Damp Fun on the Lynnwood Light Rail

9/25/24 First ride on the Lynnwood Link Extension

With all the new light rail stations opening this year, I’m having a hard time keeping up, but I’m trying my darndest! The latest to open are the four stations north of Northgate that comprise the Lynnwood Link Extension.

Undeterred by the rainy forecast, Roy, Mary Jean and I met up in the Roosevelt neighborhood for an early lunch, then caught the train northward. Hopping off at each new station, we looked around to see what each offered (ultimately, not much in terms of amenities) and sketched. We continued all the way to Lynnwood City Center, the current northernmost station on the 1 Line.

The first couple of stations were just drizzly, but later we had full-on rain with some strong wind gusts. Fortunately, the stations offered enough shelter that our sketches stayed (mostly) dry. By the time we got to the final station, we were all ready for a coffee warm-up, but sadly, no such venue was within a 15-minute walking distance. When we asked, a security officer mentioned a “coffee stand” a few minutes away – but with no sheltered seating.

9/25/24 At upper left was a strange structure visible from the South Shoreline Station platform . . . art? 

While restrooms are available at all Lynnwood Extension stations (unusual for the light rail system; in Seattle, almost none of the stations have one), they are locked. To gain access, you push a button to call an off-site attendant, who enables access remotely. The hummingbird art at far right was hastily sketched at the last station, when we all wished we could go somewhere for coffee.

Ruefully laughing that we would need to return to “civilization” for coffee, we got back on the train southward and ended up where we began – in the Roosevelt neighborhood – for coffee and treats at Caffe Ladro.

No matter the weather or lack of amenities, nothing is more fun than a new sketching adventure with good friends!

Intrepid sketchers!