Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25238
urban access:: After the long months of drizzle, emerge from your cave and embrace the sun! Spring is the perfect time to discover new active passions and Seattle is graced with an abundance of lakes, rivers, mountains and trails. So get out there, where the dappled sunshine is warm and the adventures are hot. 1 HOUR RADIUS Ie UL PUGJ.!:T SOUND Cloudless skies, sparkling water, a snowcapped mountain backdrop ... If you're ready to get high on life, check out Pier 57 Parasail downtown Seattle on Elliot Bay. Flights aboard the 28-foot premier parasailing vessel are nine minutes long, though the six-person boat can also be rented by the hour ($250). Depending on wind and weather conditions, with 500 feet of towline at a 45-degree angle, you can expect to ride anywhere between 250-300 feet above the water. You must weigh at least 90 pounds to fly alone in a chute. Costs are $49, or $89 for a tandem. Flights run May through late September. Advanced reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 206-622-5757. -TI )"PT ..s ;iND'C"' h. \TT 'SNAl .EDGE This short hike east of Seattle provides a great retreat out of the city. The 1.5 mile trail up to Rattlesnake Ledge is steep, and the lush forest path and open panorama from the ledge boast sweeping views of Rattlesnake and Chester Morse lakes and the surrounding mountains. Watch for bald eagles circling, and be sure to pack your swimsuit for a polar dip in Rattlesnake Lake. Take I -5 eastbound and use Exit 32. Turn south on 436th and drive about three miles to the Rattlesnake Lake parking lot. A sign points to the trailhead. 3 HOUR RADIUS ~ _ ; BIKE THE "COURAGE CLASSIC TOGR. It's never too early to start preparing for summer and this unique riding opportunity calls for a bit of preparation. Slated as "Washington State's Best Weekend Ride Ever" this three-day, 172-mile ride over Snoqualmie, Blewett and Stevens passes journeys through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Riders cycle between 55 and 60 miles per day, and are pampered by full road support assistance, huge meals, Rotary Club rest sto ps, camping with guaranteed hot showers, fully transported gear and terrific entertainment and camaraderie. This annual event champions the cause of Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Health Center. Riders must commit to raise at least $400 in pledges to participate. Proceeds go toward the Sexual Assault Intervention Program. Registration fee is $50 and all riders are provided with a free t-shirt and helmet cover. Forfurther information ca11800-39CYCLE or visit the website for details: www.courageclassic.com. "'L I Secluded inlets and thriving marine life nestled within the protected archipelago of the San Juan Islands make the islands a haven for kayakers. What better spot to dip in your paddle than along the shores of an island community that values serenity enough to ban jet skis? Several companies offer guided kayak trips, but Crystal Seas Kayaking, Inc, has some of the best. To get to Friday Harbor take a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, Orcas, or Sydney BC or the Clipper Navigation from Seattle and Victoria, Be. Check out the ferry website at www.washingtonferries.com for up-to-the-minute timetables and pricing. Crystal Seas will pick up from the Friday Harbor ferry landing and transport to the west side of San Juan Island. Three-hour (5~6 miles roundtrip) day or sunset tours run at $49 per person, full day (5 hours paddling, 6-9 miles) costs $65 per person, and multiday 74