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 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many […]
recreation
Posted inPeople & Places
Fun on the Local Waters
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 some of the most fun that can be had, and where lifetime […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Know Before You Go — Boating Edition
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 enjoy Puget Sound waterways or on one of our many lakes, there […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Skateboarding
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 perfect their moves. It’s a typical scene at a skateboarding park — […]
Posted inAround West Sound
Tips for Staying Safe Around the Water
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 cause of injury death among children aged 1-4, and the third leading […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Safety Essentials Every Boater Should Have on Hand
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 fatal accidents had formal safety training, and 81 percent had no training […]
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 inPeople & Places
Hello, Thailand!
“Sawadee ka.” That’s hello in Thai. Sawadee ka — said with hands in prayer position (known as wai) and a tiny bow with your head. Hello from Thailand — a land of beauty and mystery. A place where royalty and religion are entwined deep in a culture of ritual and superstition. Many Americans know very […]
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 […]