Solitary walk #2

The back trails behind Lake Padden

The only reason I went for a walk today is because it's Thursday, and although I have been very lazy and neglecting my daily step count, I don't feel I can get away with it on Thursdays, my usual hiking day with the Senior Trailblazers. My sense of guilt and duty got me out the door to Lake Padden.

Even the cars are social distancing

When I got to the parking lot, I saw a worker putting up these barriers, which I suspect is to keep the number of people on the trails down, at least a little. When I got there early, there were a few parking spaces, but when I returned a couple of hours later, they were all filled.

How to keep from getting lost

Since I usually just take the loop around the lake a time or two, I am unfamiliar with the back trails. In fact, today was the first time I went there alone. Fortunately, at every junction there is a sign, like this one, so it's really not possible to get lost unless you forget to check the signs. There are far fewer people in this area than in the lake loop.

Skunk cabbage peeking up

I took a few pictures of new growth, but only a few of them turned out; most either had someone's finger in the way, or they were out of focus. I got this yellow sign of spring without having to wade too far into the swamp.

Ferns unfurling

And then it was time to step out of the back trails and onto the loop. There were so many people, and almost everybody was wearing a mask and observed the social distancing rules. Considering how many people were out on the trails, I could see why the city decided to limit parking.

Lake Padden this morning

I sat for awhile on one of the many benches surrounding the lake, and enjoyed feeling the warm sun. I got ready to take this picture and almost completely missed the kayak as it passed in front of me! It's there on the left, with only its wake fully visible. I sat there for a bit longer, hoping that maybe the kayaker would come back by, but no such luck.

Sleeping couple

I walked by these two ducks, on two little rocks next to each other, with their heads tucked in sleep. I stood there for awhile, hoping they would look up, but I really didn't want to disturb them. So I took the picture just as they were. Bet this is a favorite spot. I'd like it if I were a duck.

It was a very nice walk. On the way back, though, I did run into some larger groups (four to six) of young people who didn't seem to know the rules, and I had to walk off the trail into the grass to avoid them. Once I got back to my car, I saw there were people waiting for me to leave so they could get my spot. There were way too many people by the time I left to have any hope of keeping my distance. Glad I started early!
:-)