A Hidden Pathway on a Rainy Day in Seattle

by Aviona Brown (United States of America)

A leap into the unknown USA

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Rain is not serendipitous in Seattle Washington, instead we locals like to say, 'if it isn't raining that the true surprise.' This day it was raining cats and dog-sized drops with no end in sight. I had been house sitting in the very affluent neighborhood of Madrona where the houses have white marble pillars reaching from foundation to roof and all the homes seem to whisper, 'stay away' as I walked past. Madrona has a lush amount of trees and greenery, I was mesmerized in the secondary sitting room next to the fire listening to the wood crackle while watching trees dance in the rain. "DING DONG," my partner's voice rang through the phone to their custom alarm, "best be on your way, sweetheart." I rushed to close the fire gates, slip on my shoes, and while zipping my north face waterproof jacket I checked the bus rider app to learn I had missed it. After locking the door, I noticed a walkable path to where I needed to go. I knew I didn't belong in this neighborhood, my skin being the wrong hue to fit in, but I must not be late. I headed out, around the bend of the windy historic cobblestone road- I leaped from stone to stone joyous to learn my walk could save me time the bus wouldn't have. After the third turn in the bend, I walked past the last house on a dead-end road. I stop at the entrance to the pathway GoogleMaps had directed me to. Looking into the depths of a darken wooden path that is sleek with dirt turned to mud. I strained to listen past the thumps of my heartbeat for anyone within. After a few minutes and no sign of life, I took a deep breath. Who am I kidding? I was very scared- black girl, dark woods, white neighborhood- it may be 2020 but the circumstances didn't feel good. I took bigger breaths and pushed myself to take the first steps onto the path. First I went right, as the map lead, followed by a turn left and downward slope. Soon, I was relieved to find myself not 10 feet from the main entrance and back on the original path. Another breath and onward I go down, down down a clear path lined with ferns and sticker bushes to my left. Firs and evergreen trees to the right, my heart rate calmed as the path bent and a heavenly surprise of wood laid steps with crystal-filled gravel came into view. Cascading willow trees created archways to the most handsome wooden bridge up ahead. As I descended the steps, I could hear the rustling of flowing waters. Once standing on the bridge I would finally see the tiny stream flowing from within the hill I just came, below me and past the bridge downward. My curiosity raced as I now needed to know where it would end. I quickened down the path which disappointingly led to a pavement street. Thankful to cars that stopped for me to cross and with time still on my side, I looked back at my secret pathway. A gust of wind danced around me and caught the ferns on the side of the road. They caught my eye too. I retreated back across the street and parted the ferns and there was the most beautiful petite waterfall. I bent to get a better view and snap some photos for my "ant's eye view" collection. Five budding rocks formed to make it. At is based the water pooled for a moment then descended into a drain marked "To Lake Washington". One of my favorite things about Seattle is the multitude of hidden parks and how thankful I am to have found Madrona Park on that rainy day.