Spokane, WA

Heading out early to the South Hill’s Lincoln Park this morning, with dog and kids alike, tongues hanging out, eager with expectation, the sweet, cool air promised yet another magical summer day to come and reminded me that the early mornings of summer definitely top my list of “the closest things to heaven on earth.”

So I meet my friend and her dogs, who are Lincoln Park regulars, at the entrance to the Park, in the small parking lot just off Southeast Boulevard, a few blocks north of 29th Avenue. As it’s one of those turns I’ve always thought about making every time I drive past, but never did in all my years in Spokane, it’s with much anticipation that I embark with my gang, on our journey into the “wildside” of Lincoln Park.

“Wildside?” you’re probably asking yourself. And yes, there is a counterpart to this—the “tame side”—replete with manicured lawn, a colorful jungle-gym, baseball diamond, drinking fountain and bathrooms, approachable either from 17th Avenue, three blocks west of Ray Avenue, or with a trek down the “wildside” hill from the Southeast Boulevard entrance.

But with dogs in tow, and ready for a hike and mini-escape from civilization, we wind down one of the many “wild” trails, taking us through the roughly 47 acres of brush, trees, lava rocks, and pond that make up this beautifully undeveloped paradise, smack-dab in the middle of the little metropolis called The South Hill. I revel in the beauty of this somewhat-hidden gem, and say a little prayer for it not to be gobbled up by developers but to remain here for decades for all to enjoy.

We make the loop, encountering a few runners (note to self: add to my list of great places to run) a pleasant English woman and her adorable sheep dog, and one speed walker, reminiscent of the wicked witch of the west as she threatened to spray our dogs with pepper spray, finger poised with what seemed, much-practiced precision. However as our dogs were not on their leashes as the sign said, I must forgive her wickedly ways and hope the authorities don’t read this and come knocking on my door, as she said they would!

After a visit to the beautiful little pond, of which the three dogs could not get enough of, it’s time to visit the “tame side” as my kids are sure we’ve walked 20 miles or so and are ready for hanging-around-time on the monkey-bars and curly slide and my childless friend is ready for her iced latte and pedicure. So we part ways, saying, “Let’s do this same time next week!” and I make another note to self, “…and schedule a babysitter so I can join my friend for that post-hike pedicure!