January 28, 2008When you travel the Foothills Trail this fall you will notice some rocks bearing alpha / numeric codes. They are a milestone improvement for trail use.
For most of its railroad years the trail was know as the Buckley Line. This line ran from Palmer Junction, through Enumclaw, Buckley, South Prairie, and Orting before merging again with the main line 33 miles later in Puyallup. The codes on those rocks correspond with the Northern Pacific Railroads mile marker system.
The system is still useful in calculating how far a user has traveled. There will be a marker placed at every mile. Maps will be posted at trailheads. They will show where you are within the milepost grid. MP28 is at the Puyallup River Bridge near the McMillin trailhead. The Orting city park is between MP25 &26. Subtracting the smaller number from the larger works to calculate miles traveled.
Imagine that this trail was the main route for people to get from one place to another when the tracks were first laid out in 1877. Until 1921, passenger service was twice daily. Until August 19th 1900, all of the Northern Pacific’s trains traveled this line.
Enjoy the trail!
September 5, 2006Talk about perfection! It was that kind of sail-along, crowdfree day along the Foothills Trail. I departed Meeker about 8:15 am and was greeted by a flock of about 4 or 5 Northern Flickers and one Stellar Jay as I rounded the Cedar Tree curve. I have never seen that many flickers in one flock before. A small John Deere tractor thingy was parked alongside the big rocks at Bernie's Place, with the driver casting just below it. I did a courtesy stop and asked him if he had driven it there on the trail. He admitted he had, and I explained the rules and regs regarding motorized vehicles on the trail and gave him the trail map with info on back. After that "yes" he never said one word - wouldn't even look at me. The John Deere was gone on the return trip.
I heard a lot of racket as I approached the Highway Bridge and climbed up on the railings to see the Demolition of the Berger Place. (see photo) I hope they all found a nice place to live and wonder what will become of the county property.
The REI Site really "mitigated" well with lots of interesting flora and stuff. (see photo). As I sat on Clay's Bench at Trailside Connection, slurping my smoothie, up rides Russ Matthews on his snazzy recumbent. We sat and chatted and solved all the problems of the world. Russ said he had met Courtesy Patoller Bob Larsen heading west.
Along the way Safe Rider citations were given to four darling tots - all under age three. One father is a fireman with the Tukwila FD, so he is really into helmet safety. Safety issue: A pothole, about halfway between the Puyallup River Bridge and McMillan access road, has deteriorated into a sink hole. It could be lethal to someone maybe. (see photo) I arrived back at Meeker around 2 pm which is some kind of a record for slow-go-easy me.
Happy Trails and Peace out y'all!
August 29, 2006It was a slow slug to South Prairie this morning because a persistent head wind kept my bike speed under seven mph. Of course, all the other cyclists passed me like I was standing still. Tee Hee. It was a breeze coming home on a tailwind because, for once, the wind did not change direction. The trail is in prime condition - not even any horse droppings to complain about. Thanks to whomever stenciled those nice helmet safety advice signs at most of the crossings between McMillin and White Hawk. Folks are noticing them so, hopefully, they will take heed. Please see photo. Safe Rider Citations were awarded five Orting boys today: Lucas, age 11, Skylar, age 11, Cody, age 9, Josh, age 12, and A. J., age 12. About a dozen teenagers jumped the gun a bit and were casting about in the Carbon for the elusive salmon. Season opens Friday.
A group of five or six folks were enjoying a picnic when I reached the Meeker Trailhead on the return trip. The apparent leader, a very pleasant lady, greeted me and asked if I would be willing to answer some questions. Turns out she is Marguerite Austin, Manager, Recreation & Habitat Section, Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation. Marguerite introduced me to the others, and they all asked me lots of questions about the Foothills Trail, Puyallup Trail, etc. She apparently was conducting an orientation tour for the others because she was pointing out the sections of the trail the IAC had provided grants for, etc. She really liked Bill Harmon's map.
Happy Trails and Peace out y'all
August 11, 2006The bad news is that the LTV (lousy thieving vandals) struck again at our beautiful East Puyallup Trailhead. The recently replaced plaque for Jan is missing. Attempts were made to remove the drinking fountain from the wall of the restroom. A part of the bulletin board map holder was removed. It also appears that forced entry was attempted by breaking the glass on the restoom door. That is tough glass. Sad! Sad!
 
The good news is that super teamwork between our Foothills worker bee guys and the PC Good Guys Bob and Mitch made short order of installing Mile Posts 29-32 along the East Puyallup section of the trail, up to along the tree farm. It was like poetry in motion to watch this team at work. Good Job, Guys. I took 94 pictures so should get a few good ones here and there. Our Foothills Team consisted of Buzz Grant, Bill Harmon, Russ Matthews, Art Robinson, and George Sleet. Happy Trails
July 11, 2006Cooler temperatures and a persistent breeze provided respite from the heat, allowing for a pleasant patrol on Monday. I made two round-trips from East Puyallup to South Prairie last week, one solo and one with my friend Eva Meassick who does such fine volunteer work on the eastside of Mount Rainier. My goal is three trips, and company is welcome. We point with pride to the excellent job the courtesy patrol is doing in keeping our trail safe and clean and providing information to an increasing number of trail users. My encounters last week included: Our leader Gerry Larson was out near the Bison-Emu Farm and keeps the East Puyallup Trailhead and the trail shipshape. Bob Larsen was out both days, either sweeping up glass some idiot had smashed on the trail, or gathering up the last of the debris from fireworks. New member Mary Colquhoun was encountered at the Big Cedar turn, attacking blackberry stringers with a vengeance. Other Foothillers encountered were John Mandy, Terry and Susan Mattlock, Tom and Mary Felkins, and Vice Veep John Downs joined us at Trailside Connection in South Prairie for latte time. It’s never lonesome along the Foothills. John Mandy, while not an official member of the CP hates trash and I seldom see him without a litter bag in hand. Thank you, Tom Felkins, for the beautiful pictures of the heron in flight, and the nice ladies with the goats on leash.
 
I "cited" 13 Safe Kid Riders during the week. Please let me know how the program is going with you so I can gather statistics to support our participation.
Complaint of the Week: Phew! Something stinks around here! Do not doubt – something is rotten in East Puyallup. The unpleasant odor emanating from the vicinity of the toilet will knock your socks off. What can be done to clear the air?
Most often asked questions:
- What route wills the trail connecting the Foothills Trail in East Puyallup with the Puyallup River Trail? (I’ve heard of two or three different options.)
- What is that funny looking green thing growing along the trail between the REI site and Arline Road? Answer is wild cucumber, some say eat - some say it's poison don't eat. I say don't eat.
The Courtesy Patrol is having a great time and much success with the Foothills Booth at the Puyallup Saturday Market thanks to the good work of Ernie Bay, John Ernest Berry III, Markus Dennis, Bob Larsen, Ken Woolery, and Mary Colquhoun. What a difference a couple of years make. Everyone loves the Foothills Trail.
Happy Trails
June 17, 2006Following a lively and productive courtesy patrol meeting in an Orting gone wild with the Kingsmen antique car show, Russ Matthews and I took off for South Prairie. The weather was perfect for biking on an uncrowded trail - most of the folks seemed to be back in Orting enjoying the Big Show. We met trail side Orting residents , Tom and Mary Felkins, and Jack Voss and Peyton, out for a Saturday stroll along the way. Russ startled a muskrat just crossing the foot log at the REI site. The prolifically growing greenery is strangling all the little evergreens that were planted so painstakingly following the paving of the section from the Wetlands Bridge to Englin Dairy Crossing . Question for the PC conservation experts: Is it better to let the weedy stuff hold sway in this flood prone area or should it be erradicated? The blackberry branches are encroaching onto the trail and need a visit from the PC Good Guys with the sidewinder cutter vehicle. A safety hazard exists at the Bison/Emu game farm trail crossing because both of the white bollards are either lost, stolen or strayed from the base. (see picture) We made a cursory search around the area without luck I didn't have my orange tape along but will take some tomorrow.
We "cited" four young boys with Safe Rider Subway chits on our patrol, including Kyle, the boy with the safety helmet in one of the Trailside Connection pictures.
Both Russ and I were amazed to see the extensive work that is going on at South Prairie's Trailside Connection.
 
Cheryl England, new owner, is going all out to make this an attractive, welcoming stop for trail travelers. This is exactly the type of trailside accommodation that we envision when we talk about becoming an international tourist attraction. I am especially tickled because Clay's memorial bench will be installed back near the flagpole. This was his favorite latté spot bar none. Cheryl is looking for an appropriate emblem to top the flagpole. Do you have any ideas? Maybe one of our resident bald eagles will decide to take roost there.
May 20, 2006 - Walk for the BenefitsUndaunted by an “iffy” weather forecast for rain, some 75 smiling and buoyant walkers stepped out on the Foothills Trail last Saturday for the annual Walk for the Benefits. The entrants, in attractive light green “walk” t-shirts provide proof perfect that walking really does benefit. The goal for the annual Pierce County Park “walk” is to give folks an opportunity to enjoy getting out on a safe, easy trail that is user-friendly not only to walkers but also to baby strollers and wheelchairs. Foothiller Marie Bailey Reed was one of those on duty at the Good Samaritan Hospital booth at Orting Park. Proceeds from the "walk" will benefit the CTU Unit at Good Sam.
All the high spirited walkers I encountered on my trail monitor patrol were having a great time in perfect weather for walking. No rain! Cudos to event leader Cara Cross and Pierce County Park staff member for a job well done.
 
The trail was newly mowed and in great shape thanks to the PC Good Guys. Many flowers were in bloom, and I sighted the white swan at the REI Site on my way to South Prairie. My decision to delay taking a photo was a bummer, because the beautiful swan had flown the coop on my return trip. Among those encountered along the trail were: Ken Woolery, past Foothills Coalition president; my family members Ukiah and Valeri, with our great grandchildren Jason and Kaitlyn. They walked (and ran) the full five miles – just chips off the old blocks. Tee Hee. Aimee Blair, 2005 honoree for the “walk”, and her father Frank, were taking a breather at Bernie’s Place when I passed by on my return patrol. The good guys from Pierce County 4x4 kept vigil at street crossings to insure safe passage for participants. Other Foothillers out and about were John Selby; Marcus Dennis; Tom Enlow; Bill Harmon; George Sleet; and Buzz Grant – AKA the Foothills “worker bees”. Foothiller Kathy Kravit-Smith, whose day job is as Pierce County Park and Recreation Director, was on duty with Cara Cross at the event registration booth. I distributed "Safe Rider Citations" to seven delighted children. Happy Trails
March 5, 2006The daffodils are blossoming forth in the fields across from the East Puyallup Trail head and should be in full bloom by dedication time on March 18. I had so much fun yesterday introducing my grandson Ukiah and the three "Greats" to our beautiful Foothills Trail. Kaitlyn and Jason weren't quite up to doing the whole thing but will travel over White Pass again later this month to try again. The weather, albeit overcast, was perfect for biking. Cudos to the PC Good Guys for a great job of shoring up the river bank at the sharp turn on the Carbon River just below the beaver dam. Some of us were wringing our hands for fear that flooding would undermine and breach the bank. See pictures.
Happy Trails
 
January 23, 2006It was June-like weather in January as Lloyd and Phyllis Johnson and I departed the Puyallup Trailhead yesterday. We met Courtesy Patroller Bob Larsen as we neared South Prairie at the point along the trail where the city has lined it with some nice new trees. The temperature was 57 degrees at South Prairie. Other Foothillers we encountered out enjoying this wonderful and windless day were John Ernest Berry III, Bob Myrick, and John Maddy. We met Tom Felkner and his camera just east of Bernie's Place as he attempted to photo a ravenous eagle feeding on salmon carcass. The Carbon is running clear and the fisherman were hauling in some large king salmon.
There is lots of standing water in the meadows and farmlands next to the trail, and from the presence of the huge tarps dangling down the bluffs from above the trail, the cliffside dwellers must be biting their fingernails fretting about possible mudslides.
Sad to say the graffiti thugs have left their mark along some trailside structures and on the white bollard stripes between Pioneer and Military Road. Hope the property owners don't blame the trail users. The context of the writing suggests the work may be that of some wannabe Nazi-like skinheads. We'll take our little can of white spray paint out on our next trip.
The flood residue is gone from the REI site and a sole eagle perched closely by. On the return trip to Puyallup we passed by the Rogue Dog House just in time to see the two rude dogs hassling a husband and wife team of cyclists, each with a young dog on leash. The woman almost took a spill when they jumped up in front of her. The dogs just don't give up. I'm afraid there will be a really bad incident there soon unless the owner is encouraged to restrain his dogs.
Back at the Puyallup Trailhead we noticed what appears to be a deep stand of water inundating the area where Jan told us our trail will be heading north to connect with the river trail. We had a lovely time. Happy Trails
REI Reststop / Wetland Mitigation Site flooding 1/13/06 - by Russ Matthews
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