North Deception pass tour

 The weather forecast for today looked a little bleak. Rain and wind, it didn't seem to matter where we went it would be about the same. A wind warning was to start at 4 pm, but we were pretty sure we'd be done by then so off we went to Deception pass. True to the forecast it was raining, but there was just a slight breeze, so we put on our rain gear and headed off onto the trail from the Rosario beach parking lot.

Rosario trailhead at Deception pass state park.

Scoutina was ready for her rainy day walk.

We hiked from Rosario to Bowman bay and passed the CCC boys statue.

If you zoom in on the photo below you can read about the statue.

We bypassed Bowman bay and walked up the road to cross over to Pass lake.

We then crossed back across the road and joined the trail that junctions with the Lottie Point trail. The trail was just behind the large Deception pass state park sign.

A nice view of the bridge with Madrona trees from Lottie point.

The rain had stopped shortly after Pass lake.

After looping around Lottie point we crossed a sandy strip that led to Lighthouse point,

We had another view of the bridge from Lighthouse point.

Looking across the channel to North beach

Lighthouse point view

At the top of lighthouse point we could see Rosario, where we had begun.

Walking through the lichen

A close up of the lichen.

We saw a Foss tugboat heading towards the bridge as we were hiking around the point.

Madrona along the trail as we headed back towards Bowman bay.

Bowman bay

The rain stayed away for our lunch but a chilly breeze was blowing. We went to the Bowman bay shelter and had a hot lunch. My husband brought our backpacking stove in his pack. It was sure nice to have warm soup!

After lunch we headed back to Rosario and walked the loop trail which passes by the Maiden of Deception pass.

My husband and Scoutina making their way up Rosario head.

A last view of where we'd been, looking back at Bowman bay, Lottie point and Lighthouse point.

Total miles hiked: 6

Total ascent: 1000'

It was a good day touring the North Deception pass trails.

It rained all the way home😁

Just a side note:

I've been learning some new knitting skills. I decided to try my hand at making an emotional support chicken. I finished her last night. I think she turned out pretty good.

A little history behind emotional support chickens:

The wildfires in Australia traumatized many people, especially children. Knitters got together to make enough chicken (or chooks," as they call them) for all the children in her community.....and it took off from there, all over the world, to college dorms, nursing homes, nursery schools, guidance counselor offices, everywhere somebody needs a hug. Their therapeutic effect extends to the knitters and crocheters, as well, of course.

The kit I chose had the name "Hennifer Lopez".

She's about 12" long and 10" tall.

Goose Rock The Balds hike

Yesterday we rose bright and early to get started on our drive to Whidbey Island. The days are shorter daylight now so we need an earlier start to ensure finishing in the daylight. The local mountains were visible as we left home.

and then it was like this.

Thankfully by the time we got to Deception pass it was clear. It stayed chilly and low light all day but we could see some views.

There is a heart rock in the rock work at the women's restroom just to the lower left of the door.

I took a close up of the heart rock.

The view looking towards the Olympics from west beach parking lot.

I enjoyed the sunrays through the forest.

The Deception pass bridge visible beyond the park amphitheater.

Old growth tree

To get to the Goose rock trail we walked under the bridge. I love this under view.

We made our way towards Cornet bay.

My dragon sighting!

Climbing up for the Cornet bay view.

Time to head up to the Balds. I chuckle when we pass these steps on the fallen log. 

They lead to....no where. 

I don't really know why someone went to such an effort.

Another up and we were at the top.

We were greeted by a long distance view of Mt. Rainier.

We could also see Cranberry lake and the Olympics in the distance.

After a chilly lunch on top we began making our way down.  Into the world of Madrona trees and succulent plants.

The lower trail changes from Madrona to a large natural Rhododendron garden. My husband spied this colorful conk on the tree.

We followed the Discovery trail to make our way back to the campground area.

I always enjoy reading about how the forest was planted by John Tursi as a punishment for "mouthing off" to his supervisor during his CCC work. It is a beautiful forest.

After walking through the campground we joined the trail that parallels Cranberry lake and made our way back to the West beach parking lot.

As I was getting ready to get into the car I spied a sundog in the sky. What a perfect way to end our day on the trails.

Total distance: 7 miles

Total ascent: 1200 feet

Just a quick share of our nice family time in Sequim for Thanksgiving. We enjoyed our time with my parents. Dad is 92 and Mom is 89. Also a close up of some of the bounty of our meal.

Several of us walked on the beach while we were there. It's always a gift to be with my adult kids.

Taking photos of Mt. Baker together, our home across the sea.

I hope you and yours had a happy season of Thanksgiving. 

Now as we approach December's magical season of giving, I hope you consider the gift you may be to someone just by being alive and by being you.

As my profile says:

"I believe that every person born on this earth is a relevant, impactful presence here. When each of us was born we permanently changed history. We are not just a speck that passes unseen. Our very existence leaves a mark, where it be in a person or just a footprint on the earth's surface. The earth is different because we exist . We are marked in our loved ones and friends souls."

 A good thought to think about during the busyness of this month.