I had noticed this trail a week or so ago when we hiked Rock Trail.  We decided to take Job this time since he missed out and we were going to hike into Lost Lake from Rock Trail but Cyrus Gate was closed and so was Lost Lake from that access. We could hike into Fragrance Lake but it seems like we do that every year only from the bottom. So turning the car around we drove back to Lower Ridge Trail. This trail is another connector trail.  It allows a hiker, runner, biker to go to Dan's Traverse which connects to Cleator Road below and Cleator Road via along the Chuckanut Ridge.  It cuts in in the middle which means for runners that want to do a loop they have the option of doing a shorter or longer loop this way.  It's a pretty trail with lush ferns all along the way.  It isn't steep which makes for a pleasant walk.  At one point towards the beginning of the trail there is an overlook of the San Juan Islands that is breath taking.  Once you hook on to the trail leading to Dan's Traverse there are other overlooks to the opposite direction, where you can see I5, Sehome High School and part of WWU.


We ate lunch on a ledge looking north and east. Eagles sailed the currents high above our heads as we enjoyed a little time in the sun. When you switch up the dynamics of kids, taking them out individually it changes the conversation and topics. We were able to ask Job all kinds of questions and get his views on school, finances, life.  This is such a new season in our life as we are getting these kids to sprout wings and fly on their own. They're favorite phrase is "I know" but they they don't really know.  They only think and most times reality will be a version of what they know but they won't really know.  To be honest, neither do we. We do know this kid who could do college just isn't cut out for it.  He needs something different and we want to help him explore his options: a trade school or a gap year or a mission year.  Whatever that is, we want him to know that what he decides now doesn't have to be forever.  He can go one direction now and then later decide to do something else.  A trade school is a great start for that.  We had told him about being an electrician and so now that's his plan but we really would like him to look at all the ways to be an electrician.  What path will give him the most options for work and a career. 
We asked him what his views were towards finances and savings. We encouraged him to set aside money and start saving now for his future.  The importance of not spending every dime but to prioritize.
We asked him about his relationships and his friends and all sorts of things.  It wasn't lecturing, it more of a time of discovery.  We listened and commented when there was place to comment.
The time of influence is coming to an end and we would love it if they come to us for advice but only on their terms.  We are negotiating new waters with adult and almost adult children and teenage children as well.