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.
