Just Wandering Again!

I keep putting up places that I go that are worth exploring. Walking with a camera is truly a habit! I find that I need to have an ability to take photos anywhere I go. My photos are simply reminders of everyday life in places I pass and people I share life with. I really encourage you to adopt a digital diary to encourage you to wander off with a camera in hand...a small digital, a smart phone, or a full SLR with multiple lenses. Any way you look at it, life is full of amazing sites!

Leaving Seattle and heading north opens delightful places to explore. The Washington State Ferry system, once again, was in my mix of places to wander. From Mukilteo, which is north of Seattle on the I-5 corridor, you can catch a quick ferry ride to Clinton on Whidbey Island. There are lots of great areas to explore and a very wide variety of places to stay in all areas of the island. You can reference the island link and check out all the variable accommodations in each of the various regions of the island.

We spent some time on Mutiny Bay near Freeland and were so surprised to see a cruise ship pass so close as they departed for Alaska! And, such an incredible view of the Olympic Mountains!

We found cranes fishing just off the beach...

And a crow guarding a "beach fort" that likely was built by children exploring the island.

The flowers add so much color as you wander away from the seascape...

We moved along the island to the town of Coupeville...a charming village full of delightful shops and eateries. There are so many wonderful photos just waiting for your camera!

The old buildings built on pilings so many years ago...

And the old house which surely has incredible memories of bygone days...

This charming little boy reading is on of the many sculptures and artistic pieces found in this very special community.

Moving along out of Coupeville, it is an easy drive up to out to Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve and the ferry dock at Keystone to take you over to Pt. Townsend...another charming maritime community filled with delightful photo shots, great food, and fun shopping. Be sure to reserve your space on this ferry as it is small and somewhat infrequent, especially in the off-season.

Pt. Townsend is the last stopping off point for boaters heading across the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Many a vessel has had to wait out the fog or wild weather in Point Hudson before they can head out. We enjoyed a windy afternoon checking out this delightful little port.

You can spend several hours just being mesmerized by the vast waters that take you north to the American San Juan Islands and on to Canada and the Gulf Islands...or towards the west as the Straights of Juan de Fuca flow to the Pacific Ocean.

At the end of your day or days of exploring, you can catch a photo of the state ferry that opens up such a wonderful playground of water, mountains, shops, and sights that make Washington State a fantastic place to "just wander"...