12/22, Saturday. Overcast. Point Defiance Park of Tacoma, at the south shore of Puget Sound. Good view of the islands/peninsulas and distant mountains. Nice gardens (no flower now), a pagoda (closed), torii gate in a pond, kids playgrounds, picnic tables here and there. 
There's a ferry to Vashon Island. Walked to Owen Beach from the marina. Had lunch at the picnic tables there. A bit chilly, but not bad.
Drove along the Five Mile Dr (one way). Trees are not large, but still nice forest feel. Saw raccoons by the road twice, 2 once, 5 the 2nd time. Quite a few joggers here.
Last stop is Fort Nisqually. Now a museum, with demonstrations in different houses. There's a large picnic area outside.Overall, a very nice park. The drive out of the park along Ruston way by the shore is also very pleasant. Walk path and benches.
