th but, once inside, I spotted a sign for an upcoming work party.

After roaming around Little Brook, I wound my way to 115th and 35th. I walked south on 35th to 105th. Along the way, I admired some flowers planted by an ornamental fence. I noted that Santorini's is still at 110th and 35th. It's nice to see a family business survive Covid and the economy. Someone had painted 2023 on Nathan Hale High School; I remember when the seniors would burn their year into the hillside and paint it on the railway trestle on Sand Point Way just south of 95th Street. Nathan Hale's athletic field, Meadowbrook Community Center and Meadowbrook Pool occupy the steets from 110th to 105th. The Free Shower Program in the community center was not needed 12 years ago.

It was a warm and smoky day (I could smell the fires) so, turning east onto 105th, I sought the shade of this path along Meadowbrook Ponds.

Making my way through Alicia Park, I noted side-by-side Little Free Libraries. The shorter one contained children's books, the taller one contained adult books including one in French, a writing guide and several novels.

At 95th and Sand Point Way, the Thornton Creek Natural Area looked cooler than I felt. There is a new, pedestrian-activated cross walk at this corner.

I hadn't expected to make any new observations on this walk but I did note houses decorated for Halloween and suspect that there are fewer chicken coops than there were 12 years ago. 

It is strange to be the middle of October and to have mostly green leaves on the trees. Usually, by this time of year, the leaves have changed color and, if the rains or winds have started, many of them have fallen.