Leaf art on Shoreline sidewalks

Story and photos by John Boril

The annual falling leaves and our recent falling rains have combined to create some pretty spectacular natural art on the sidewalks.

I found these along 5th Ave NE between NE 175th and the new light rail station. 

Apparently rainwater causes tannins to leach out of the leaves, staining the sidewalk. 

Winds blow the leaves away, and what remains behind is a near perfect ghost image.

Leaf Street: 5th Ave NE between NE 175th and the light rail station on NE 185th.