Take a Break from Holiday Shopping at Discovery Park

PLEASE NOTE: The address given here will probably take you to the Visitor Center. Don't go there; follow directions to the North Parking Lot.

This weekend event at this time of year is definitely *not* necessarily a fair-weather event. In fact, it probably won't be. Current forecast 13 days in advance indicates cloudy with showers and a high of 45. However, the Seattle weather *every* *day* from now until then has the same forecast. I really don't think they have any idea what the weather will be, but what they've got has got a high probability of being correct for Seattle at this time of year. Be prepared for a modest degree of precipitation by having appropriate footwear and rain gear. We will go ahead with the event unless there is a major deluge or a snowstorm.

Many of you know that I have posted Discovery Park events as weekday evening walks in the spring and summer when the days are long enough, warm enough, and dry enough. Those events are more time constrained due to gathering dusk, even on the longest days. For this near-winter solstice walk, I want to meet in the morning at the North Parking lot, and have the event be more free-form in terms of route. I will obtain a good map (Google Maps or otherwise) beforehand, and you can do the same. If well prepared with directions, we can explore quite extensively without too much fear of getting lost. Let's plan on at least three hours, and we don't have to stick to the standard route that I have used in the past. In fact, it might be fun to explore Magnolia Bluff, which is toward the south end of the park from where we will meet.

Afterward, we can plan on a group meal as a late lunch or early dinner. Let's play timing by ear, but we can try to drop in at one of the following on West Emerson Pl near the park: Highliner Public House, Figurehead Brewing, or Magnolia Pizza and Pasta. If you want something more fancy, we can shoot for Chinook's at Salmon Bay. As the day approaches, I'll solicit opinions for a reservation if we have enough interest in the event.

Officially, dogs must be on-leash. If you choose to bring a *friendly* canine guest, please also bring his/her human tether. Note that unless you want to leave Fido in your car, his or her attendance may impact your ability to join us for a meal afterwards.