Raise those hands, this is our party

We came here to live life like nobody was watching

I got my city right behind me

If I fall, they got me. Learn from that failure gain humility and then we keep marching

Above are lyrics from Macklemore's song "Can't Hold Us." Our Outdoor Addict columnist Whitney Rhodes dropped this verse in her column about strolling The Waterwalk at Point Ruston, which posted this morning in the Military Life section at northwestmilitary.com.

First a gorgeous tile mosaic octopus will greet you and a few steps in is an arbor with benches positioned perfectly to frame Mount Rainier. But it seemed everyone had the urge to show off on such a beautiful day. We had just reached the ferry when out walked some geese like "what up? I got a big flock!" Not even a curious dog could put a dent in their strut. They were rollin' in hella deep in their big ass coats like they owned the place.

Yup, Rhodes goes street in this week's column, which is a great read.

Here's the video for Macklemore's song Rhodes mentions. Enjoy.

I had grand ambitions this weekend. I had a stern talk with my ankle to bring it in line. I had an adventuring partner and a destination. Oh yes. We headed out to the Greenwater area for a short easy hike. Problem number one? Despite a promising weather forecast of sun, heading up Highway 410 we alternated between total downpours of rain/hail/snow and bright sunshine. Bipolar weather. Great. Problem number two? The great ankle fiasco. I got excited when we spotted the White River. It was running fast and high so we stopped the car to get out and admire it.  It took me 10 minutes to go 10 yards from the car to the river. Not exactly a pace that works for a hike, no matter how short. Well ... crap. We ended up doing some light exploring but ultimately admitted defeat.

On our way home we went hunting for a comforting sugary treat to drown our disappointment, when suddenly our adventure practically jumped up and bit us. The West Hylebos Wetlands.

Located in the middle of Federal Way suburban sprawl, the West Hylebos Wetlands would have never made my list. I mean really. It's in the middle of suburbia! Traffic! And even when in it you never really forget that you are in the middle of a city, but it was still a terrific little oasis.

We ventured across the parking lot and down a gravel path. It was flat and even. Very standard for a city park. Until the gravel path came to an end at the edge of some woods and a wooden boardwalk disappeared into the trees. A bunny hopped out in front of us and nibbled on some grass. I half expected it to sit up and talk to us. Instead he disappeared into the brush. I took it as a sign. I mean how often do you get to follow a rabbit down a rabbit hole?

The boardwalk was surrounded by dense underbrush and the ground was almost swampy, adding to the feeling of venturing into another world. Spring was just beginning to show with green tips on all of the bare branches and salmon berries in full bloom. One of the viewing stops was supposedly over a 200-foot deep water hole created by the decomposing bog. Slightly creepy especially when the frogs decided to take flying leaps to show their displeasure at our presence.

We only saw a few people. Bird watchers who were fixated on something high in a tree. The entire experience was surreal. I mean how often does one stumble upon a 100+ acre wetlands in the middle of the city? Especially one so quiet on a Sunday afternoon that looks like a set for the TV show Once Upon a Time.

The boardwalk took us through swamp, forest, to look at big trees and a lake, before returning us to the bright sunny meadow where we first saw the bunny. As we blinked from the bright sunshine we looked for our furry guide but he was nowhere to be found.

I drove by again before writing this column just to be sure I didn't dream it all up. But no dear reader, it's real. I encourage you to pay the wetlands a visit. What will your story be when you follow the rabbit down his hole?

West Hylebos Wetlands

411 S. 348th St.

Federal Way

JUST DO IT >>>

It's time for a confession dear readers. It's been three weeks since my last outdoor adventure. Sure I've talked about little hellions, err darling children, at the Nature Center and kidnapped a dog, but I haven't really adventured. I haven't been out freezing my buns off last minute camping or trying to get lost in the woods. I've been handicapped by a little issue I like to call the great ankle fiasco of 2013. One of my great loves is rock climbing and the Edgeworks Climbing gym feels like my second home. A few weeks ago, I fell in the gym doing something silly and sprained my left ankle. It has proved to be anything but simple to fix and has been quite the impediment to my outdoor enjoyment. But I'm at the end of my rope. Without some kind of adventure I start to go stir crazy. And that is what I want to discuss with you today.

It all started a few years ago. I found myself very stressed out and feeling anxious. A spontaneous trip to Paradise at Mount Rainier came as a revelation. I felt this incredible sense of peace. I was awed by the beauty of the mountains and the natural environment seemed to put my stress in perspective. I always liked being outside and enjoyed natural beauty but this was different. After this I started hiking and seeking out activities to recreate this feeling. This was the beginning of my "addiction."

I started small. Tromping through the woods at Point Defiance or going for walks at the beach. But soon it wasn't enough to get my fix. Next came the weekend hikes. But it wasn't until I took the plunge that I really discovered it had become a necessity for me. I attempted to climb Mount Rainier. I'd always said it was on my bucket list, but we all know how that is. I mean how many people actually check the items off their bucket list? I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was the hardest ting I've ever done. Anyone who has suffered altitude sickness can relate when I say the first night I spent at Camp Muir was an experience I never wish to repeat. But I pushed my boundaries and came back a better person for it.

So dear readers this is my challenge to you. I encourage you to push yourself. Don't run out and try to climb Rainier next weekend. But whatever you've always wanted to do, try it. Make the time. Take the kids on that Foothills Trail bike ride. Or run 5 Mile Drive on a Saturday morning. Believe me, after a late Friday night dragging your hungover behind out of bed is really hard. But I've never regretted getting out, and after the first grumpy hour I always enjoy it. There are some great running groups in Tacoma and plenty of charity causes to join for almost any activity: 5Ks, triathlons, climbing, bike riding, whatever floats your boat.

I hope my weekly exploits aren't just entertaining. I hope they show you new things to do in our corner of the world, and maybe inspire some adventures of your own. I'm getting desperate for some adventure so expect some hilarious exploits as the great ankle fiasco of 2013 and I come to a mutual understanding about how this summer is going to go.

LINK: Scenic Beach State Park

Well dear readers, my outdoor addiction has stopped to a new low today. The weather gets nice and everyone brings out their dogs and I get dog envy. So, like any good addict, I decided to get my fix by whatever means necessary. Yes dear readers, I kidnapped a dog today. He was a squirrelly one to catch. Skiddish, shy, and completely adorable. Tiny too. An easy target.

You see, I needed a dog so I would fit in at the dog park. Dog park people are very particular. They bring their doggies to the park to frolic and socialize, but spend a lot of their time eyeing other dog owners. I couldn't exactly wander in dogless and ogle their dogs. My weakness is the big, happy, slightly dumb ones. But it's kind of like going to a playground to watch kids play when you don't bring one of your own. Slightly creepy.

Read more...

GO GRAB IDEAS >>>

In a manner of speaking, Lakewood was made for getaways, beginning with the founding of a number of country estates in the 19th-century by Tacoma area business leaders.  And although the then-bedroom community has since grown up, some of those estates remain, clustered around the local lakeshores. One such estate on Gravelly Lake now belongs to a nonprofit group that maintains its long-celebrated gardens for public enjoyment. The estate's name is Lakewold Gardens. Today marks a three-week run of publicity for the Gardens as the Designer Showhouse 2013 moves in.

Nothing like bringing the outside elements of beauty inside - a splash of color inspired by a favorite rose bush, a furniture arrangement that mimics an outside design, or window treatments that let the sun shine in just so. That's exactly what will happen as several professional designers have transformed the rooms of Lakewold's Wagner House Mansion into works of art, allowing visitors to explore rooms and view them as never before, even allowing entrance to rooms that have previously unavailable to the public.

This pairing of interior design and the breath-taking array of gardens on the 10-acre estate at Lakewold Gardens will surely delight and inspire visitors of all ages.

LAKEWOLD GARDENS, WEDNESDAYS 11 A.M. TO 8 P.M., THURSDAYS-SATURDAYS 11 A.M. TO 6 P.M., SUNDAYS 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M., $18-$22, 12317 GRAVELLY LAKE DR. SW, LAKEWOOD, 253.584.4106

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 2013 >>>

1. Mayor Marilyn Strickland. It just flows off the lips. The likelihood of that very thing being on the lips of everyone in Tacoma for a few more years just increased dramatically, as Mayor Strickland has formally announced her reelection campaign and will hold a kick-off at 5:30 p.m. inside the Pantages Theater.

2. Maybe your ex never splurged on roses. Or maybe your experience in gardening consists solely of ogling the neighbor's help. Either way, we're guessing you're ready to start your own garden. If that's the case, stop by Gallucci Learning Garden from 5-7 p.m. for a free workshop on growing calendars, succession planting and how to best utilize your garden's space.

3. In 2011, readers of this fine rag voted the Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe the best bar in Tacoma. This was due in no small part to their well drink Wednesdays. Two dolar well drinks after 7 p.m. Are you kidding? That's, like, riding the train to funkytown for only eight bucks. Yes, please. The kitchen stay sopen to midnight. Choo, choooo!

4. Pub trivia nights can either ignite the party or stifle the mood. McNamara's Pub & Eatery in DuPont does everything possible to avoid being a major buzz kill. Every Wednesday McNamara's Pub starts team trivia at 7 p.m. Irish-inspired food helps trivia players stock up on brainpower before the trivia starts. Beer and drink specials happen at trivia intermission. Because everyone knows a good buzz makes trivia that much easier. What's the capital of Kazakhstan? Take a drink and think.

5. After two-and-a-half years, the Tallhouse Arts Consortium is back in full swing with its first Wednesday of the month free performances at The Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia, which is tonight at 8 p.m. The aerialists, whose Facebook profile states, "Farting rhinestones since... ah, we can't even remember," will delight audiences with its strong and sturdy flips, flying and artistic trapeze. The group brings in interesting songs, unique performances, flirty fun and guest trapeze artist Lara Paxton - all for free.

LINK: Wednesday, April 3 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Partly cloudy, hi 66, lo 43

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, hi 72, lo 46

Sunday: Sunny, hi 72, lo 48

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 29-SUNDAY, MARCH 31: THE SOMEWHAT TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD

Here we recommend seeing Olympia Family Theater's rendition of The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood. With an impressive cast of Olympia actors - our own Christian Carvajal plays Little John - and the talented direction of Tom Sanders, the show should entertain with it's twisted tale. Hype for the play reads, "The countryside remains under the greedy and corrupt control of Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. It's up to (the-ever-so-modest) Robin and his (not-so-very-bright) Merry Men to free Maid Marian from her terrible fate...Come see what swashbuckling looks like when wooden spoons come in to play." This show runs Thursday-Sunday through April 13. - Nikki McCoy

• Washington Center, 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 512 Washington St., Olympia, 360.570.1638

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 29: SAMI AWARDS

Who doesn't love an awesome fundraiser? You get to rub elbows, participate in raffles and support your community. Get ready for the "Second Likely Only Annual Sami Awards" Friday night. Hosted by Erik Hill, Pug Bujeaud and Samantha Camp, this ridiculously fun music, dance and laughter-filled evening will benefit Lakewood Playhouse. This event is a smokin' deal, too. Tickets are only $20 and include snacks in the lobby at intermission and a digital copy of your red carpet affair. For information on performers currently scheduled to appear, awards to be presented, and to purchase tickets online, jump on Brown Paper Tickets. - NM

• Lakewood Playhouse, 8 p.m., $20, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. SW, Lakewood, 253.588.0042

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 29-SUNDAY, MARCH 30: OLIVER!

Coming off a smaller-scale, future-gen production, Next to Normal, the bombast of Oliver! represents a smart shift of programming for Capital Playhouse. We know what we want from a show like this, and thanks to director Colleen Powers and an obviously dedicated cast; we get almost all of it. The choreography is intricate and perfectly executed. The madrigal harmonies of "Who Will Buy?" come off beautifully. Sixth-grader Skyler Wyatt Zimmerman, last seen as, you guessed it, Gavroche, looks good in a newsboy cap. Bruce Haasl's set transforms quickly from a workhouse to a mansion to the heights of London Bridge. Read Christian Carvajal's full review of Oliver! in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

• Capital Playhouse, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.2744

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 29: ADULT FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT

Egg-citing times at night: Certain traditions adapt themselves as time travels on. Take the Easter egg hunt. It was fun when you were a kid - watching your parents crawl around, trying to hide a bright pink egg behind a sprinkler head. And there was always the added joy of finding one (hopefully unbroken) three months later. But now you're a parent, and well, it's lost its charm. Or has it? The lovely folks at the Lacey Parks and Recreation host an Adult Flashlight Egg Hunt Friday night. You can now have an egg-ceptional (no, really, ceptions of eggs) time hunting for the eggs hidden on the Regional Atheltic Complex ball fields. Maybe someone will even paint your face. - Weekly Volcano

• Regional Athletic Complex, 9 p.m., $5, 8345 Steilacoom Rd. SE, Olympia, 360.491.0857

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 30: WASHINGTON STATE PARK'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

How about taking a nice stroll through a Washington State Park this Saturday when the weather is going to be super fine and the normal Discover Pass fee will be waived in honor of Washington State Park's 100th birthday. Check in with our Outdoor Addict Whitney Rhodes for some ideas on where to trek. Just make sure and bring sunscreen. There's nothing like a burnt Washingtonian the first weekend we break 65 degrees. - NM

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 30: PROCTOR FARMERS MARKET

The rites of spring are coming fast and furious these days. Valhalla will unfold on earth once again when the weekly Proctor Farmers Market opens for the season from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. While your best bets for fresh produce this time of year include asparagus, rhubarb, salad greens, edible flowers, fiddleheads, wild mushrooms and green onions, this popular farmers markets doesn't stop there: You'll also find meats and cheeses, fresh-cut flowers, garden gadgets, artisanal crafts and concessions, with plenty of free samples being doled out. New vendors include A&K Shellfish, Bluebeard Coffee, Cascadia Terrior, Loki Fish and Rising River Farms. The Pine Hearts and Mike Coucoules will entertain. Come see the farmers market the Weekly Volcano readers voted Super Best Farmers Market of 2011.

• Proctor Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., North 27th and Proctor St., Tacoma

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
My wife and I and our respective colds are all in The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, opening at the Washington Center.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
Oh dear lord but I'm staying inside. You won't fool me this time, weekend. Fool me with your tawdry wares. Weekend, you're the only person I can afford to lose to anymore.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
Friday night I'll be a presenter at the Second Likely Only Annual Sami Awards at Lakewood Playhouse. Saturday I'm going to see Olympia Family Theater's The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Friday night I'm going to swing by the Oly Ballroom for some Hillstomp, then head over to The Royal for some Rock Candy Burlesque. Saturday is sun and no plans - just like every day should be. Sunday is Easter with the in-laws. Eggs + Ham + Candy + three boys = Stinky house and lots of giggles. Good times indeed.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
Saturday the founding 15 and myself will be getting our Universal Zulu Nation orientation/training in Seattle all day. Sunday, I'm working on my wife's parent's farm all day, ugh!

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
Saturday is packed with a trip to Olympia Family Theater to review The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood and then back to Tacoma for a wedding. We'll head somewhere for an Easter service and then relax and then it's Spring Break!!

TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer
Friday is the first day of the Skyline Drive-in in Taylor Town (Shelton), Wash. I love the place, I go every other week. This is the single biggest day of the month; I don't care about anything else. Seriously, so very excited. And while you read this, please take the time to donate to them upgrading their projection unit so they can stay in business. Please!

ADRIENNE KUEHL Food Writer
Definitely going to hit the Proctor Farmer's Market and embrace the bounty of our land. ... Seriously, though, it's awesome. Go there.

NIC LEANOARD Music Writer
Friday night I will be at the Urban Onion for Afrok's birthday celebration. Saturday, I will be shooting the new Free Whiskey video all day. Once the sun goes down I will be heading to the Track House for the Everybody Weekend show. Also included in my weekend will be whiskey and college basketball

JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Slinging breakfast boozes and bites over the weekend as usual. I'm also looking forward to copious amounts of candy and playing the Easter Bunny on Sunday. A coffee date with a fellow scribe squeezed in there somewhere and some late night reading. Devouring Cinder by Marissa Meyer right now. Nothing too riveting.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

I know the truth dear readers. Some of you have a dirty little secret. You read the Volcano to stay hip and relevant. To always know where the new hottest spot is, or the best sandwich and beer can be had. You read us so there is never a question of what to do on date night and sometimes live vicariously through us because of your dirty little secret. You have children.

This is a perfectly natural progression of life. One day your life could be featured in the social pages of our fine publication, the slightly reserved hipster who has always seen the latest art and can be found eating and drinking their way through our fine city. Then you meet an equally attractive partner, live it up as that couple everyone envies, get married in a disgustingly perfect and beautiful summer wedding, go on the adventurous honeymoon to Costa Rica, buy a lovely historic home, and have a perfect baby. Wait. What just happened? Real life can sometimes feel like it happens as fast as that last sentence. But never fear dear reader. Small children may cramp your bar hopping style, but they don't need to cramp your outdoor style.

I have the perfect place to take the kids on a Saturday morning when you are still hung over from date night. Head to the Tacoma Nature Center, tots in tow, for a magical experience all will enjoy. The Nature Center and Snake Lake wetlands are made up of 71 acres, the Nature Center building, Discovery Pond, and about 2 miles of trails. There's something for everyone so if you don't have small children to entertain don't count it out. Wandering the trails is still a pretty sweet date.

If your disgustingly cute little rug rats are younger than 10, they will enjoy Discovery Pond. It's kind of like a playground with more nature. A nice path circles the small waterfalls and pond. There's a small rock to climb on and a great little play structure that is every kids tree house dream. The slides also look like logs, and there are plenty of benches for mom and dad to relax, drink some strong coffee, and supervise from. The Nature Center itself is also worth a stop. The gift shop has some neat toys and they do lots of programs for kids to learn about the environment. The programming is diverse, for all ages, and very affordable. You can also rent the Center for birthday parties. No need to have 10 screaming children in your house, instead take them to be entertained by someone else!

I prefer to venture down the trails and into the wetlands. Even as an adult you can see the opportunities for kids and their imaginations to run wild. A play area is located near the parking lot and is the perfect place for imaginary kingdoms and animal friends. The trails are nice and wide, level and well maintained - easy to wander down with all ages. But leave the stroller in the car and Fido at home. This area is a nature preserve and has lots of animals, as a result they ask you to leave pets at home to let the natural animals live in peace. To me, the Nature Center is the perfect place to take kids to get them to flex their imaginations. No iPads or cell phones, just pure imagination run wild.

So dear readers, no need to hide it any more. Kids happen. In the Outdoor Addict space we can all be ourselves because there is something for everyone. Next week perhaps some four legged fun?

Tacoma Nature Center

Center open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday

Trails open 8 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset

1919 S. Tyler St., Tacoma

253.591.6439

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 2013 >>>

1. Rich Ridenour, a 54-year-old Michigan native, has been playing the piano most of his life. He wasn't old enough to drive when he joined his first rock band. He met his future wife, Stacy, who is in the front office at the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, when both were students at the University of Michigan. She went into musical administration, he went on to a master's from Juilliard and a career as a pianist that has taken him from piano bars to the nation's finest concert halls, such as the Pantages Theater at 2:30 p.m. when he join the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra in concert. Expect the greatest hits of Elton John, Billy Joel, George Gershwin, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven and more with a pinch of Victor Borge humor, a grand Steinway and the full Tacoma Symphony Orchestra. 

2. Heritage Park and Capitol Lake are great to visit for more than just the people watching. An abundance of ducks provides ample opportunity to impersonate David Attenborough with your own narration of their activities, and the dog watching is always entertaining. Where else would you find a Chihuahua dressed as an Ewok in March? (True story. Outdoor Addict columnist Whitney Rhoades saw it on her last visit.) And the scenery is stunning. From one side of the lake you can admire the Capitol Dome, from the other the Olympic Mountains peek out at you.

3. Orca Books in Olympia hosts local author Anthea Sharp at 3 p.m. to celebrate the release of her newest book, Feyland: The Twilight Kingdom.  This is the final installment and thrilling conclusion to her Feyland Trilogy.

4. Saxophonist Kareem Kandi's sound is virtually unrelated to the roomy traditions of soul saxes, honking saxes or deep-chested boudoir ballad saxes. It derives from the classic, free, often enthusiastic tradition of Joshua Redman as filtered through Dexter Gordon and Sonny Stitt, all of whose shadows can be traced-Redman in Kandi's funky organicism, Gordon in his dynamic harmonics, Stitt in the intensity that coats his every note with a Gritty City finish. Catch the Kareem Kandi Band from 3-6 p.m. at Uncle Thurm's BBQ in Tacoma's Lincoln District.

5. Tacoma artist Maria Jost has created an eight-piece permanent installation for the 1022 South lounge. Each of this commissioned series' eight collage-drawings pays homage to one of the natural ingredients featured in owner Chris Keil's distinctive cocktails. A reception will be held at 4 p.m.

LINK: Sunday, March 24 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

Every year, the city of Olympia changes when the legislature is in session. It's like the great migration in Africa. The political operatives descend from all over the state. Eager young staffers in suits rush around, middle aged staffers roll their eyes, and legislators occasionally produce titillating stories. You can see their influence all over town, but my favorite place to watch is of course, outside.

Settle down on a bench in Heritage Park just before noon for the best viewing. The staffers stream out in ones and twos. Carefully winding their way down the switchbacks from the Capitol Dome. The ladies in their skirts and sensible tennis shoes, the runners trying to get in a few miles, a few men - mostly younger ones trailing their attractive female colleagues for some brownie points. Occasionally, you'll see a legislator in the flesh. You can identify them by the vague look, repeated blinking and constant reaching for their phones. They are completely out of their element and very entertaining to watch. On very nice days some of these wanderers take on a historical air, reminiscent of the Victorian era when taking a turn about the garden was a social norm and a way to be seen. They promenade slowly, gossiping and strategizing. On our less lovely spring days it's all business. Only the serious walkers brave less than perfect sunshine.

Heritage Park and Capitol Lake are great to visit for more than just the people watching. An abundance of ducks provides ample opportunity to impersonate David Attenborough with your own narration of their activities, and the dog watching is always entertaining. Where else would you find a Chihuahua dressed as an Ewok in March? (True story. Saw it on my last visit.) And the scenery is stunning. From one side of the lake you can admire the Capitol Dome, from the other the Olympic Mountains peek out at you.

The path around the lake is wide and lined with numerous benches. The Heritage Park section of the lake has a stonewall separating the path from the lake, which features markers representing each of the state's counties. I found it fun to read them and be reminded about the rest of our great state. Pend Orielle County anyone? The 1.7 mile loop around the main lake takes you through the aforementioned Heritage Park, as well as Marathon Park. An extension of the trail follows Deschutes Parkway down to the Interpretive Center. This is a great place to learn about wetlands and habitat.

The future of Capitol Lake is a bit uncertain. Currently it receives a large amount of sediment from the river feeding it. Thus, the lake is slowly filling with sediment and growing shallower every year. Many solutions - from dredging to restoring the natural estuary - have been discussed but nothing has been decided. Between financial, environmental, and community concerns, there seems to be little common ground.

But none of these concerns impact your ability to enjoy viewing the wildlife and the political operatives in their natural habitat. So grab a coffee or some lunch downtown (I recommend the Bread Peddler) and sit back to enjoy the show.

Capitol Lake

Fifth Avenue Southwest and Water Street
Olympia, WA 98501
Map