Bike Centennial Trail Washington State

It was time to be back on the bikes and this weekend we decided to head south to the Centennial Trail in Washington State.  The trail is 29 miles long and runs from just north of Bryant to the City of Snohomish.  Another rails to trails initiative the trail is designed for walkers, runners, cyclists and horseback riding...and we saw them all.  A few brave in line skaters were even braving the rain!

Trail access at Arlington

We decided to jump on the trail at Arlington.  There are many access points to the trail, so it is easy to hop on and off to explore the many local shops, parks and family attractions.  Arlington is a wonderful little town and definitely a blast from the past.  American flags proudly flying and good old small town charm everywhere!  Of course, Seahawk pride and evidence of the 12th man is also everywhere!

Go Hawks

Rob will tell you that no day trip is a success unless you begin your day in the Ma and Pa diner.  And so, without a second thought we found ourselves enjoying omelettes at the BlueBird Cafe...family owned since 1958.

Just outside of Arlington the trail is under construction, so riders are forced to ride in traffic for a short distance.  We found the drivers to be very considerate, but as always were grateful to be back on designated trail away from traffic and noise.  The trail featured many scenic views and rest points.  We simply can't recommend this trail enough.  It is an easy ride, well maintained, great access points and lots of services along the entire length of the trail.  Truly a gem!

A view of the lake

Scenic boardwalk to the lake

Unfortunately we have not been on our bikes this winter as much as we would like so we must confess that we were not in the best shape for a 60 mile jaunt.  (Mind willing - body ain't!)  As the rain and wind picked up for the return journey our legs began to give out.  It really was a test, both mentally and physically to get back to the trail head.  We were both fighting leg cramps and bike butt and at times had to get off and walk.  On the bright side, the weather had turned so nasty that there was no one left on the trail to witness our walk of shame.

I think it is clearing up!

We trudged along, and were absolutely thrilled to return to our van at the Trail head parking lot.  We made a promise to ourselves to pick up our work-out schedule and return to the Centennial Trail in the summer....rumour has it the ice cream stores along the route are amazing!

Giggle of the Day:

One of the joys of rails to trails routes is it usually means FLAT, and generally the Centennial Trail is a very easy ride.  However, there is one section featuring a slow steady climb - 642 feet.  On the bright side, when you reach the top of the hill, you are made honourary members of the Robert M. Culpeper Blistering Saddles Cycling Team!

Not really a team you want to join

Free Library - now that is community in action!

...for those feeling a little thirsty

Map and Route Tips:

Centennial Trail

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Centennial-Trail-Snohomish-County

Snow Shoe Mount Baker - Washington State

Many boast that one of the joys of living in the lower mainland area of British Columbia means that in the winter you have the opportunity to ski and play golf all in the same day.  Living here in the rain forest means that one often "forgets" about winter, as it never really feels like it.  (of course, our reference for defining winter is growing up in Alberta and Manitoba)  Well, this weekend we both craved WINTER.  Maybe the long hours on the couch watching our athletes compete in Sochi drew us to the mountains or maybe our recent cold snap reminded us of winter.  Whatever, the reason we decided to pack up our gear and head to Mount Baker in Washington State.

Creative Fencing at Glacier Ski Rentals

Yep...we were going in the right direction!

The only way to describe Baker is MAJESTIC.  The glacier covered peaks of Baker lie within Snoqualmie National Forest.   The following description is from the USA Forest Service website:

The most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness  is the 10,781 foot [3,286 meters] active volcano from which the wilderness takes its name. Mt. Baker is the northernmost volcano in the United States Cascade Range located 15 miles south of the Canadian border. The mountain is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Baker's summit, called Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Directly to the south is a smaller and younger crater, which is currently a center of periodic steam eruptions. Sherman Crater is only partially ice-filled and the rim's pinnacle, known as Sherman Peak, reaches an elevation of approximately 10,160 feet [3,097 meters].

Leaving the ski are boundary for the back country

We decided to start our day trip from the Mount Baker ski area.  We arrived to a full parking lot!  It was a winter wonderland and we were thrilled to see families skiing, snow-shoeing and sledding.  We made our way to the upper parking lot area, found the road up the mountain and entered the back country.  The snow was absolutely fantastic...quite a surprise as we had seen very little snow as we made our way up the mountain.  The weather conditions were not great, the light was flat and there was definitely a storm moving in.  We decided to not venture too far and chose to head to Artist Ridge in the Heather Meadows area.  This trail is well known for its many viewpoints - but today, was not the day to capture a view.  Visibility was really poor.  Despite the poor visibility we enjoyed bumping in to numerous winter enthusiasts and many snow hounds in search of fresh powder in the back country.  

Giggle of the Day:

We had a good giggle as we took note of how equipment has changed......

Map and Route tips: