Next To Nature Moving Uphill
The word on the street is that the Next To Nature natural pet food and supply store in the 1700 block of Pacific is moving up the hill. The new location is said to be the old Coach Hardware building on Tacoma Avenue and they’re renovating it now.
You remember Tacoma Avenue, right? We don’t seem to talk about it much. Maybe soon…
7 comments
R rick August 1, 2008
Ahh, yes, cycling in Tacoma. I bike commute daily with a little help from the Sounder train. I’ll say that most motorists behave rather reasonably in the big scheme of things. I try to reward those who show appropriate patience or consideration with a wave—as if to say, “thanks for not killing me”.
That said, and to your point, there are those who are “overly considerate”—the AARP members who refuse to pass, however safe, but instead stack up traffic behind them. And there are those who pass with the look of contempt that you mention. I’ve been spit at, have had things thrown at me, and once had some teens in a jeep take a swing at me with a large stick. I’ve been pulled over by the Fife Police — twice (once for the high crime of stopping and waiting for a traffic signal, BUT beyond the white line). I’ve had my fair share of near misses with cars, and spilled nicely onto Pacific Ave once while tuning on a wet metal plate that was covering some street construction. That’s all just part of the package. Much of it is part of the fun!
But again, my experience is that most Tacoma drivers are reasonably considerate.
A altered chords August 1, 2008
Ah, to live where I (we) can all walk, bicycle, jog, scooter (if really far) everywhere.
The condos are all full, all the bare patches of dirt and weeds have been filled in. We all have at least 100 megs of Internet access.
The streets of downtown are crowded with pedestians at 11:00 pm every night of the week.
They are out shopping, dining and yes…listening to live music and buying paintings.
Utopia? No, its just Tacoma.
J justin camarata August 9, 2008
congratulations on the engagement!
also, what size is your engine? i was under the impression that you don’t need a motorcycle endorsement for a scooter so long as it’s less than 100cc. if i’m wrong, i’ve been breaking the law for over a year now.
S Sandy August 9, 2008
I share many of your sentiments. I have the cutest little fule efficient Barbie car ever, and only drive it for shopping or hauling youngster(s).
I’m a horrible clutz (and kind of a coward) on a bike, so I walk alot. One of my frequent treks is from where I live near TG to the Blackwater. Every time I head out that way, without fail, some fella with a 20 dollar bill and a lil’ something else burning a hole in his pocket(let’s just call him “John”), pulls up about a half a block ahead of me to see if I need a “ride”. Can you make me a tee-shirt that says “This Hilltop girl is off-the-clock and carries no cash”?
Here’s hoping for safer biking and walking days in Tacoma for you, the future Mrs Blue (congrats!), and all the Baby Blues! (as well as the rest of us!)
:-)
Z ZestyJenny August 12, 2008
Sandy, I hear you! I walk a lot on Hilltop and I am condsantly asked if I need a ride. Sometimes, naughtily, but othertimes, I feel like people are just shocked that someone is walking! Why is that so strange?
Daniel, kudos on being a safe scooter rider. I have a super long commute, so I will have to be pleased with the green team points from my Pruis, but I would love a scooter. You put my 50mpg to shame!
Off topic, can you tell me where I can buy one of your 253 hearts? The Googles are not finding them. Thanks!
E Erik S August 12, 2008
@3 The endorsement exemption is for bikes (“mopeds”) of 50cc or less AND capable of a maximum speed no higher than 30 mph on level ground.
The State Patrol FAQ on mopeds:
http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/cvd/cvdfaq.htm#mopeds
(No, I am not a Trooper.)
O okobojicat August 12, 2008
Rick,
As a fellow Tacoma commuter, I must say that I haven’t had any of the nastiness from cagers like you have. However, I have noticed that the Tacoma Bus Drivers are rather, well, oblivious to bikers.
Also, I have to cross the 99/Puyallup Ave/Pac Hwy bridge (its either that or 509 or I5) to get to Fife every morning/evening and those drivers do not give enough space. I often get pressed right up against the curb and those lovely metal bridge supports.