Staying beach cool in hot weather

While new record highs have been set in the Pacific Northwest, many stay cool by heading to the beaches. We on Whidbey Island are particularly blessed during these hot days as a cool onshore breeze generally cools the air in the evening. Shown here is Joseph Whidbey State Park. One can walk along the shoreline path and even do some "surfing."

Race Week at Whidbey Island

A great place to watch the race is from the Coupeville Warf. Coupeville is a popular tourist destination with its historic main street.

The second view is looking back to Coupeville with the Olympic Penninsula in the distance.

Race Week at Whidbey Island

This view is from San de Fuca, showing the historic dock and the number of boats involved (around one hundred). In the distance are the Cascade Mountains.

Race Week at Whidbey Island

The sun came out, the breezes blew and the boats raced. While the race is sponsored by the Yacht Club in Oak Harbor, the races occur in Penn Cove, close to Coupeville.

Race Week in Oak Harbor

This is Race Week and there are lots of sailboats in the harbor. Unfortunately, it is cloudy. Here is the view one could see on a clear day! The Olympic Mountains reflect the early morning sun. This is looking SW from the Oak Harbor Marina.

Mt. Baker from Fir Island

The evening sun catches Mt. Baker. This photo was taken at a bird sanctuary on Fir Island, near Mount Vernon.

Coupeville Cemetery

The camera club I am in had a field trip to the Coupeville Cemetery on Whidbey Island. It is a pioneer cemetery with graves dating to the 1800s. There is also a stunning view of Mt. Baker.

The cemetery also contains an early settlers' blockhouse.

It was a fun trip and was again an example of the many scenic areas on Whidbey Island.