Cavanaugh's Coffe House Grand Opening

As my teaching responsibilities cool down, my walking heats up. The map above shows the territory I've covered by foot so far within our city limits. I've logged 123 miles in what I estimate will be be a 700-mile walking project.

On days like today (the temp. was predicted to hit 87°), I have a hard time ending my trek and returning to my other duties. It was a fun morning, a highlight of which was happening upon the Grand Opening of Mike and Linda Soden's Cavanaugh's Coffee House on N 41st and Cheyenne streets. My friends will want to support this locally-owned business. It is one of the most attractive and friendly espresso shops you'll ever visit, and yes, they have Wi-Fi. "Latte" Linda makes a great iced-latte with their espresso blend from Bremerton's Ootopia roaster. Mike's father, NW Photographer Ron Soden, provides the wall decorations: gorgeous black-and-white photographs (currently of local scenes). When you visit, you'll want to buy more than cofee and pastries because Ron's photographs, uniquely matted and framed, are quality works of art. (I was lusting after his framed pair of tall ship photos.) Congratulations, Mike and Linda, and God bless your new business!

Mike and Linda Soden, Owners of Cavanaugh's Coffee House,
on the first day of business at their new location,
N 41st and Cheyenne streets in Tacoma.

Bees and Blooms

I literally took time to smell the roses today. Sprintime is a great time to walk in Tacoma. My wife, Kaaren the Master Gardener, has enhanced my knoweledge and enjoyment of garden plants, and thus of my walking tour of Tacoma's front yards. I'm enjoying preserving the fleeting beauty of spring blooms and blossoms with my Nikon. The Coolpix 8700 continues to show its wonderful capabilities with close-ups. Be sure and click on the honeybee to enlarge this photo of the little clematis pollinator!

Getting To The Point, Part 3

I returned to Pt. Defiance Park on April 24th to hide a geocache I've dubbed "Home Office Eagle." You can read about this geocache and see comments by the people who've found it by clicking HERE.

I continued my exploration of the Park's forest paths on May 3rd, when I hit upon a glorious trail I would call "the path of giants." The trail runs in a straight NW-SE line for one mile, starting/ending at the picnic area (on the 5-mile drive) at the very tip of the point. This inspiring trail is overshadowed by many giant firs and cedars!
Speaking of giant trees, I stopped and took a self-portrait at the Mountaineers Tree I mentioned in a previous post. This 450-year-old tree towers up 218 feet, with a 7.5 foot diameter.

I love the woods, but Pt. Defiance Park has much more to offer, including spectacular views of Puget Sound and of Gig Harbor, the city across the bridge. On a clear day, the Olympic Mountains pop out in all their glory.