Nonprofit Spotlight Washington state has more than 30,000 registered nonprofit organizations. Their missions are wide ranging, but all attempt to address a significant community need, often relying completely on donor funding and an active cadre of community volunteers. With federal funding reduced, rescinded or at risk, nonprofits are eager to engage increased community support. The […]
hiking
Posted inPeople & Places
Inspirational Walks and Hikes
Many of us have heard the saying, “Go take a hike.” At one time, this was a negative phrase, but now it could become our mantra for getting out and exploring all the abundant trails that surround us in West Sound, from the south of the peninsula to the far north and maybe a few […]
Posted inAt Home
Nurturing Mindful Children in Nature This Season
Summer and fall are prime times to get kids out of the house and spend time outdoors, especially if you live at high altitudes or by the water. As you can imagine, studies show tremendous positive effects for children who spend time outside: However, you may need more than the idea of another hike to […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Five Ways to Boost the Benefits of Your Time Outdoors
Has your outdoor exercise become routine? Since early 2020, many people headed outdoors to stay fit. The natural world offers many of the benefits of a gym, but sometimes we need a reminder to boost our sense of play and our sense of place. To regain the joy of being outdoors, here are five ways […]
Posted inHome
Olympic Mountains Trail Guide — National Park and National Forest
The most comprehensive and authoritative guide to the Olympics originally written by Robert L. Wood and first published more than 35 years ago, was recently updated by local author Bill Hoke and the Peninsula Wilderness Club. Sales of this new edition benefit Olympic Mountain Rescue. “Olympic Mountains Trail Guide” is a treasured, classic guidebook to […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Best Hikes With Kids around Western Washington, Part 1
Editor’s note: While the weather is still gorgeous, are you trying to pack in as much outdoor times as possible? If you have little ones, hiking can be a challenge. This excerpt was adapted from hiking expert Susan Elderkin’s book, “Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington” (Mountaineers Books, April 2018), recommends several hikes around our […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Trail Etiquette Tips for Hiking Around West Sound
We need to be sensitive not only to the environment surrounding our trails, but to other trail users as well. Some of the trails are also open to mountain bikers and equestrians. When you encounter other trail users, whether they are hikers, runners, bicyclists or horse riders, the only hard-and-fast rule is to follow common […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Trails for Fun and Fitness in Your Big Backyard on the Kitsap Peninsula
Let’s face it: Whether you’re a hiker, walker or runner, life can get in the way when it comes to putting time in on the trail. Far too often, it’s hard for most of us to set aside an hour — never mind a day or even longer — to hit the trails of our […]
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
5 Tips for Safe Trail Use
It’s no secret (or surprise) that more and more people are heading to the trails for their regular exercise, whether walking/hiking or running. Last month, we talked about basic tips that will make your trail experience more enjoyable and safe. In part 2, we’ll review some trail-specific technical tips that will make adjusting to the […]