Ferry Protection

I spotted these symbols of protection as I began a recent ferry trip from Clinton to Mukilteo.  The seagull was a reassuring sign on a blustery day.

The Great Snow and Thaw of January 2012

In mid January we had our first snowfall of the year.  In Oak Harbor, we accumulated about seven inches in just a few days.

It was a wet snow that gracefully lined the bare branches.

Five days later the temperature shot up and the melting began.  The snow disappeared in a little over a day.

Thunderheads in the Making

I was out before sunset and, scanning the skies, decided not to go to the west side of Whidbey Island for sunset pictures.  Clouds to the east looked threatening as they caught the setting sun's light.

The view back to the west was awesome as well.  We had been having snow showers and anticipate more this evening.  Some of these clouds look like they may produce hail too.

Mount Baker in the Spotlight

For a time today, the sun was shining on Mt. Baker but not the clouds behind it.  In the foreground is Maylor's Point with military housing. 

January Sunset

I was envious of this Navy pilot and crew at dusk today.  What a view of Mount Baker they must have!

Before the sunset was over, the sky to the west had become a blaze of color.

Winter Clouds

This is a recent photo from Ebey's landing on Whidbey island, looking south to the Olympic Peninsula.

Looking to the east just before sunset on a winter day.

This view is toward the Cascade Foothills from the Skagit Valley.

There is something about clouds that I find intriguing.

Winter Sunset from Whidbey Island

Tonight's sunset was a good one.  This photo was taken from the west side of Whidbey Island.

This was the view looking south.

A little after the sun went behind the Olympic Mountains, I saw this fishing boat chugging its way into Puget Sound.

I tried a quick set of seven photos for this panorama.  My camera was hand held and if you zoom into the horizon, you can see some problems with the stitching together at a few places.

Sunlit Clouds

I happened to look out of my window in the late afternoon and saw a lower level of clouds catching the winter sun.  The higher clouds remained in darkness.

Winter Storm on Whidbey

The winter storms on Whidbey are usually high winds.  On this day we had gusts around 50 mph.  Whidbey Islanders love these days.  I went to three beaches and there were braves souls on each one, enjoying a stimulating walk on the shore.

Sunrise Fire

This was the view from my home this morning.  Having caught a modiocre sunrise yesterday morning, this one seemed worthy of a new year.  I got in my car and headed to my faviorite view of an Oak Harbor sunrise.

Even in the few minutes it took me to get there, the scene had faded.  Heavier clouds were beginning to come in from the south.

The fire changed color and moved to the north, giving a colorful background to Mt. Baker.

I also took several images so I could construct a panorama.  I did not have my tripod (I love my VR lens).  This is a series of six photos, combined in Elements.

Sunlit Cascade Mountains

The North Cascades were highlighted by the late afternoon sun.  In the foreground is Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island.