Take a hike from shore to shining shore

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, September 14, 2005

An extensive new public trail system will be christened at the south end on Saturday.

If you’ve ever wondered at the expression “over hill and dale,” this weekend’s shore-to-shore walk should offer some insight.

The estimated three to four mile trek – each way – will take hikers over dramatic terrain changes from the Point White waterfront, up and down through woodland valleys, and finally to the banks of Port Orchard Narrows on the island’s west side.

“There are some really spectacular things that I don’t think the public has any idea are there, and they’re going to be really excited when they see them,” said Lee Cross, Open Space Commission member.

Sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, the city and the park district, the Saturday morning event will herald recent open space purchases and publicize extensive new trail connections open to islanders.

Hikers will gather on Point White Drive near Schel-Chelb Estuary at 10 a.m. Brief ceremonies will honor the Peters, Cool and Blossom families, who sold the acreage to the public at well below market value.

Then come the hills and dales.

The trek will lead up past the estuary to Baker Hill Road, reaching the foot of the the 49-acre Peters property. A newly improved trail wends up the side of the hill, at one point looking down over a serene woodland mirror pool.

After crossing Gazzam Lake Preserve, the path twists down to the shoreline again through the 64-acre Close property.

And then, back – although shuttle buses will be available at the Marshall Road entrance of Gazzam Lake, for those who don’t want to make it a full round-trip.

Sojourners used to relatively flat Gazzam Lake strolls will be challenged by the hike, which is quite steep at several points, including the return trip up through the Close property.

But the reward is in the rich array of flora to be seen, particularly on the unspoiled Peters land.

Cross said the property boasts unusual mosses and ferns, and such oddities as “Indian pipe,” a flowering plant that lacks chlorophyll and thus sticks out as an albino in a world of green.

Experts including John van den Meerendonk will be on hand to discuss the plant life and other aspects of the properties, although more ambitious hikers are welcome to proceed ahead at a more aggressive pace.

What all will share is the solitude innate to the Peters property, on which horses and cell phones are prohibited under terms of a conservation easement.

And no mountain bikes.

“When you see the trail, you’ll see why,” Cross said. “It’s pretty steep and there are a lot of curves.”

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Wear sensible shoes

The first-ever Shore to Shore Hike, sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, the city and the park district, begins at 10 a.m. Saturday on Point White Drive near Schel-Chelb Estuary.

Information: 842-2306 or 842-7633.