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Washington roads can be dangerous in the winter. Ice makes for some tricky situations for vehicles and drivers. Know what preventative and reactive actions you can take before and while you're on the ice. Burien Chevrolet knows cars and how to drive them safely. We've put together a list of our top tips for driving on ice. Reduce Speed The best practices in avoiding bad situation are preventative ones. The best way to prevent sliding on ice? Drive slower. Once your vehicle starts sliding on ice, the forces that were moving your car forward will be used against it. It sounds like simple advice, but driving slower ensures your car will have less force to flow through when it starts sliding. Watch for any signs that warn of ice when you're driving through wintry weather. If you think there might be even the slightest chance of black ice on the road, slow down. Always slow down to a safe speed when taking turns. Don't Panic If you feel your vehicle hit a patch of ice, the best thing you can do it stay calm. Panicking is a sure-fire way to lose control over your vehicle. Don't slam on the brakes when you hit that ice. Even if your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, it's likely your wheels will lock regardless. Once they do, there's no stopping your vehicle. You'll have to ride it out. If your vehicle does start to slide, try to keep your car facing forward by turning your steering wheel to make your wheels face the direction you want to go. This will help keep your car from spinning completely out of control. Take your foot off the brakes and let the vehicle coast to a slower speed until you can safely handle it again. Know Before You Go Before you head outside and take a drive, analyze the situation. Start by checking the weather reports. Your local news source is a good one to check for inclement weather. If you're taking a longer trip, research your route to know what you're dealing with. If ice is going to form, it'll happen during the night and early morning. Aim to drive during the warmest parts of the day, especially when it'll be above the freezing point. However, never assume there won't be any black ice along your path. Make Safe Turns When you see a turn coming up, slow down to a safe, manageable speed. The best way to do this is simply taking your foot off the gas pedal ahead of the time to avoid using the brake. As you make the turn, do your best to not accelerate or brake hard. Curves in the road are where the most fish-tails happen. Again, if you start to drift while making the turn, stay calm. Turn your steering wheel the way you want to go, stay off the brakes, and don't over-correct. Be prepared, and be smart about your driving. If you don't have to go, don't. Ice is temporary, but accidents can change your life forever. Image via CappiT | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

You may think of winter in Seattle as short days, dreary gray skies, and cold temperatures. But in the city and nearby, there are plenty of fun wintertime activities to keep you amused, both indoors and out. Here are five recommendations for you. Space Needle For the best panoramic views of Seattle, Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountain ranges, a visit to the iconic Space Needle is a must. Recently renovated, there are now two additional thrill levels. Sit on the glass benches and take in the breathtaking views through the outward sloped floor to ceiling windows. Or dare to step onto The Loupe, the world's first rotating glass floor. If you are lucky enough to be there for New Year's Eve, the Space Needle becomes the focal point for the spectacular firework display. You can see it from the Seattle Center at midnight. Museum of Pop Culture Before you even enter MoPOP you can take in the futuristic and colorful design of the building with its 21,000 stainless steel and aluminum shingles with the Space Needle as a backdrop. Exhibitions include Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes, featuring artwork, costumes from the movies, and other artifacts. See the stories of Seattle's icons — Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam. Get hands-on in the immersive Sound Lab and explore other worlds in the Holodome. Winter Sports at Snoqualmie Pass If you need to escape the cabin fever and fill your lungs with fresh mountain air, you can drive to Snoqualmie Pass in less than an hour on I-90. With four ski areas covering almost 2,000 acres, there are facilities for skiing and snowboarding. Some runs are illuminated and open until 10 p.m. for night skiing. There are also more than 30 miles of groomed Nordic trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A newly opened development, The Pass Life, features the Washington State Ski & Snowboard Museum, with interactive exhibits charting the development of winter sports. Also incorporated in the new community are the Commonwealth Cafe and the Dru Bru brewery and taproom. Take a Boat Trip Another way to beat the indoor blues is to wrap up warm and take one of the boat trips from Seattle's Central Waterfront. The narrated Seattle Harbor cruise lasts for an hour and gives you a different perspective of the city from the Harbor and Elliot Bay. Alternatively, you could take a personalized 2-hour cocktail cruise along Lake Union. You'll see the major Seattle landmarks, as well as seaplanes taking off and landing and the many floating homes on the lake. Chocolate Factory Tour After all that fresh air, why not take a tour of the fair-trade Theo Chocolate Factory? On the entertaining and informative tour, you will learn about the chocolate making process from bean to bar. And, of course, there will be chocolate tasting throughout the tour, which lasts around an hour. Seattle and the surrounding areas have many more attractions to offer and they are just waiting to be explored. Image via jc.winkler | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro is here and better than ever. It's been redesigned to distinguish itself from its ancestors, and it packs more exciting features than ever. Burien Chevrolet is amped about these exciting changes and updates. Here are highlights of some of our favorite features of the new Camaro. Updated Modernity The 2019 Camaro has been reimagined to give the ride an even bolder look than its predecessors. It's more rounded-out than the last couple years' incarnations, giving it a sleek, performance-minded atmosphere. The hoods are taller than last year's, swooping down into its new grilles. The tail has an aggressive design that can easily be picked out of a crowd. The 2019 Camaro comes in seven trims: the 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, 1SS, 2SS, and the powerful ZL1.  Each has that distinct Camaro charisma, but each is bigger and tougher than the last. The new Camaro is also more customizable than it's ever been. You have the option between hard-top roofs and convertibles. Choose your body stripes, emblems, floormats, and wheels. The different trim levels bring different looks to the Camaro. Make your sports car match you, not the other way around. Power and Performance The base trim 2019 Camaro gets 275 horsepower from its standard 2.0-liter engine. At the top of the food chain, the Camaro ZL1 gets a supercharged 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque from its 6.2-liter V-8 engine, making it a force on the tracks. There are four powertrain options to give you your perfect balance between power and efficiency. Each of the Camaro trim levels come standard with six-speed manual transmissions, but eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmissions are available for all of them. The top trim level, the ZL1, can go from zero to 60 in an impressive 3.5 seconds. The smallest engine, the 2.0-liter turbo, can hit 60 in 5.4 seconds, which is nothing to scoff at. It also gets an EPA-estimated 31 miles per gallon on the highway, making it a strong competitor of not just sports cars, but also family-friendly sedans that pride themselves on their fuel economy. Interior and Technology The 2019 Camaro looks great on the outside, and drivers feel great when they're inside. Everything in the Camaro's interior is designed with performance in mind. The seats have a distinct cockpit style, and at the higher trim levels, RECARO performance front bucket seats are available. Create your own ambiance with the interior spectrum lighting, which allows you to choose the color of lighting around various interior features. The heads-up display, available at the 3LT trim level and standard on the higher ones, projects important information onto the windshield to let the driver stay focused on the road ahead. The 2019 Camaro has an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and Bluetooth, so you can connect your phone to both your car and the Internet. Access these features, as well as Apply CarPlay and Android Auto, through the 7- to 8-inch touchscreen. If you're ready to take the 2019 Chevy Camaro out for a test drive, visit our team at Burien Chevrolet today. We're excited to show you everything this ride can do. Image via Chevrolet.com

Getting in shape can be challenging, especially if you have a full-time job, kids, or trouble finding the right workout buddy. Fortunately for Burien residents, it's not too much of a daunting task to find the ideal fitness facility for busybodies or anyone looking to get healthy. In fact, here are four of the best athletic clubs worth checking out in the area. Freedom Fitness Gym This first venue splits its services into two general categories: a traditional gym consisting of dumbbells, cardio equipment, and cable machines designed to strengthen your arms, core, and legs, as well as alternative training via weightlifting, punching bags, kettlebells, and an indoor field. Those looking for an adrenaline boost can also enjoy the 50-minute boot camp class packed with high-intensity interval training. Ultimately, the staff at Freedom Fitness aim for results first and foremost, and they do so by taking a one-on-one approach and finding the most effective workout routine and nutritional diet for each client. Highline Athletic Club Among the 31,000 square feet of space at Highline Athletic Club sits a diverse set of equipment to suit your individual needs. Tone and condition with a set of weights, get your heart going on a cardio machine, take a lap around the indoor track, hit the basketball courts, or relax your muscles in the indoor heated pool and sauna. Other amenities at Highline include an on-site spa, water classes, cycling, yoga and pilates, and children's activities, such as karate and Zumba. Plus, you'll feel like royalty with the complimentary towel service and lounge refreshments available. Hot Feet Fitness Whether you prefer calming meditation and stretching sessions, all-inclusive yoga classes for beginners and advanced students alike, or high-intensity interval training, Hot Feet Fitness has the facilities you need to strengthen and tone at your pace. You can also enroll in public groups or opt for a private session for a more intimate approach to health and nutrition. Plus, walk-ins are always welcome at Hot Feet Fitness, and special discounts are available for students, senior citizens, educators, veterans, firefighters, and first responders looking to join the club. Normandy Park Athletic Club Situated about three miles south of Burien and north of Des Moines is the Normandy Park Athletic Club. Here you'll find group exercise programs ranging from barbell lifting and cycling to yoga and Zumba classes. Situated within the 13,000-square-foot space are also traditional cardio machines like treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and complimentary weights. You can also sign up for a barre class, which combines elements of yoga, pilates, and aerobics, or get the blood pumping in a spinning class or circuit training course. And don't be shy in bringing the kiddos along. Normandy Park Athletic Club offers on-site childcare service for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old so you can get in shape without worrying about your child's whereabouts. Are you searching for top-rated facilities in the Burien area filled with high-end fitness equipment and professional training instructors? These four local recommendations offer the guidance and support you need to work toward a healthier lifestyle. Image via Marco Verch | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Between odd sounds and smells to a lack of response and handling, there are different ways you can tell if your transmission isn't working as it should. It can be hard diagnosing the exact issue, but a dash of proactive care and awareness goes a long way in keeping your vehicle up and running smoothly. Here are five signs it's time for a transmission checkup. The Check Engine Light Appears If you see a check engine or service engine soon light on the dashboard, it means there's something amiss with your vehicle's under-the-hood hardware. There could be a failing oxygen or mass airflow sensor, a loose gas cap, a faulty catalytic converter, worn spark plugs, or unit overheating due to low transmission fluid levels. Whatever the cause, a flashing or red light on the dash indicates a serious issue. If you aren't sure where the problem lies, consider hooking up a diagnostic scan tool to the underside of the instrument panel. This tool will display a code corresponding to the area causing the malfunction. If the faulty component is your transmission, you should have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. You Hear Strange Sounds Any number of sounds could indicate a worn-out transmission. For instance, you might hear a slight whirring, humming, or buzzing sound when running your car. If you hear thumping when driving in neutral, it could be due to a shortage of transmission fluid, but a prolonging persistence of sounds could also signal something worse. You Smell Something Abnormal Transmission fluid tends to start off sweet or tart in smell. If you happen to dip below the recommended transmission fluid level, you'll notice a drastic change in smell from sweet to burning. It's because your transmission isn't properly lubricated and is starting to rub against other components, which then leads to overheating. You Notice a Fluid Leak One way to tell if you're dealing with a transmission fluid leak is to look under your vehicle's cab for any dark brown or black liquid spots. This is a drastic shift from the fluid's initial red color. But what exactly causes a transmission fluid leak? It could be due to problems such as disconnected cooler lines, exhausted gaskets or seals, worn-out axles or mounts, an out-of-balance drive shaft, or a loose transmission pan. Either way, it should be checked out immediately to prevent further damage to the engine hub. Your Shifting Seems a Bit Off The main purpose of your transmission is to give you the proper power output with every gear switch. If you notice a delay in shifting or feel a grinding response, your clutch may be near its end and in dire need of replacement. This is also true if you feel no response at all when attempting to shift or if you feel the clutch dragging or slipping excessively. If you don't know what's causing your transmission to fail, the experts at Burien Chevrolet can help you properly diagnose the problem. Image via steviep187 | Licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

Seattle, Washington, is well known for its bustling city districts and diverse social spaces, but it's also a destination where comfort food cravings are expertly matched with authentic, heartwarming recipes guaranteed to soothe the soul. Whether you're in the mood for traditional flavors or international delights, comfort food isn't hard to come by at these top Seattle restaurants. The Wandering Goose Situated within the North Capitol Hill neighborhood is the Wandering Goose, a Southern-style cafe serving daily breakfast and lunch. Local favorites include biscuits and mushroom gravy, Boonville grits, and fried chicken sandwiches. You can also indulge in comfort sides such as collard greens and mac and cheese to complement your main dish. Additionally, the Wandering Goose is open on Fridays between 5 and 9 p.m. for a special fried chicken dinner. You'll want to bring your appetite to this event as you're treated with three pieces of buttermilk fried chicken, three side dishes, and a biscuit. Combine that with the cafe's cozy, 30-seat interior, and you have a space perfect for a relaxing night. CJ's Eatery Head toward Seattle's Belltown neighborhood and make a stop at CJ's Eatery for all-day breakfast, plus lunch and weekday specials. You can start with a morning pick-me-up like the Bourbon Street omelet with andouille sausage and pepper jack cheese or a classic serving of eggs any way you like, including eggs Benedict. Other fan favorites we recommend are the corned beef hash, latkes (potato pancakes), and sweet French toast. For lunch, the menu expands to include salads, sandwiches, homemade soups, and chili, as well as beverage options such as coffee, tea, beer, wine, and mimosas. Wann Yen Cafe We swap traditional U.S. comfort dishes with authentic Thai recipes at this next establishment, many of which are prepared with free-range chicken and organic tofu. You can select a special off the daily in-house menu or sample a standard staple like Panang curry pork served over a bed of Jasmine rice. Other delicacies include the Khao Mun Gai, a poached chicken over garlic ginger rice and a side of winter melon soup, or the Pad Thai noodles with your choice of meat, seafood, or tofu. Don't forget to pair your dish with one of Wann Yenn's refreshing drink options. These span from fruit juice and iced tea to traditional Thai shaved ice with coconut milk and sweet-infused toppings. Ma'Ono Asian fusion cuisine is a specialty at Ma'Ono. Menus vary slightly between the two locations in West Seattle and University Village, though dishes tend to range from Kalua pig tacos to spicy fried chicken to the Loco Moco — a combination of ground chuck steak, Portuguese sausage, rice, gravy, and a fried egg. Side dishes are just as creative and include Korean chili kimchi and a curry-bacon fried rice blend. Looking for food and drink specials, too? Happy hour at Ma'Ono takes place between Wednesday and Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m. Everyone can agree comfort food is a staple for most, especially when particular cravings hit. Fortunately for Seattle residents, these top restaurants know just how to serve up some of the best comfort food in the Pacific Northwest. Image via Foodista | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

The 2018 Chevy Malibu has a stunning road presence backed by fuel-efficient technology and cutting-edge systems. Despite its midsize frame, you can expect a spacious cabin ideally matched with luxurious surfaces and fine-tuned technology. Here's a further look at what makes the 2018 Chevy Malibu so desirable. Efficient Power With Every Trim The current model is available in the L, LS, LT, Hybrid, and Premier trims. The lower three levels each sport a 1.5-liter turbocharged DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This unit also features direct injection, variable valve timing, and is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid gets a 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and two-motor-drive automatic transmission, combined with a hybrid propulsion system yielding 124 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Premier opts for a 2.0-liter engine and nine-speed automatic transmission churning out 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Excellent Performance You Can Feel The 2018 Chevy Malibu features a front-wheel-drive dynamic blended with systems like StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control, and four-wheel anti-lock braking. Add in aerodynamic design elements with a Driver Efficiency Gauge, and you have a vehicle that pushes fuel economy to its peak point. Exquisite Style From the Ground Up At the base level sits a set of standard daytime running lights with automatic headlamp control, all-season blackwall tires, and power-adjustable mirrors. Trims can then be further fitted with LED lighting accents, heated mirrors, and stylish accessories like a fender hash decal, panoramic sunroof, or black-infused LT Redline Edition packaging. An Interior With High-End Comforts Standard front bucket seats keep your frame properly upright while 60/40-split folding rear seats let you swap out passenger seating for cargo storage at any given time. The Malibu also accommodates up to five occupants, 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, and 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space (11.60 cubic feet in the Hybrid). As for the entertainment group, you'll feel pleasantly surprised with Chevy's intuitive MyLink infotainment system. This multimedia hub supports a touch screen and available nine-speaker Bose sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. Climb up the trim ladder to enjoy additional comforts, such as wireless charging and a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety Features You Can Trust The 2018 Chevy Malibu earns a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This title is expertly matched with a high-strength steel safety frame, an advanced air bag sensing system, and a one-month OnStar Safety and Security Plan trial with automatic crash response to keep you and your loved ones protected. Other innovative features you can splurge on include front pedestrian and automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a following distance indicator, and Teen Driver technology. The latter offers a teen driver progress report to keep parents in the loop and encourages better and safer driving habits. It does so by enforcing vehicle speed limits, muting the radio until the driver is properly buckled in, and activating certain safety features when necessary. If you need a midsize sedan that packs power with comfort, the 2018 Chevy Malibu is a solid suggestion for interested car buyers. Image via TheBetterDay | Licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

Burien is a city that embraces diversity, especially when it comes to food. Trying new foods is exciting and unpredictable, and the area around Burien, Washington, offers plenty of unusual dishes for you to sample. Expand your palate and discover these three exotic eateries in Burien, WA. El Pique Restaurant Bar and Grill The best exotic cuisine reflects its native culture and indigenous ingredients. The same is true for El Pique, a local Mexican and Peruvian restaurant brought to you by immigrants of these countries. Outstanding traditional Peruvian cuisine is created from a fusion of flavors. By blending classic fare and always fresh produce with ancestral techniques, the result is mouthwatering modern dishes such as Choros a la chalaca. This dish features mussels bathed in a special sauce, and Peruvian corn called choclo. Order the Ceviche Mixto. It features a variety of fresh seafood marinated in tangy lime juice, an authentic Peruvian sauce, and garnished with yams. After your meal, visit El Pique's hopping nightclub and bar. It's a great way to spend time with friends and dance away the calories. The Greek House Restaurant and Lounge Traditional Greek hospitality awaits you at The Greek House. Built on a family's love of good food and a warm, inviting environment, all of their recipes are long-held secrets straight from Athens, where restaurateur Philip was born and raised. Greece's culture is centered around food, family and living life to the fullest, and that's the atmosphere you can expect at The Greek House. Philip's Yaya and Papou inspired the menu here in Burien, showcasing savory light bites such as Dolmathakia Yalantzi, a stuff grape leaf served with pita bread. Discover the extensive genuine Greek dinner menu with Arni Kapama, a baked lamb shank. Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine Less than 5 miles from Burien's city center, in nearby Seahurst, you'll find a taste of the Mediterranean at Bistro Baffi. Internationally known Chef Vujovich shops the Pike Place Market every day in search of only the freshest seafood. Annual visits to Italy inspire Chef's daily specials, so anticipate a variety of new and flavorful dishes popping up on the menu often. The Spaghetti Pescatore topped with a signature risotto pink sauce will take you away to the Adriatic beaches of Montenegro. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Antipasti Insalata Cozze Positano. It's centered around fresh sauteed mussels and topped with a classic garlic and herb based Chianti wine and tomato sauce. Finish your meal with the local favorite Tiramisu. It's a decadent chocolaty, coffee-flavored dessert that melts on your tongue. Order a specialty cocktail from the full-service bar or browse the extensive imported Italian wine list for a perfect pairing with your meal. Sip one of their private label Bistro Baffi wines including Villa Toscana and Syrah, bottled by local St. Hilaire Winery. If you're squeamish about the idea of trying new exotic foods, keep an open mind. Not only do unfamiliar tastes stimulate your palate, but you might also discover a regional flavor that you absolutely love. Image via Marco Verch | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Have you heard the buzz around your local Chevy showroom? The 2019 Colorado ZR2 is already making a stir around the country as the ultimate rock-climber. The engineers over at General Motors upped this highly capable trailblazer's four-wheeling prowess, and gave it a fierce exterior that looks good too. Keep reading to unearth the top three features that make the new midsize Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 a beast on the trails. Added AEV Protection The Colorado ZR2 will get a major refresh in January, thanks to the first-ever partnership between Chevrolet and American Expedition Vehicles, an aftermarket parts specialist. Its appeal comes from AEV's extensive contribution of parts, designed to protect the truck as it moves through even the most unfriendly terrain. Outdoor adventurers will appreciate the Colorado's durable, steel skid plates made from Boron steel. The last thing you want 50 miles from civilization is a puncture hole in your gas tank. These five hot-stamped plates protect your truck's fuel tank, engine oil pan, and transfer case. The Colorado is equipped with both front and rear locking differentials — a class-exclusive in this competitive truck segment. Good thing they're covered in steel too. A uniquely designed front bumper is equipped with fog lights and winch provisions, all standard, while the back bumper comes stocked with integrated recovery points. Chevy went so far as to add the optional add-on third-party accessory: the AEV snorkel. This distinctive air intake system is ideal for overland explorers whose journey includes deep water crossings. Power and Performance Colorado ZR2 Bison is named after the buffalo that roam the plains of eastern Colorado. That name evokes the perfect imagery, since this truck is the new symbol of ruggedness. It comes powered by a V-6 gas engine under the hood, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rumor has it the Bison is also available with an optional 2.8-liter Duramax diesel motor. The 2019 ZR2 rides high on Goodyear's Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires, size: 31-inches. This set of rubber is a staple in the off-road arena and is wrapped around the Bison's exclusive 17- by 8-inch bead-locking, aluminum wheels. To accommodate these huge tires, Chevy gave the Colorado larger fender flares and beefed up the clearance. We expect this trail dominating Bison to utilize this extra height quite frequently. Stock Performance Accessories The ZR2 Bison is expected to retain some of its top features and accessories through this upgrade, including rocker protection, an Autotrac transfer case, and cast-iron control arms. You'll have a choice of either the crew or extended cab configurations, paired up with a short or long bed, respectively. You'll also get Multimatic's DSSV dynamic suspension dampers, and more air flow through the redesigned grille. Don't worry. The Chevy logo is proudly stamped in the grille's design. Get ready to rock — climb that is, with the new 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2. News on the street is that it's the perfect off-roader. Keep an eye on your local Chevrolet showroom. This trail boss should be hitting lots early next year. Image via Chevrolet.com

Going for a jog is a great way to keep fit, and running outside is a lot more interesting than hitting the treadmill. When you live in Burien, finding a great path is almost as easy as stepping out your front door. Burien is home to more than 365 acres of open space, and offers nearly a dozen parks with running trails. Lace up your Nikes, and discover the six best local parks in Burien, Washington, for joggers. Dottie Harper Park This 3.5-acre wooded park is adjacent to the Burien Community Center, and offers runners a scenic path through mature firs, cedars, and other native hardwoods. Dottie Harper Park also features a remodeled playground, space for a picnic lunch, and an amphitheater where you can catch the occasional live performance. Dottie Harper's trails are within walking distance of apartments and family homes, making it the ideal place for a quiet run right in the city. Hazel Valley Park Located on the north side of Burien, Hazel Valley Park covers a modest 2.9 acres accessible from 124th Street. The park offers paved and unpaved trails neighbored by a delightful grove of fir trees. A lovely community park, the trails are mostly flat and are ideal for a leisurely jog. Mathison Park When you want a view with your run, head out to Mathison Park. Situated over 5.3 acres at the highest point in Burien, this neighborhood park's paved trails lead you up in elevation to picturesque views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. Shorewood Park Shorewood Park encompasses 3.4 acres of wooded parkland that is well maintained by community volunteers and members of the Shorewood on the Sound Club. It offers novice runners a short and little-known forested trail right near the elementary school. Salmon Creek Ravine If jogging in an undeveloped open space is more your style, head out to Salmon Creek Ravine. Featuring 88 acres set along the Salmon Creek, it's a favorite destination of joggers who enjoy a mostly primitive trail system. The path winds throughout the wooded hillsides, and is accessible from Shorewood Drive SW. The ravine is heavily wooded with cedar trees and offers runners access to the mile-long, year-round stream, and spring-fed tributaries. Catch sight of bald eagles, raccoons or an elusive red fox. The ravine is also home to muskrat, bats, osprey, otters, and gray squirrels. Seahurst Ed Monro Park Referred to as the jewel of Burien's park system by residents, Seahurst Park offers access to a beautiful salt water beach on Puget Sound. Jog several trails with spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains, then enjoy a lunch in one of the reservable picnic shelters. There's a playground, and a variety of natural features to explore including forests, streams, and wetlands. In addition to offering an exceptional backdrop for a run, it's a favorite spot for photographers to capture Burien's natural beauty. Jogging in the great outdoors is much better than pounding a treadmill. Get outside and explore one of Burien's many parks with a mood-boosting run today. Image via Bernard Spragg | Licensed by CC0 1.0

It's a good idea to follow defensive driving tips each time you get behind the wheel. While every situation is different, defensive driving is a great way to keep yourself safe on the road and to reduce the chance of an accident. That's why we've put together this list of five fundamental tips for defensive driving. Keep Your Eyes Up Ahead Many drivers, both new and experienced, get into the bad habit of looking only at the car that's right in front of them. Maintaining this laser-sharp focus on that one car leaves you unprepared for what might lay ahead. To avoid potential hazards, keep your eyes as far ahead as you can see — for miles if the visibility is good. When you've got an expansive view of the road, you'll have plenty of time to react to potentially dangerous situations, such as a broken down vehicle on the shoulder. Take In the Big Picture Many accidents happen when drivers lack situational awareness. People often become fixated on things, like the radio, and that driving habit could be deadly. Most people don't realize they're doing it, and they lose track of other vehicles around them. Have an Exit Strategy Formulating an exit strategy is a skill that's learned over time and with experience. While you might be the best driver on the planet, you can't control or predict what others on the road might do. Other factors, such as construction or emergency vehicles, may change a routine day on the road into a problematic situation quite quickly. What do you do if a dog runs into the street up ahead? What if the car in front of you slams on their brakes to avoid him? You need an escape plan — and fast. Maintain a Safe Distance If you decide to follow just one of our handy tips, this is it. Maintaining a cautious distance from the car in front of you is not only the safest habit you can practice, it's the one defensive driving tip that's broken the most. A safe following distance comes with its partner: a safe driving speed. If you're zooming down the highway at 100 mph, you're not going to have the same reaction time as you would if you were cruising at the posted speed limit. Reduce Distractions Today's modern cars and SUVs are loaded with all the conveniences. From an in-dash infotainment system to stereo speakers mounted in your headrest, there are a ton of distractions just sitting in the pilot's chair. Add in a quick drive-thru lunch, and a back seat loaded with half the soccer team, and who blames you for not keeping an eye on the road? Some distractions we can control, and others we just can't. Learning how to deal with driving distractions will help keep you and your passengers safe along the way. We've all made mistakes behind the wheel. Let's work to reduce them with these five fundamental tips for defensive driving. Image via TireZoo | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

The cold waters of Puget Sound are a perfect environment for orcas. These killer whales feed on the salmon that come into the sound. Unfortunately, Orcas are an endangered species, and the pod that returns each year keeps getting smaller. The orcas return to the sound each spring, and there are several places in the area where you can see them both from the water and from land. Point Defiance If you want to stay on land to see the orcas, head to Point Defiance. There are several places along Five Mile Drive right in Point Defiance Park where you can see south Vashon Island. The whales often navigate around the island as they travel down through the sound. Early in the season, you might even catch a glimpse of a humpback whale that sticks around a little longer for its season. Point No Point Point No Point on the northeast point of the Kitsap Peninsula that faces the Admiralty Inlet. This area is a great place to see all kinds of species in and around the water including the orcas. They pass fairly close to the shore as they come into the sound so you can get a good look at them. Point No Point is also a popular spot for bird-watchers and offers one of the most extensive lists of species in Washington. Take A Whale Watching Tour There are several companies that offer whale watching tours in Puget Sound. Most of the excursions last about three to four hours and will guarantee that you'll see whales. The captains of these boats all know the area and know the places where the whales go so you are likely to see orcas or some other whales while you are out. Thomas Hladky Memorial Park Many Seattle residents refer to Thomas Hladky Memorial Park as Whale Bell Park because of the large brass bell that visitors ring every time they see a whale. Several different species of whales pass through the Saratoga Passage, and the bell is a fun way to announce the presence of whales. You'll find the park at 100 Anthes Ave in Langley, and it is accessible by car, bus, and by ferry. Point Robinson If you can leave the mainland for a trip to see the orca, hop on the ferry over to Vashon Island. Point Robinson sits between Seattle and Tacoma in Puget Sound and connects Maury Island to Vashon Island. There is easy access to the beach where you can go for some of the best whale watching because when the orcas are out in the sound, they will sometimes pass as close as 50 feet from the shore. There is also a lighthouse on the beach worth visiting, and some spectacular views of Mount Rainier. Even though the number of orcas that come back to the sound each year is diminishing, they are still a sight to see. Keep an eye and an ear out for the daily sightings to make sure to head to the right spot. Image via Ingrid Taylar | Licensed by CC BY 2.0