Northern Washington

After our failed attempt to reach Astoria, Oregon, Z and I spent a little time in and around Anacortes, our home away from home. No matter what time of year, the Pacific Northwest is one of the most scenically spectacular parts of our country. And contrary to popular belief, it doesn't rain there ALL of the time. Winter brings a variety of skies, though: clear, cloudy, foggy, and stormy - perfect for skywatchers like me. Weather-wise we had a little bit of everything on this brief trip, but thankfully we didn't get any snowfall. Here are a few scenes from our outings.

One of my favorite spots: Mt. Erie...

A cabin at Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park...

Birdwatching at Bowman Bay...

Storm clouds above the San Juan Islands...

Snoqualmie Falls...

The historic downtown of Snoqualmie...

The old railway station...

Walking along the Snoqualmie River...

Ferns are in abundance even in wintertime...

A distant waterfall...

Pathway through the forest...

The stone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham...

Our time in Anacortes was short but enjoyable. As we headed south toward our home in the SF Bay Area, we decided to make a detour and complete that particular stretch of the Oregon Coastal Highway that we missed out on on our way up - hopefully this time without any snow.

Next Stop: Oregon. 

Anacortes Revisited

During my recent stay in the PNW, the skies were probably covered with heavy gray clouds more often than not, but the sun did come out in spurts. And when it did, I made sure I took advantage of it. Anacortes, my favorite little corner of the world, is full of stunning natural beauty, and when the rain, fog, or dreary skies relent, it really turns into a photographer's paradise! Come take a look at a few scenes my Nikon and I found on our outings...

Anacortes on Fidalgo Island, also known as the Gateway to the San Juans, really should be one of the places you see before you die!

Happy New Year 2012

Wishing you a wonderful new year

filled with frequent visits

in nature!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Year's End in Anacortes, WA

Our annual holiday trek took us once again to beautiful Fidalgo Island in the Pacific Northwest. Our visit started out with lots of sunshine, but unfortunately gray skies and rain became the norm; it is winter after all. However, my Nikon and I were able to get out and capture the sunny skies around Anacortes right before the first rainstorm moved in.

Downtown Anacortes from Cap Sante lookout...

Turn 180 degrees, and you get views of Mt. Baker and Hat Island...

Here's the refinery...

Anacortes has a big ship building industry...

Charming Old Town Anacortes...

Season's Greetings...

The Visitor Information Center and right next door is the DMV...

The Public Library...

Anacortes is known for its many murals painted

on the buildings throughout town.

This one is at the local bookstore, Watermark Book Company...

Amos Bowman - the father of Anacortes...

The old Railroad Station...

W.T. Preston, now a museum...

The Cannery Building...

Even the garbage cans are interesting...

A new kayak launch and dock...

Seafarer's Memorial Park...

Anthony's Restaurant...

Cap Sante Boat Haven...

Sunset over Anacortes...

Even without sunshine, Anacortes is a charming spot for rest and relaxation.

Click HERE to see shots from last year's visit.