Waterway Walk

HISTORICAL STROLL: This afternoon, while Annabelle was tending to other business, CJ, the dogs, and I went for a little walk. We drove down the hill a mile or two to our west, down to the Duwamish River. We found a place to park along its east bank, and set off on foot.

One of the first things we did was cross this curious footbridge (above). It looked old and rickety, but surely it's safe or it wouldn't be open, right?

We were starting to rethink that 'right?' about a third of the way across, when the bridge started swaying and bouncing underfoot. That felt pretty darn sketchy. 

We were happy to be across, but realized, of course, that we had to turn back and cross it again to get back to our car. 

Obviously, we lived to tell about it. ;)

After that adventure, we walked south, along the waterfront. Along the way, we encountered an itty bitty church tucked between an old house and a manufactured home. I couldn't help but notice its simple cross looked like it was crafted from two Home Depot 4x4s.

Interesting that the church's weekly service is at 6 on Saturday evenings. Given that, I thought perhaps it was Seventh Day Adventist, but when I got home and did the Google, it appears the church is Presbyterian. According to an archived article on the Tukwila Reporter website, apparently services have been held here since 1905, and before that, the structure was in another part of town.

Beyond that, it's hard to find much out about the church. They don't appear to have a Facebook page or a website at all. Guess I could show up on a Saturday night for more info. It would be fun to peek inside. 

Just past the church, we came to a park - specifically Duwamish Park. Right away, we spied a labyrinth with a marker in the middle.

We walked the entire labyrinth, taking nary a shortcut. In the center, we saw this memento.

Turns out the park was the site of Duwamish Grade School for decades.

I found a cool old photo (circa 1920) of the actual school on a UW website. I didn't want to post it here, because it looks like image's usage rights are on lockdown, so to speak, so you'll have to follow this link to see it for yourself: 

https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/imlsmohai/id/5075

The park had a decent sized play structure, a nice, big open field, and a good sized-barbecue. It also had a BIG bulldog for a neighbor, which delighted CJ, who loves dogs who are smoosh-faced and wrinkly.

SIGN OF THE TIMES: While driving through Tukwila, WA, a couple of days ago, I couldn't help but notice this sign (below), warning drivers about a no racing zone. 

I find it funny that if you take this sign literally, I guess it's OK to race there between 5:01 a.m. and 9:59 p.m.?