Meet the Alegado Family – Ten Trails’ 500^th Family 

Meet the Alegado family, new residents in Ten Trails and our 500^th family to move into the community! Gideon and Katrina Alegado and their two teenage children move to Ten Trails in June from nearby Maple Valley and are loving their new Oakridge Homes home and the lifestyle offered in the community.

Home Shopping Remotely During the Pandemic 

Like many families, it became obvious to the Alegados during pandemic stay-at-home orders that they needed more room for their family. With their kids now teenagers and Gideon and Katrina working from home, they quickly realized their 1,660 square-foot home in Maple Valley, while cozy, just was not well-suited for the family any longer. The Alegados started their search for a new home online during the pandemic and they first toured their current home virtually while vacationing at a friend’s home in Hawaii.

“We were looking at photos of the house literally from the beach and then we made an offer the next day, sight unseen,” said Katrina. “A few days later we were signing paperwork on our friend’s patio overlooking the ocean.”

 

More Space to Spread Out in a Growing Community

As they get settled in a big and beautiful 2,800-square-foot home, the Alegados joke that they sometimes cannot find one another.

  “I’m sure it will fill up, but right now it feels massive,” said Gideon.

  The family is eager to explore all the amenities Ten Trails offers, like the many parks and green spaces, sports courts, and community pea patches.

  “We’ve been out on the trails many times,” said Katrina who enjoys walking the family’s dog, Echo, on the miles of nature trails.

    The Alegados are also looking forward to meeting more of their neighbors at upcoming community events, like the Sunset Markets.    

“We are so excited and honored to be recognized in this way and looking forward to settling in,” said Gideon.  

Welcome to the neighborhood, Alegados! We are so happy you chose Ten Trails as your new hometown. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Create Your Summer Bucket List

Summertime means more free time for kids and plenty of sunshine and warm weather to do things that cannot be done the rest of the year. Stop summer boredom before it happens by having a family “Summer Bucket List” handy for kids to select activities from. There are a ton of websites with ideas to get you started on your family’s own summer activity list. Click here for a great PDF with a ton of fun ideas. Make sure to tailor your list to your family’s taste and what is available in the Puget Sound area. Some suggestions for fun, kid-friendly activities to add to your list:

• Hike to a waterfall
• Play a musical instrument in front of others
• Plant an herb garden and use it for cooking
• Attend an outdoor concert
• Play flashlight tag

Keep it Attainable 

Keep your family’s summer bucket list attainable by setting realistic parameters for distance, cost, and availability of the activities. While flying to Australia to pet a kangaroo may not be a reasonable summer 2021 goal for your family, perhaps you could plan a visit to a nearby zoo to see kangaroos in person.

Put the List Up for All to See

Keep summer activities and priorities top of mind by posting the list for all to see in a prominent place in the home. Use brightly colored paper, markers, glitter, or paint…whatever kids want to do to make the list-making a fun activity. Alternatively, ditch the paper altogether and write the bucket list activities on rocks or clothespins. As you complete an activity, move the list item from one container to the next. At the end of the summer, you will have fun looking through all the items in your “completed” container.

Make it Social

Build accountability and inspire others by sharing your summer bucket list activities on social media with friends, family, and neighbors. At the beginning of the summer, post your list and make sure to include a photo of each summer activity as you complete it. Create a hashtag unique to your family so you can search out photos later or compile them into a summer activity video log. We would love to see your summer bucket lists! Share your lists with us on social media, @TenTrails, and tag us when posting your summer activity photos. www.TenTrails.com 360.369.4043

Ten Trails Offers Pea Patches for Residents as One of Many Community Amenities

One of the huge benefits of living in a master planned community is access to community amenities! At Ten Trails, we have a wide variety of amenities to suit residents of every age. From playgrounds to pea patches, our residents have their pick of community features to enhance their lifestyle.

Community Pea Patches at Ten Trails

Some of the most popular amenities at Ten Trails are our community pea patches! Residents can opt to rent a pea patch plot for the spring/summer season to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. With 2021 being the first official year our pea patches have been in use, it has been great fun to see all the different varieties of plants our residents are growing.

Benefits of Community Pea Patches

Our pea patches are a space where residents can come together to grow community and plan, plant, and maintain a piece of open space. As one of many gathering spaces in Ten Trails, our pea patches help strengthen the community by fostering connections and serve as a point of pride amongst residents.

More Pea Patches Coming for the 2022 Growing Season

Ten Trails will have more pea patches available for resident rental beginning early 2022. If you are a resident who is interested in renting a pea patch, contact your HOA manager, Jodi Kay, at hoa@tentrails.com for details. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Take a Trip Close to Home this Summer and Visit these Local Getaways

Washington State is beautiful and full of diverse climates, scenic state and national parks and many fun cities and towns that make great places to visit when you are looking for a local getaway! Take a drive this summer and visit one of these four fantastic locations that are close to home yet offer uniquely different experiences!

Friday Harbor 

Known as the “gateway to the San Juan Islands,” Friday Harbor is a charming and historic seaport that is well known for its quaint shops, walkable downtown, and many restaurants. Located just a few hour’s drive from Ten Trails followed by a ferry ride, Friday Harbor is the perfect local summer getaway spot.

Leavenworth

Take a short drive into the mountains to the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth, Washington. The walkable downtown boasts countless shops and restaurants, many of which sell German food and goods. The village is surrounded by spectacular hiking trails offering sweeping views of nearby mountains, rivers, and lakes. Hikers can cool off at the end of the day with a float, raft, or paddleboard down the Wenatchee River.

Bellingham

If you are looking for a city getaway with plenty of activities to do but without the crowds of Seattle or Portland, head north to Bellingham! This city offers something for everyone with plenty of local breweries and restaurants, shopping, spas, museums, and access to the outdoors. Bellingham has some of the area’s best urban biking trails with several places to rent bikes locally. During the summer months, head to Bellingham for “Downtown Sounds” an outdoor summer concert series with live music located near the city’s historic Bay and Prospect Streets. Check the city’s website for updates on the 2021 concert series schedule.

Winthrop

Located in the sunny and breathtaking Methow Valley of Washington, Winthrop is a charming mountain town that is a great getaway on its own, or a wonderful stop along the North Cascades Scenic Byway. Winthrop’s old western theme, complete with antique boardwalks, is a must-see for locals who have not visited. The town also has great shopping boutiques as well as restaurants, and motels. Summer is a great time to visit to enjoy live music and a seasonal farmers’ market. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com  

Three Activities to Check out Before Summer Ends

The Seattle area has fun activities for families to do year-round, however the summer season, with its warmer temperatures and clearer skies, is a great time to check out local outdoor activities. Here are three unique area activities to check out before autumn begins!

Take a Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour 

Take a picturesque ferry ride to Friday Harbor to launch a sea kayak into Griffin Bay off San Juan Island for an evening bioluminescence kayak tour! Paddle among harbor seals and wait for the evening light show to begin. Sea creatures produce bioluminescent light most during late spring and early fall. Plan your trip around the new moon for best viewing opportunities.

Go Stargazing at Lake Wenatchee State Park 

Just a two-hour drive from Ten Trails, Lake Wenatchee State Park is far away from the Seattle area’s light pollution and an ideal spot for summer evening stargazing! The best views are from the beach area of the park looking northwest. On rare evenings, lucky stargazers may even be rewarded with views of the northern lights!

Drop a Note at Mailbox Peak 

Avid hikers may want to tackle the difficult ascent to reach Mailbox Peak before the summer season ends. At 9.4 miles roundtrip with a 4,000-foot elevation gain, this steep hike has been used by many would-be Mt. Rainier climbers as a training ground. The difficult journey is worth it, however, because hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views at the top along with an opportunity to place a note or object inside the mailbox that can be found at the trail’s summit. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043          

Visit Ten Trails and Take Part in our Community Scavenger Hunt 

Since most of us will not be able to take any beach vacations this summer, we thought we would bring some beach-y fun to Ten Trails! We are hosting a weekly Scavenger Hunt contest throughout the month of August! Each week, find the hidden Flamingo Gnome somewhere at Ten Trails, take a socially distanced selfie with it, and send your photo to info@tentrails.com. Your emailed photo automatically enters you to win a  $50 gift card for local takeout!

New Hiding Spot Each Week 

Our beach-loving gnome will have a new hiding spot each week within the community! Look for it on your next stroll through the community and keep in mind he will be hidden somewhere within the community common areas – that is our parks, trails, rain gardens, fire pits, and community pathways. We ask that in order for this hunt to be as safe as possible, participants maintain social distancing when looking for the gnome, and avoid picking up or moving him when taking a selfie.

How to Enter to Win

Submit your photos by 5pm each Monday in August. We will randomly select a winner for the contest and announce it Wednesday on our Facebook page, @TenTrails. Be sure to follow us so you don’t miss out on any contest updates! 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com      

Take a Day Trip from Your Ten Trails Home This Summer

Summer travel plans may have  changed this year, but luckily Ten Trails residents have access to some of the country’s most scenic and beautiful areas all within a day’s drive from the community. Read on to plan your family’s summer day trips!

Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham is the northernmost city in the contiguous United States and is known for its abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Take a two-hour drive from Ten Trails to explore this city which includes a quaint downtown along with places for fishing, hiking and golfing.

Bainbridge Island 

Summertime is the perfect time to take a ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island! Pier 52 in Seattle will take you on a quick 35-minute ferry ride by car or on foot to this gorgeous island. Once there, take a walk on the waterfront trail which begins at the park close to the ferry terminal. Visitors can opt for the two-mile western loop or the 1.5-mile eastern route. The latter takes hikers alongside the waterfront and forest, while the western trail runs along parks, restaurants, and historical sites.

Mount Rainier National Park

Just a short drive south of the community, Ten Trails residents can visit one of the country’s most beautiful national parks. Most roads and trailheads within Mount Rainier National Park are now open for the summer season, however visitors’ centers, Paradise Inn, and facilities remain closed per guidance from the CDC and state, local and NPS public health officers. Be sure to pack your own lunch and plan your visit by checking the park’s website before heading out.

Olympic National Park 

Another Washington State-based National Park, the Olympic National Park, is located about two hours from Ten Trails and offers visitors access to top-rated hiking trails as well as a chance to take a stroll through one of the last temperate rainforests in the country. The Hoh Rainforest is a popular destination in the park due to its spectacular old-growth forest featuring Sitka spruce as well as western hemlock among a wide variety of other trees. Visit the park’s website prior to making the trip to learn how to recreate responsibly and what facilities and centers will be open for your visit.

Snoqualmie Falls

For a quick afternoon trip, take the family to nearby Snoqualmie Falls which is only 35 minutes from Ten Trails. Snoqualmie Falls is one of the state’s most popular attractions and, in addition the spectacular 270-foot waterfall, there is an outdoor upper observation deck as well as a trail that wanders through the two-acre park for visitors to explore. As of publication date of this post, the park’s restrooms and lower boardwalk are closed to the public. www.TenTrails.com 360-469.4043  

Explore our Beautiful State by Taking a Scenic Drive this Summer

Chuckanut Drive 

View the only place where the Cascade Mountains meet the sea on Chuckanut Drive! This 24-mile, curvy route follows along sandstone cliffs and offers spectacular views of the Puget Sound. Stop off on your drive to explore the must-see Oyster Dome hike followed by a meal of freshly-shucked oysters at the outdoor picnic tables at Taylor Shellfish Farm. (insert photo Oyster Dome hike views)

North Cascades Highway 

State Route 20, more commonly known as the North Cascades Highway, is the northernmost route across the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington. This scenic byway offers travelers a wide array of beautiful vistas and is part of the Cascade Loop, a 400-mile driving tour through the Cascades. This route is only open seasonally due to snow and avalanche conditions, so take advantage of the drive while it is open for the summer season!

White Pass Scenic Byway 

Take a tour from west to east across the Cascades on the nationally recognized White Pass Scenic Byway. Aside from stunning views of the Cascades, the byway offers access to Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. There are also many recreational opportunities to take part in at stops on the byway including hiking fishing, camping and more! Be sure to check camp and park websites prior to visiting to make sure facilities are open.

Olympic National Park Loop

The Highway 101 Olympic National Park Loop covers more than 300 miles and offers stunning views and access to some of the state’s most popular attractions like Sol Duc Hot Springs, the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park and Lake Crescent.

Whidbey Scenic Isle Way

This gorgeous 54-mile byway begins with a trip over the breathtaking Deception Pass Bridge and spans the length of Whidbey Island. Along the way, drivers will spot plenty of deer and wildlife, access to many beaches, and a glimpse of the Naval Air Station on the island. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043      

Staying Connected at Ten Trails 

Whether it is saying hello to neighbors at one of our parks or amenities, checking in with one another during a community walk or having a virtual chat on our Facebook group, Ten Trails offers residents countless ways to connect even during this time of social distancing!

Ten Trails Community Amenities

Community amenities are not only a perk for our residents that enhance their lifestyle in this new master planned community, they are also a place for neighbors to see one another and say hello. Even while social distancing, our residents take advantage of our many community trails, parks, walking and biking paths. Residents have also been utilizing our community fire pits for intimate family gatherings during these warmer summer evenings.

Community Social Media Page

Our residents connect via social media on our resident-only Facebook group! Here, our HOA manager shares information about upcoming food trucks, community contests, updates and more! Meet your neighbors virtually and engage in community-related discussions all while using our community 1-gig internet!

Community Food Truck Events

Ten Trails is excited to get back to hosting our large-scale Hometown Social community events when it is safe to do so! Currently, we have been planning regular food truck events for our residents! Food trucks, kettle corn, or a coffee cart set up in the Welcome Center parking lot on select days and evenings for residents to get food to-go while social distancing with neighbors. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Five Ways to Have a Wonderful Staycation at Ten Trails This Summer 

Summer travel plans may have changed, but that doesn’t mean Ten Trails residents will miss out on plenty of fun this summer! Check out these five ways to plan a fun staycation at home this summer.

Take Virtual Tours of Some of the World’s Best Attractions via Community 1-Gig Internet 

Some of the world’s most popular attractions are  now offering virtual tours of their most popular exhibits! Check out live streams of zoos and aquariums, precious museum works of art and gorgeous art galleries all from the comfort of your Ten Trails home thanks to the community’s one-gig high speed internet connection!

Enjoy Community Food Truck Events 

Being a resident of Ten Trails has many perks, from our gorgeous brand new homes to our world-class amenities. One very special perk for residents this summer are regularly scheduled food truck stops in the community! A great excuse to get out of the house and wave hi to neighbors, the food truck evenings are just one of the many things that make this community so special.

Explore our Trails

Residents of Ten Trails can enjoy exploring community trails located just outside their doorsteps. The community’s name, “Ten Trails” refers to the fact that, when complete, the community will have at least ten distinctly different trails for residents to use. These may include nature trails, fitness trails, a children’s trail and more! Currently the community’s trails connect the different sections of the neighborhood and weave through forested areas.

Find Campsites Located a Short Drive From the Community

As of June 1, 2020, 30 Washington State campsites have opened for campers to make reservations. The state has issued some guidelines for reservations and the camping experience that all campers need to review prior to planning their trip. Check out this website for all the details.

Enjoy Area Hiking Trails 

Many area hiking trails are open for summer day hikes! The Washington Trails Association has provided a thorough list of helpful tips for families who are looking to recreate responsibly. Please visit their website prior to embarking on your hike to review the tips, and be prepared that there’s a chance that some hiking trails and facilities may be closed when you arrive. www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043