San Juan Dusk

Walnut Pond, Burlington

The next time you need a peaceful break while shopping in Burlington, head over to the southeast corner of the parking lot behind K-Mart.

Walnut Pond is right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of commerce.

The trail around the pond is a wood chip one that is only 1/8 of a mile long.

Hazy Salish Sea Sunset

Northern State (Mental Hospital) Recreational Area

Northern State Mental Hospital, east of Sedro-Woolley, dates back to 1910.

Sedro-Woolley aimed to boost their sagging economy and create jobs by buying 800 acres and building the hospital.

In the 1940s the hospital took on a new surgeon, Dr. Charles H. Jones who perfected the frontal lobotomy operation at the hospital. During his time there, around 650 patients were admitted each year, with some 400 discharged and the other 250 either having died or been transferred to another facility.

It is claimed there is a huge unmarked graveyard behind the gymnasium containing at least 1,000 bodies. Some patients who died were also cremated.

The hospital doubled its acreage, with dairy facilities and food preparation buildings, shown here, staffed by patients. The hospital closed in 1976. 

Skagit County purchased 726 acres of the site in 1991. 

That part is now called the Northern State Recreation Area and has a disc golf course. 

There are many trails through the recreation area, the location of the hospital's farming endeavors. 

The actual hospital buildings are occupied by a drug treatment center are not open to the public.

Mt. Shuksan

No trip to the Mt. Baker ski area, Heather Meadows, or Artist Point would be complete without the photo of Mt. Shuksan reflected in a lake. Normally, the view is from Picture Lake. I found that the lake was low and there were lots of plants in the water lessening the impact of the reflection. These views are from Highwood Lake, across from The Firs Chalet. It offered a much better reflection of the majestic mountain.

One photography article claims Mt. Shuksan is the most photographed mountain in the world. This is the reason.

Table Mountain Hike, Artist Point

After a break for lunch we headed up Table Mountain.












It is another popular hike.

The views of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker are breath taking.

The views are a good excuse to stop and rest during the 500 foot climb.

The views from the top are amazing.

The trail is well marked and gravel on the level areas. There are some steep parts of the hike too.









At some points on the hike there are considerable drop offs.

I would certainly recommend hiking poles to give added stability on this hike.

There are some areas of "steps" make out of rocks. Hiking poles are great on these areas.

Huntoon Point Hike - Artist Ridge

This short hike (1.2 miles round trip) begins at the southeast corner of the Artist Point parking lot.

The trail is relatively level and the views of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker are amazing.

The trail is gravel all the way.

There were times when I felt I could reach out and touch the mountain.

It's a great hike to enjoy the views but it is busy.

Once could see the trails for the hikes toward Mt. Baker.

Looking back toward the parking lot we could see Table Mountain. That would be our next destination.

From the beginning of the hike up Table Mountain we could see the Artist Point parking lot and the beginning of the Huntoon Point hike (about the center of the photo). Would you believe the hardest part of the day was finding a parking spot?

Growler at Sunset

A Growler from WAS Whidbey began a night flight just after sunset. I was at Joseph Whidbey State Park on the west side of Whidbey Island.

Mt. Baker Dusk with Smoke Haze

This recent photo shows the impact of the smoke from the eastern Washington fires on the west side of the Cascades. A flock of birds was enjoying the view too.

Squires Lake Park

The park is named after the Squires family. The 84 acre park was acquired in 1995 and is maintained jointly by the parks departments of Whatcom and Skagit Counties. There is a hike, about 2 miles long, around the lake and skirting a beaver pond.

The trail is well maintained and after an incline at the beginning, is relatively level. 


The parking area and trail head is north of Alger on Highway 99.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

The garden area of the Chihuly exhibit is open to those walking by. Even if you choose not to go through the inside exhibit, you can still see amazing creations in the garden area.

Variegated Rose

Chihuly Garden and Glass

A visit to the Seattle Center is not complete without a tour of Chihuly Garden and Glass. These photos are from the exhibition inside. I'll share the garden creations another time.