A recent view of the Cascade Mountains from Oak Harbor.
A Mt. Baker sunrise in January, when the sun rises far to the south. This view is toward the northeast from Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island.
This is the view from an elementary school playground on the west side of Oak Harbor. It is a good thing I went to a different school or I would have been distracted way too often. Mt. Baker from the Broadview Elementary School, Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island.
There is a short hike that one can take from a parking lot near North Beach to the Cornet Bay Environmental Learning Center. It is relatively flat with gentle inclines.
The hike goes under Highway 20.
You can frequently hear the rumble of delivery trucks as they make their way to Oak Harbor. When you arrive at Cornet Bay, wander around a bit near the coastline for views of Mt. Baker.
There are plenty of trees to keep you looking skyward.
About midpoint on the hike, a branch goes north and up, to the top of Goose Rock.
The vege-
tation is lush.
The next time you are at Deception Pass State Park, drive toward North Beach. Park at a small area on the right at a curve in the road. Head out under the highway and enjoy the hike.
A recent sunset from the west side of Whidbey Island showed a faint sun pillar. I can only imagine the sunsets seen from the houses lining this bluff. At this time of the year the sun sets over Vancouver Island.
Driving a little farther to the north I caught this scene at the Hastie Lake boat ramp. The sun pillar was fading but, if you look closely, you will see the flattened hills of Vancouver Island - a mirage. To the right is Smith Island with its glowing lighthouse.
This is the view from the military housing on Maylor's Point, NAS Whidbey Island. As one wanders around the housing area, there are views, in addition to the Olympics, of Mt. Baker, the Cascades, and Mt. Rainier. This prime view property was originally for housing officers, but now enlisted families reside here as well.
A recent sunset from the west side of Whidbey Island. Vancouver Island is on the horizon.
Sometimes it is not possible to have the entire view in one photo. This is a panorama of several photos taken at Ft. Ebey State Park on Whidbey Island. The Olympic Mountains have a good cover of snow that is unusual for this late in the spring.
The view of the Olympics at dusk from Ft. Ebey State Park. This view is almost directly west.
Mt. Rainier was barely visible to the south.
There are great paths following the bluff. If you venture on to Whidbey Island, be sure to take in the views from Ft. Ebey State Park.
I was surprised to find that I was not the only one enjoying the sunset at Ft. Ebey State Park on the west side of Whidbey Island.
I had an hour to wander the streets of Mount Vernon as I waited for a friend.
I was particularly interested in seeing the town as it had attempted to rejuvenate the down town area.
The town is old. A couple of malls had been created on I-5 and the downtown was in danger of becoming a street of empty storefronts.
Many of the shops on the main street are empty. I also walked the alleys. I was surprised at what I saw and wondered how some of it passed inspections.
My home town has recently buried the electrical lines in the down town. Not so in Mount Vernon.
I was surprised at the lack of up keep on the buildings. Even this one, on a paved square with benches, plants, etc., had a second story in need of painting.
This was the sunset tonight at Ft. Ebey State Park on Whidbey Island.
Mt. Baker can be seen from various places on Whidbey Island. This view is from North West Beach Road, near Joseph Whidbey State Park. In the foreground is Swan Lake.
The same view at dusk. Mt. Baker holds the record for snow fall, 1,140 inches (95 feet) in 1999.
If you plan to visit the Whidbey Island or the Deception Pass area, don't miss the view from Mt. Erie. It is only a few miles north of the Deception Pass Bridge and the short drive off the highway is worth it. The road to the top is paved and well maintained. The short strolls to the view areas are flat or with steps.
The vistas are to the south, shown here, and to the east. Lakes, islands, and on a crystal clear day, even Mt. Rainier will be visible.
Oak Harbor recently celebrated Holland Happening, remembering the Dutch heritage of the community. Windjammer Park is shown here.
A recent view of the North Cascade Mountains from Oak Harbor, on Whidbey Island.
My home town has recently buried the electrical lines in the down town. Not so in Mount Vernon.
I was surprised at the lack of up keep on the buildings. Even this one, on a paved square with benches, plants, etc., had a second story in need of painting.
