Oak Harbor Dusk

This is a recent view from the west side of Oak Harbor. The North Cascade Mountains are in the distance.

Little Cranberry Lake Hike, Fidalgo Island

The third and last lake hike I took on Fidalgo Island was Little Cranberry. It was probably my least favorite. The trail on the east side is quite nice while the trail on the west side required some delicate stepping to avoid sliding into the lake. You would want to take your hiking stick along on this one for stability. I took a little side trip to this "mine."
There was no wind that day and the lake was calm.

Go #Seahawks

The 12th Man at Deception Pass Bridge yesterday. Go Hawks!

Olympic Mountains from Deception Pass

The Olympic Mountains managed to peek over the fog the other day in this view from the Deception Pass view point on Fidalgo Island.

Backyard Birds: Goldfinches in Winter

A few goldfinches are hanging around through the winter. They retain just a bit of their characteristic yellow. A house finch joined the crowd.

Whistle Lake Hike, Fidalgo Island

Some of the hike follows the lake shore.

At other times the hike is up in the woods.

A view of Mt. Erie.

It is a peaceful hike.

Merry Christmas

Black Mushrooms

As I was nearing the end of my hike around Heart Lake I came upon these black mushrooms. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest all my life and never seen black mushrooms. I did an Internet search to make sure I wasn't seeing things. I think these are sarcosoma mexicana, found in old growth conifer forests, especially around rotting wood.

Winter Sunset

Swans at Heart Lake, Fidalgo Island

I think these are swans. We have lots of snow geese that winter over too.

Chickadee in the Snow

A chickadee contemplates the variety of bird feeders hanging in this tree during yesterday's snowfall.

Heart Lake Hike, Fidalgo Island

Earlier this week I hiked around Heart Lake on Fidalgo Island. Heart Lake is the largest one in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. The hike is an easy one of three miles with an elevation gain of 150 feet. It's a forest hike with just a few glimpses of the lake. You will see lots of trees, mosses and ferns.
You can see (and download) a map of the hike here.

Stormy Sunset

The sun was visible for just a moment last night before it slipped behind the Olympic Mountains. The weatherman is promising stormy weather - cold and a possibility of snow.

Pacific Madrona (Madrone, Arbutus)

This tree happens to be at the top of Goose Rock, near Deception Pass Bridge. The madrona (Arbutus menziesii, I guess) is native to the Pacific Northwest coast.

Oak Harbor Dusk

There was a full moon rise last night within minutes of the sunset. That is perfect for photography. I went to my favorite spot overlooking Oak Harbor with a view to the east. Unfortunately, where the moon was to rise, there was cloud cover. It would have looked great as it would have been near Mt. Baker.

Olympic Mountain Sunrise

This is a recent sunrise view of the Olympic Mountains from Libbey Beach Park on the west side of Whidbey Island.

Where's Your Discover Pass?

I think this fellow is going to get away with not paying his day fee.

Fort Casey Protection

This recent photo from Fort Casey gives an idea of the protection the fort was to give to the lower Puget Sound. Port Townsend and the Olympic Mountains are in the distance.

Frosty Oak Harbor Dawn

A recent dawn view from the vacant lot across the street. The North Cascade Mountains are on the horizon while the First Reformed Church is in the foreground.

Olympic Mountains from Whidbey Island

This was a recent early morning view from Fort Ebey State Park on the west side of Whidbey Island.

Fall Afternoon in Oak Harbor

We've had a stretch of clear, cold days. This is a recent view of the North Cascades from Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island.

Olympic Mountains from Whidbey Island

This is a recent view from the entrance of the Joseph Whidbey State Park on Whidbey Island, Washington. The houses line what the locals affectionately call Sunset Beach. While I frequently take sunset photos from this area, I like to capture the light from the rising sun as well.

Frozen Water Surprise

It has been down into the teens these last few nights so all water outside has frozen. I was surprised to see this piece of ice from a round, flat container. I don't think I've ever seen this "shark fin" phenomenon before. I have no idea what caused it.
Here is a close up of the frozen bubbles. I know, but things like this fascinate me.

Cascade Sunrise

A recent sunrise from Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island.

Olympic Mountain Sunrise

This was the recent view from a county road on the west side of Whidbey Island just outside of Oak Harbor.

Frosted Dandelion

Mt. Rainier from Oak Harbor

This is a recent morning view of Mt. Rainier from the end of Dock Street in Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island.

North Cascade Mountains at Sunrise

This is a recent morning view from the end of Dock Street in Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island. The masts of the sail boats in the Oak Harbor Marina are just beginning to catch the sunlight.