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 … read more

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: … read more

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 … read more

Playing in or around water is one of the joys of summer, but this treasured seasonal pastime comes with some serious risks. Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the United States, according to … read more

Some people say the two happiest days of boat owners’ lives are the day they buy and the day they sell. But for boaters looking forward to what will hopefully be a warm, sunny summer on the water, boating on Puget Sound is … read more

The spectacular vistas, lush forests and scenic waterways are all around us on the West Sound. We are, indeed, fortunate to live in such a beautiful place and we also have incredible outdoor recreational opportunities including boating. If you are heading out to … read more

Wheels screech up and down ramps, scraping against hard cement walls as wheel recreationalists attempt an “ole.” Checking every angle to see how the ramp could be used in a unique and creative way, skaters give each other advice as they practice and … read more

Summer means that more children spend time in and around water areas such as pools, lakes and oceans. Like many parents, you worry about your children’s safety around water, no matter how old they are. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading … read more

The U.S. Coast Guard’s most recent recreational boating report (pdf) counted 4,291 accidents that involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries and approximately $46 million of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Sadly, only 14 percent of the boat operators in … read more