Passing Time On Fidalgo Island

Continuing good weather plus quality time spent with great friends makes for memorable times here on Fidalgo Island.  We've taken several day trips out to the surrounding scenic areas.  Here's a photo album of some highlights.

Our day trip to North Cascades National Park, where we were joined by our friends John and Suzanne, was impressive.

A view of the Gorge Dam on the Skagit River.  Water levels are low, no water is released at this time.  Studies are also on going now at the possibility of removing this dam.

 A view from the Gorge Creek Falls Lookout, near the Gorges Dam.

 We're standing at the Diablo Lake Lookout.  Ronnie and I made a day trip to Cascades National Park when we were in this part of Washington in 2016.  For a look back on that trip, click HERE.

 That's a tour boat circling Diablo Lake, what impressive views those passengers have!

 The obligatory selfies to mark our visit.

That's Ronnie standing on the Diablo Lake Dam.  You can actually drive over this dam to access a recreation area on the other side.  The dam was built in 1927, completed in 1930 and began generating electricity in 1936.  Water levels low, no water was being released.

 We all enjoyed a tranquil stroll on the Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk in Marblemount.  We saw some amazingly tall western red cedars!

 Suspension bridge over the Skagit River leading to the Trail.

Skagit River as seen from the bridge.

One of the many tall trees lining the trail.

 

 

 

 A day trip to Ebey's Landing on Fidalgo Island was our relaxing day at the beach.  A picnic lunch, warm temperatures and no wind made for a near perfect day.

Easy beach access here, we just parked the Jeep and stepped over the tree trunks that were washed up on the shore.

 

 

We opted not to hike the trail that travels up to the top of the bluff. 

 Stacks of wood logs dot the beach.

 This en plein air artist also discovered the picturesque ocean views this day.

 

 

 The mountains of Olympic National Park from across the Salish Sea.

 

 Colorful sea weeds, kelp and shapely pebbles were scattered across the rocky shore.

 

 

Our delightful day trip with John and Suzanne to Port Townsend, Port Angeles and Sequim was fun and filled with shared stories of travel experiences.  The weather wasn't as cooperative this day, it was grey, cool and foggy.  We of course made the best of it and still had a memorable time.  A short 30 minute ferry trip from the Coupeville Washington Ferry terminal on Fidalgo Island to Port Townsend on Washington's mainland made this road trip easy.

Port Wilson Lighthouse, circa 1897.

A foggy view of the ocean from the Port Angeles wharf.

We ordered a scrumptious lunch at the Dockside Grill located at Sequim Bay's historic John Wayne Marina. This Marina is most noted for its establishment by the family of John Wayne, his vision here for a marina where he frequented with his own family yacht the Wild Goose.

Unfortunately no views this day of the beautiful mountains across Sequim Bay.

And we have savored the bounty of Skagit Valley's fresh and tasty fruits and vegetables.  We've made good visits to the Mt. Vernon Framers Market, the Anacortes Farmers Market and the locally sourced, organic Waxwing Farm Stand. 

 

More later from Fidalgo Island, Washington.