Penn Cove Kayak - August 18, 2025

Surprisingly, this was the first time Kay and I paddled in Penn Cove. We targeted a late afternoon high tide for ease of launching. There was a very light breeze and calm water. We explored a couple of small lagoons and saw a lot of harbor seals. The mussel and oyster floats were interesting. We capped it off with a delicious dinner at the Oyster Catcher in Coupeville.

The lagoon behind Capt. Whidbey Inn

Entering the second lagoon. It was very shallow.

A couple of the many seals we encountered. We loved the mask the one on the left was wearing.

There were many arbutus along our route.

The shellfish harvesting equipment looked a bit sinister.

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Kay enjoyed grilled oysters and blackened brussel sprouts. I had roast duck.

 

 

Excelsior Peak - July 27, 2025

 it was a delightful late afternoon hike to one of my favorite spots in the North Cascades. It was especially delightful to share it with my good friend Peter. Being later in the day, most of the day hikers were gone and we had the place mostly to ourselves. The lighting was magical. We capped it with a great pizza and beverages at Chair 9.

The Clouds burnt off, revealing Baker and the surrounding peaks.

Damfino Lakes

Icicle Creek Hikes - June 30 & July 3, 2025

 Kay and I did our "more than annual" Icicle Gorge hike on the last day of June followed by hiking the Icicle Creek trail, to the washed out bridge at French Creek, three days later with Michael and Kathy. The latter hike we hadn't done in seven years. The weather was perfect.

The Creek at Rock Island Campground

At the Icicle Creek Trailhead

The falls at the confluence of French and Icicle Creek

Columbine

A trail maintenance crew at the ford of French Creek.

 

Cashmere Canyon Preserve - June 29, 2025

 I had only traveled the Nahahum trail to Crossroads previously. My interest was peeked so this time I headed south from Crossroads along the Ridge Road to Sunrise. It was well worth the effort with views west to the Stuart Range and East to Wenatchee.

A pleasantly cool, strong breeze along the ridge created waves through the grassland. 

The Stuart Range

the view east from Sunrise