Do you know how all the islands are laid out in western Washington state? I admit I do not, and after studying a map and driving on a few islands, I still have no educated way to describe it. Below is a map from the Washington State Ferries site that provides a visual of the land. The best I can tell you is I spent ample time traversing Puget Sound while trying to island hop.
If you haven’t read my blog on ferries, here’s a quick recap. Find a ferry terminal. Purchase a ticket. Board the ferry and go. My route included Seattle to Bainbridge Island. I then drove to the Kitsap Peninsula (didn’t know I did until a native Washingtonian corrected my post) and boarded another ferry in Southworth which traveled to Vashon Island. Eventually I left Vashon and ferried to Fauntleroy (aka West Seattle). If any natives read this post, I apologize for any geographical errors I might make. I have really tried to understand this land with little success.
Bainbridge Island
My first stop on Bainbridge Island included Pia the Peacekeeper. Standing, well sitting, at 18 feet tall, Pia is part of the “Way of the Bird King Project.” As all Dambo trolls have a message, Pia represents peace, environmental awareness, and community. In fact, she sits across the street from a high school at Sakai Park, and part of her construction team included the local cub scouts. If you’d like to watch a time lapse of Pia’s construction, click here. Otherwise, I have some photos for you.
Very little parking exists near Pia, but she is quite close to the road. The park has some trails for hiking as well. I decided to try hiking elsewhere, so I headed to Grand Forest
Grand Forest
Grand Forest sits on 240 acres and has three sections: west, east, and north. I chose this hike because it had the feel of the Washington rainforests. The west and east trails connect and entertain more hikers than the north section, but I only encountered half a dozen people during my time. The hike was easy, and it had signposts to help me navigate.
As a solo hiker, I thought about a few other details. First, I wanted to be in a place where I could call for help if trouble met me. Despite feeling nestled inside a remote location, I always had reception if needed. The “forest” had homes and roads nearby, so the reality was…I hiked a more urban forest.
My second concern had to do with bears. People living in Missouri don’t encounter bears, and I didn’t want to deviate from that plan. Initially, my thoughts included: “Bears don’t want to swim to an island. There’s no way I’ll run into a bear. I can do this hike solo because it’s safe.” Had I read the Internet prior to the hike, I’d have learned black bears do visit the island, and they will swim over. It’s rare but possible to see a bear. Thankfully, none approached me :).
Point Robinson Park, Vashon Island
I knew my next goal was to visit Vashon, so I took WA-305 and headed to Southworth. The drive took half an hour (plus a quick stop for food). Two Southworth ferry routes first stop in Fauntleroy, so my time on the ferry extended to nearly an hour. Those routes fit my schedule best, so I didn’t mind.
I loved Vashon. My goal was Dambo’s troll, but the views from the lighthouse stopped me in my tracks. I intended to see Oscar the Bird King first, but I took the wrong trail and began with the lighthouse. The day sparkled in the sunlight, and Vashon treated me to spectacular views of Mt. Rainier. As I walked the shores of Vashon Island, I stood amazed at the details I saw on Mt. Rainier. The clear skies even provided views of commercial planes flying past the mountain as they headed into Seattle’s airport. During this moment in time, I had overwhelming gratefulness for the amazing journey I had undertaken. I felt at peace and very happy.
Once I felt the sun would soon fade, I walked up the correct path and ran into my next mission—Oscar the Bird King. Adorned with shells and a birdhouse crown, Oscar rests at the top of Point Robinson Park.
According to Dambo legend:
He swam here from the island, where his momma once had birthed him
He walked across the mountains till his giant feet was hurting
He spoke a crow and little girl, the Orca he heard him sing
He used to be a little troll, now Oscar is The Bird King (thomasdambo.com)
Not knowing how long it would take to return to my bed and breakfast, I knew I needed to leave the island. While on the ferry, I checked to see where the three remaining trolls resided. To my surprise Bruun Idun stood in Lincoln Park—just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. I had to see it!
Fauntleroy and Bruun Idun
Google Maps must have thought I needed extra exercise, as it directed me to the parking lot at the top of Lincoln Park. As I set out to find the final troll for the day, I asked a woman where Bruun Idun was. Worried I’d have to slide down a hill in the mud, she sent me on a sloping path that would take me to the shore. Turning too soon, I ended up taking a path with 150 stair steps down. Of course, I wouldn’t be deterred by the staircase, but seriously…I was tired from all my other hiking.
Earlier in the day, I told my friend Tiffani how thankful I was that she and I had been walking together for months. During the middle of my descent, I texted Tiffani again to ask her why we didn’t do a Stair-master workout as I could hardly climb down this steep hillside much less up it. She laughed at my comment, offered encouragement, and I continued the trek.
Eventually I found Bruun Idun standing just inside the tree line. She plays a flute crafted by John Halliday from the Muckleshoot Tribe. Bruun Idun plays the flute to the orcas to ask why they have left Puget Sound.
And, if you’re looking for another holiday to celebrate, look no further. The mayor of Seattle declared August 25 as Bruun Idun Day.
With the final ascent up the stairs, I too made a declaration. My day of exploration would conclude after a stop at a gas station and a drive to the Cecil Bacon Manor Bed and Breakfast. As for the day…ten out of ten!!!
Reba Roams the World 
Leave a comment