Just getting started. At this point, right next to Fred Meyer, we still have a trail under us. We are headed Westbound on NW 45th Street.
Crossing to the north side of the NW 45th. The truck in the photo is blocking everything but the bicycle lane, which is in heavy use down here.
Obviously we have no sidewalks along this section of NW 45th.
Further west along NW 45th.
Is this the infamous right-of-way train?
Just before the 15th Ave NW overpass we encountered this lovely little garden!
Tomatoes, squash, flowers!
Lilies among the rails.
A lonely kale.
This Land Use notice was wedged firmly under the timber. You have to wonder who these discarded rails belonged to.
Pausing to appreciate the unexpected garden.
More of the guerrilla garden. The empty lot next to Ballard Blocks is visible behind.
Somehow these street markings don't look like the work of SDOT.
This is the correct way to cross the railroad tracks on a bicycle.
And this is the wrong way to cross the tracks. Also a fairly futile way. ;-)
Looking back under the Ballard Bridge. This is where many of the train track-related bicycle accidents have been happening. Rumor has it that nearby businesses keep special first aid kits on premises because these happen so frequently.
An early Ballard condominium.
Perhaps this is the residence of the guerrilla gardener?
These puddles must be enormous when it's actually rained within the last week or two. Others in our walking group told me that there are places where the sides of the road are completely underwater on rainy days.
This intersection at Shilshole Ave NW & NW 46th street is particularly scary. There is no marked crosswalk, and no stop for cars. It's also really wide.
We made a break for it.
This is where we parted company with the commuter bicyclists, most of whom travel Shilshole all the way past NW Vernon Place. We turned right on 17th, and then left on left on Ballard Ave NW, following the proposed trail.
This is the corner of Shilshole and 17th. We took the right fork, onto 17th. It's a very short block.
After a left turn, we're walking Northeast on Ballard Ave NW. Suddenly the way is much safer for pedestrians, with real sidewalks!
We walked past this building, which looks like it is being preserved.
Traffic was light at this end of the street, and the trees really improved the view.
As we got further into old Ballard, traffic picked up, and it began to look like the route would be more dangerous for bicyclists. There are more cars parked along the street, which could lead to someone opening their door in front of a bicycle or pulling out of a parking space into their path.
The existing sidewalks also have some issues; uneven paving, broken concrete, sandwich boards, and mopeds parked on the sidewalks.
There are lovely architectural details along the way, such as these fishies.
At the corner of Ballard Ave NW & 20th Ave NW we passed a bicyclist going the other direction on the cobblestones. There are several intersections along this route that would likely slow bikes down, as well as putting them in danger of cross traffic. Shilshole doesn't have the same sort of intersections.
It certainly is a nice walk, though. Lots of interesting shops and architecture.
At NW Vernon Place, we turned left down to Shilshole again, rejoining the flow of commuters. It does seem pretty silly to detour like that.
Looking down Vernon toward Shilshole.
Stopping to figure out where we go next. Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel is visible in the background.
Lots of chain link fences and blackberry bushes along this part of Shilshole. At least there's a sidewalk though!
Looking Northwest on Shilshole, between Vernon and 22nd Ave NW. Not an inspiring view.
Looking back Southeast down Shilshole. It sounds like some of this parking will be lost to the trail.
Walking on towards Market. The trail diverges before we get to Market.
We noticed a number of "For Lease" signs along Shilshole Ave.
Lots of warehouses and automotive businesses along this stretch.
An interesting list of tenants along our path.
I think this is where the new hotel is going to be.
Right along here is where we switched over to walking along the railroad tracks to the West. That's where the trail is going to go. This view is back towards Shilshole Ave NW.
This stretch isn't great for bicyclists or pedestrians.
People have made homes in the bushes alongside the tracks.
This area had that lived-in look.
We're just about to cross 24th Ave NW.
Not a whole lot of traffic on this street at this time of day.
The proposed trail passes by Pacific Marine Electric, a tidy business.
How can they run a train on these tracks? Do they dig them out each time?
Looking back the way we came.
Passing by an oil facility. Look at that great old Shell sign!
You need to watch where you walk along this stretch. There are lots of potholes, and some dog owners have been less than responsible about picking up after their pets.
There are lots of interesting sights along the tracks, and the pavement is good in stretches.
Cool old warehouses.
Hello, I'm selling magazine subscriptions to raise money for ... Um, never mind. Some businesses are less likely to benefit from increased foot traffic.
Nearing the end of the missing link.
I wonder what they do here? Update: 07/23/09 - A Ballard business owner informed me that this is the Barnacle Point Ship yard. I assume that means that they build and/or repair boats, although I couldn't see any from the trail.
Destination in sight.
It may be unfriendly, but the old warehouse is beautiful in a rusty, industrial way.
Passing various marine businesses.
Walking behind the building (on our right) housing Curves, Portage Bay Cafe, the rock climbing place and Port Chatham, among others businesses. I wonder if they can open up this side of the building to take advantage of the trail traffic?
This track hasn't been used for a while.
Watch your step!
This is where the Burke-Gilman Trail picks up again, heading West. From here it's a lovely walk or ride out to the end of Golden Gardens.
One last look back along the missing link. It was a warm and dusty walk. Thank you to all who participated, especially those who knew the way!
