Holland Happening, Oak Harbor, WA 2011

Oak Harbor celebrates the Dutch settlers of the community on the last weekend of April.  One of the activities is a "hometown" parade. 

This year's parade had the added attraction of bicycles, as well as community groups, churches, baseball teams, and businesses.

And, of course, bands.

The local schools did a fine job.
There is lots of construction going on as the main street through the old part of town is being torn up. 

Even though the old section of town is only paved with dirt and rock right now, many vendors and people turned out.

Some of the craft booths are reflected in this store window that was covered in art work from local schools.

Clouds

The clouds toward the north east this afternoon showed signs of forming into the classic anvil shape of thunder heads.  One could actually see the vertical motion of the air.

It did not take long for the top of the cloud to begin expanding into the anvil shape.

Tulips at Skagit Valley April 2011

The tulips are finally out after a cool spring.  I have to get my favorite mountain, Mt. Baker, in the scene.  It hasn't been visible with all the clouds lately so it was a welcome sight.

There are a couple of commercial gardens one can photograph.  The entrance fee is reasonable.  Finding a point of view that does not have a hundred people in it can be a challenge.  (Especially on a sunny day.)

One can wander around the fields to find interesting scenes.

The show gardens at these commercial places are beautiful.  All of the tulips are identified and the bulbs can be ordered.

There are several places in Skagit Valley where one can park for a small fee and wander more fields.

Photographers are supposed to "turn around" to see if they are missing anything.  From the same spot one can catch Mt. Baker to the north east and the Olympic Mountains to the south west.  Ah, finally, a sunny day in the Pacific Northwest.  Doesn't a day like this remind us why we live here?

Chuckanut Drive, Washington

The last time I drove up to Bellingham I decided to take the more scenic route.  Chuckanut Drive hugs the coast with beautiful views of the San Juan Islands.  It is known for its curves.

One will also see some small waterfalls along the way.

This highway is old and has not been widened.  A small car and a strong constitution are required to obtain the full pleasure of the drive.  There are several scenic pullouts provided.

There is limited access to the beach.  This is at the Larrabee State Park boat launch.

Even the railroad tracks along the shore were picturesque.

Next time you are driving north to Bellingham, try this scenic route.

Dugualla State Park, Washington

Dugualla State Park is our newest park on Whidbey Island.

The trail to the beach begins at the very end of Sleeper Road.  There is parking for about four cars.

The first part of the trail is very nice.

It is quit level and was relatively dry.  I even met hardy hikers with children.  If they could make it...

I decided to take a side trail to the Big Tree.

This trail had not been maintained.  There were logs to climb over.

And one needed to persevere to follow the trail.

I did manage to find the Big Tree.

I rejoined the main trail and continued to the beach.  The path was very muddy.  The "steps" were almost impossible to see, for the mud.  And, it was a bit steep.  Ah, so that was why they said I should have a walking stick!

The beach I found rather unremarkable.  Had it been worth the journey?  It was cloudy and I had no idea if Mt. Baker or some other awesome view might be seen on a clear day.

The area is moist.

I remained on the main trail all the way back to the parking lot.  One first has to get back up the the top of the ridge.

The rest of the trail was not too bad.  Until we have more sun, you may want to have your waterproof hiking boots and a hiking stick if you plan to go all the way to the beach.

Space Needle, Seattle

Even on a cloudy day the Space Needle is an exciting place. 







Its reflection in the Experience Music Project building can be strange.

The view at the observation level is awesome even when the horizon is bound by clouds.  I'll be back when it is clear to catch Mt. Rainier!

Daffodils in Skagit Valley

The first color is showing in the Skagit Valley.