2010-08-24: Sunset
This is an area of incredible sunsets and this year has been a place where we've been able to see the International Space Station fly over in its orbit as well as meteors falling that are a part of the Persied Meteor Shower.
2010-08-27: Duet
Friday night found us around the campfire being entertained by Amy Hindman, a local La Conner performing artist. As she did last year, she invited Al to join her with his uke. It's always fun watching him perform.
2010-08-28: Farmers Market
We went into Anacortes for their farmers market. We were very surprised to see how much larger it is this year than it was last year. What yummy looking veggies!
2010-08-28: Deception Pass Bridge
The Deception Pass Bridge that links Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands began as a dream, became a convenience and developed into an icon. It is definitely a "do not miss" for this area.
2010-08-29: Lone Pine
This Thousand Trails campground is located on the Swinomish Indian Reservation. The island with the lone pine tree, that is accessible at low tide, is where we watch them seine fishing every other year.
2010-08-31: Carving
Though we haven't had a lot of warm sunny days here, we have been able to sit out and carve and craft a few times. Our campsite has a view of the water through the trees. Not as nice as our favorite site but we can at least see the water!
2010-09-04: Wood Art
Our neighbor has built this piece of art that is quickly getting burned up at campfires. It's his own version of the game of Jenga. He dared me to remove one of the middle pieces - I thought about it for a while but decided not to wreck his work of art! It's been fun sitting around his campfire listening to Al serenade us and...
2010-09-04: Sunset
...watch the sunset over the water.
2010-09-05: Healing Totem
The healing totem was the brainchild of carver Tsul-ton of the Samish Tribe last October after the trestle fire on the Tommy Thompson Trail . It was his thought that through this totem the person who started the fire would heal as would those who love the trail. The tribe decided after the refinery explosion that it would also honor those seven workers who perished. The eagle on the top is there to protect, the sun is the symbol of healing and the frogs represent longevity.
2010-09-05: Mount Baker
A trip to this area just isn't complete without going to Cap Sante where one has an incredible view of the Anacortes harbor, the refineries and, on a clear day such as this, beautiful Mount Baker that rises 10,778 feet and is always covered in snow.
2010-09-06: Model A
We got to ride in this Model A that belongs to a friend of a friend. It was kind of fun putt-putting around Anacortes in it!
2010-09-06: Dragon
We walked to a different place in the park to sit and enjoy the water and discovered this dead tree that reminded us of a dragon!
2010-09-08: Blue Heron
We love watching the regal blue herons. This one appeared at Coronet Bay while we were waiting for our friends Barbara and Rudy to show up with their boat.
2010-09-08: Map Lesson
Prior to leaving we got a full safety drill and description on the map of where we were going and how we were going to get there from Captain Rudy.
2010-09-08: Canoe Pass
There are two sections of the Deception Pass Bridge. One goes from Fidalgo Island to Pass Island over Canoe Pass and another that goes from Pass Island to Whidbey Island. The bridge was dedicated on July 31, 1935 and is 180 feet above swirling, turbulent Deception Pass. It took only a year to build and is recognized for its engineering and architecture that compliments the scenic and geologic wonder of this pass.
2010-09-08: Whale Watching
The main purpose of our journey today was to see orcas and did we ever see lots. There were about 8-10 orcas in this pod. Can you believe how long that dorsal fin is!
2010-09-08: Breach
We saw many of the whales breach or come all the way out of the water but I only captured one on film. We even were lucky enough to see one whale do a back flip - it was incredible!
2010-09-08: Up Close
Some of the whales even got pretty close to the boat which was exciting.
2010-09-08: Poop Boat
Believe it or not, this research boat was collecting whale poop! Every time they got some, they stored it for later research and actually changed to a clean net. One has to wonder what they were actually looking for!
2010-09-08: Harbor Seals
These two smart little harbor seals were taking cover on floating kelp so they would not become an orcas lunch! They were definitely in the wrong place at the wrong time!
2010-09-08: Lime Kiln Light
We got to pass Lime Kiln Lighthouse...
2010-09-08: Cattle Point Light
...and Cattle Point Light on our journey.
2010-09-08: Sea Lions
On our return trip, Rudy made a slight detour to show us this small island that was covered with sea lions.
2010-09-08: Deception Pass
We got to go through Deception Pass one more time as we headed toward the launch area. Captain Rudy planned things really well so that it was a slack tide which meant and easier passage though this dangerous pass.
2010-09-08: Boat Out
With a little bit of help the boat was out of the water and our day at sea was over. We were happy that we'd had such a successful day of whale watching.
2010-09-08: Sunset
Back at their house on the bluff in Coupeville, we enjoyed a delicious dinner, great conversation and a beautiful sunset that . .
2010-09-08: More Color
...got prettier and prettier and more colorful! They live right on the main shipping route from Seattle north so get to see lots of boats, barges and cruise ships pass by their front windows.