Gazzam Lake Path

I travel a path on the way to Gazzam Lake on Bainbridge Island that has always terrified me. Even on the brightest days the tree’s canopy hangs over the path, creating a living ceiling. Following the path I am plunged into near darkness. I hear no silence in these dark, frightening woods. The noise sounds almost deafening. A constant hum of bugs fills the air. Even in the middle of summer, a rain of falling leaves hits the ground. As I am walking I feel like somebody is watching me from behind the larger tree trunks. I hear just enough noise out in the woods that I can imagine footsteps following me. Because it is always so dark mold and mildew grows everywhere. The smell of decay is sometimes overwhelming, as if the entire forest is rotting and decaying as I am walking through it. The trees sway in the wind, and the sunlight streams through just enough to create patterns of light in the middle of the dark forest that look like evil fairies flying.

 

Fay Bainbridge Park

When I need a quiet and serene setting the beach at Fay Bainbridge Park is one of my favorite places to go. Walking along the beach I look out into the ocean and the waves lull me into a meditative state. The sand is always filled with tiny shells and eelgrass. The eelgrass tickles the bottom of my feet as I walk through the water. Life appears everywhere I look in the water. Even the rocks look alive if I gaze at them too long. Tiny fish and small crustaceans scurry along the beach as I approach. On the horizon, the city of Seattle seems so far away from the tranquil beach. The cool, moist wind comes in off the ocean and blows steadily all day. The ocean air swirls around me like a cool blanket. I enjoy flying kites here because I can count on the wind to carry my kite in the air. The brightly colored kites look like decorations in the fluffy white clouds. The sounds of children playing at the waters edge spread happiness across the quiet beach. Fay Bainbridge Park is a quiet oasis and the perfect spot for a stroll, any time of the year.