Mt. Erie View

This is looking south from the top of Mt. Erie. In the foreground is Fidalgo Island, part of Whidbey Island and Camano Island. On the horizon is Mt. Rainier.

Ebey's Landing View

This was the view from Ebey's Landing on the west side of Whidbey Island this morning.

A Photographer's Christmas

The Olympic Mountains were in their glory this morning. This is one of my first in HDR.

And Mount Baker was elegant. A great Christmas for a photographer.

December moonrise

December has two full moons this year. I look forward to capturing something special the second time around. This image is from the first full moon this month and highlights the Windjammer Park at Oak Harbor, WA.

A Photographer's Day

I took a friend to the airport in Bellingham, WA today and on the way back could not resist a few photos. I went on Aldrich Rd., just north of Bellingham, to catch a scene of Mt. Baker.

Near Burlington, WA, I noticed the foothills had a nice dusting of snow.

I managed to get back to Whidbey in time to catch the sunset from the west side of the island with the sun setting on the Olympic Mountains.

Shaggy Manes

This is a picture from two weeks ago. With our recent frosts, they are gone.

Mountains Surround Whidbey Island

The mountains have their first round of winter snow.

Mt. Baker looms over Navy housing and the east side of Oak Harbor.

The Olympics viewed from Libbey Beach Island County Park.

The North Cascades with the Oak Harbor marina in the foreground.

December Frost

A frosty morning with fog. The frost was heavy and I couldn't resist trying to get it on one of the few remaining flowers in my garden.

A Day in the Life of Mt. Baker

Mt. Baker was in its glory today...

from Mt. Erie,

from the Anacortes Marina,

and from Barrington Heights.

What a moonrise this evening!

Autumn scene near shopping center

It amazes me that this scene can be had next to a parking lot for employees of a shopping center. The house on this property is old and made of blocks. The old and run down next to the new.

Fall Morning on Whidbey Island

The sunrise this morning was a colorful one.

Later on in the morning, as I went for my walk, Mt. Rainier was prominent under the cloud cover.

Fall Color

This may be the Pacific Northwest, but we still have great fall color. You just need to get up close!

Autumn Leaves

It is cloudy and rainy, so what do you do? You experiment with autumn leaves on a black background with natural light from nearby
windows.

Eagles over Whidbey Island, WA

I was outside catching a few sun rays when scores of eagles showed up!

Intruder & Prowler Welcome

I was out before dawn this morning to capture the welcome to the city of Oak Harbor and NAS Whidbey Island. The Intruder (on the left) is no longer flying and the Prowler (right) is on its way out. These two airplanes leave many memories for Whidbey Islanders.

Ebey's Landing and Parego's Lake

I took this photo today while driving along Hill Road (aptly named) beside Admirality Inlet. In the foreground is Ebey's Landing while Parego's Point (and Lake) are farther along the cliff. On the horizon is Vancouver Island.

Whidbey Island Kite Festival

The Whidbey Island Kite Festival is September 26 and 27. While I was there today there was not enough wind for some of the larger kites to stay in the air. It was frustrating for some but overall it was a colorful sight. The festival is taking place at the Camp Casey Conference Center, just a few miles south of Coupeville, on Whidbey Island.

Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, WA

This is where I live and yes, it is this beautiful. We have been having a stretch of sun and warmth (the sun does shine in the Pacific Northwest). Where else is there the beauty of mountain and sea like this?

Mt. Baker Beauty

Yesterday the sky was finally free of haze and I could not resist going out and photographing my favorite mountain, Mt. Baker. In the foreground is the Oak Harbor Marina and some of the naval housing on Saratoga Heights.

Urban Decay

The weather has been cloudy lately and the clouds have been low. I decided to aim my camera down.

I was impressed with the various stages of decay on this fire hydrant.

As I passed a school playground I saw this picturesque cover to a city water main.

Then there was the ubiquitous mail box that had not withstood the hand of man nor the elements of weather.

Compared to the beauty of God's creation in sea and land, the creation of man in decay provides a sharp contrast.

Fog Shrouded Olympics

I took this image today from Ebey's Landing on Whidbey Island. The morning fog continued to hang over the Olympic Mountains. All ships heading into or out of Puget Sound must pass through this area.

Whistler Peak to Peak Ride

During a recent stay in Whistler, B.C., we took the Peak to Peak gondola ride. It was a bit of a stormy day (we were hailed upon at one point - August). I captured this image of what I think to be Overlord Mountain. The ride is well worth the time and effort.

Joseph Whidbey State Park

Located on the northwest side of Whidbey Island, the park has several inviting trails. Some of the longest trail goes through a forest and then into open grassland. Another trail parallels the beach. The paths are well maintained and well used. The area is open for dog lovers so be prepared two meet some along the way. Although dogs are supposed to be leashed, three of the six I met today were not.

The area has been preserved in its natural state and wildlife abounds. In just the hour I was there today I saw a hawk and two eagles.

Included at the park are picnic areas and a camp site for kayakers. A great place to spend an afternoon.

Driving Whidbey Island

A recent poll showed that people from Seattle love to take the day trip of driving the length of Whidbey Island. Not only do you see the magnificent views of Deception Pass, Mt. Baker, and more, even the view along the road is great. Shown here is Madrona Way, south of Coupeville.

Staying beach cool in hot weather

While new record highs have been set in the Pacific Northwest, many stay cool by heading to the beaches. We on Whidbey Island are particularly blessed during these hot days as a cool onshore breeze generally cools the air in the evening. Shown here is Joseph Whidbey State Park. One can walk along the shoreline path and even do some "surfing."

Race Week at Whidbey Island

A great place to watch the race is from the Coupeville Warf. Coupeville is a popular tourist destination with its historic main street.

The second view is looking back to Coupeville with the Olympic Penninsula in the distance.

Race Week at Whidbey Island

This view is from San de Fuca, showing the historic dock and the number of boats involved (around one hundred). In the distance are the Cascade Mountains.

Race Week at Whidbey Island

The sun came out, the breezes blew and the boats raced. While the race is sponsored by the Yacht Club in Oak Harbor, the races occur in Penn Cove, close to Coupeville.

Race Week in Oak Harbor

This is Race Week and there are lots of sailboats in the harbor. Unfortunately, it is cloudy. Here is the view one could see on a clear day! The Olympic Mountains reflect the early morning sun. This is looking SW from the Oak Harbor Marina.

Mt. Baker from Fir Island

The evening sun catches Mt. Baker. This photo was taken at a bird sanctuary on Fir Island, near Mount Vernon.

Coupeville Cemetery

The camera club I am in had a field trip to the Coupeville Cemetery on Whidbey Island. It is a pioneer cemetery with graves dating to the 1800s. There is also a stunning view of Mt. Baker.

The cemetery also contains an early settlers' blockhouse.

It was a fun trip and was again an example of the many scenic areas on Whidbey Island.

Spring on Whdibey

It seems spring has finally arrived.

As the snow disappears from Mt. Baker the garden tools come out and the boat is made ready. The sun is out and we are basking in it.

Cap Sante, Anacortes, WA

Last weekend I went to Anacortes on Fidalgo Island. Cap Sante is a rise above the marina. Here is a panorama of the view to the east. Mt. Baker is in the distance with Fidalgo Bay in the foreground. At the right is March Point with a refinery.

Deception Pass Bridge

At the north end of Whidbey Island is the Deception Pass Bridge, connecting Whidbey to Fidalgo Island. It is one of the most visited state parks in Washington State.