Walk This Way

STREAM STROLL: Yesterday was super sunny and downright warm, and we took advantage of the lovely weather to check out a spot we've been wanting to visit.

We often travel Oakesdale Avenue down from our hill, and have seen pathways on both sides. On the west, is the Black River Riparian Forest and Wetland. Per the city of Renton's website, the land "is home to more than 50 species of birds, including one of the largest great blue heron colonies in the region. The site is a complex ecosystem with an abundant wildlife habitat. The Black River Riparian Forest and Wetland is a year-round bird watcher's paradise and provides an oasis and a unique view of nature within Renton's city limits."

On the east side of the same roadway is Waterworks Gardens, a public park next to King County's South Treatment Plant. That doesn't sound too lovely, but it's actually quite pretty, and super serene. Per the King County website, "This is a place where art, technology and nature join in a unique way. Along with trails, public art, native plants and wildlife, the ponds and marshes of Waterworks Gardens filter and clean stormwater from the treatment plant's 50 acres of roads, parking lots and hard surfaces."

So, we walked the ripariantrail on the way south, and the waterworks on the way north.

Likely given the time of year, we didn't see anywhere near 50 different kinds of birds, nor did we see a single heron. We did see a number of mallards, and a couple of other waterbirds, along with a chickadee or two.

The east side of the trek proved more interesting on our visit. Waterworks Gardens was really quite lovely, including this pretty mosaic oasis, the Grotto.

 Not quite Stonehenge, these monoliths were part of the art installation.

During our nice stroll, this sign (below) was a random diversion. 

We were walking along the quiet waterway, which was also bordered by King County's South (sewer) Treatment Plant, when we encountered the sign below. 

What, pray tell, is Pokeman? Is it a game involving thrusting a stick at some poor guy?

Oh wait, no, I'm guessing it's 

You know, that fun game you play via an app on your phone. 

I'm sorry, but this sign ... in such an out of the way and nondescript place. It was just INVITING people who weren't otherwise doing so to fire up their apps. 

Bizarre.

Did I mention we only saw two other people on the trail?

I have to guess it's a warning to their employees, perhaps?