exploring our local parks

this gorgeous spring-like weather (we're almost there!) has prompted a couple of recent visits to nearby parks. according to seattle parks and recreation, there are over 400 parks and over 6200 acres of park land within seattle city limits.

last weekend we visited magnuson park, seattle's second largest park at 300 acres. the land used to be a navy airfield, but is now a huge public park along the shore of lake washington. we only walked through a small part of this park, but had a great time exploring with the dogs. sammy and frankie were particularly interested in the wetland areas, full of old fallen logs and swimming ducks.

today, we took a very short drive over to gas works park on the northern shores of lake union. talk about spectacular views! the site of an old gas manufacturing plant, this 20 acre park is a photographer's dream- sea planes constantly taking off and landing, views of downtown, plenty of boats and nearby marinas, and the old rusted plant itself. i took plenty of pictures with my holga, but only managed to snap of couple of the dogs with my point and shoot. anthony got a couple with his blackberry, but you'll just have to come visit to see it for yourself!

i'm applying to a summer internship at the economic opportunity institute, which happens to be across the street from gas works. so, hopefully i'll be able to spend lots of lunch breaks strolling through the park and taking in the views.

stay tuned for spring in seattle!

p.s. i would like to note that while i typed up this post a man walked past my window with his cat on a harness and leash. that cat seemed pretty darn happy. wow.