With the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic on everyone's minds I'm taking steps to be safe, sanitized and remain healthy. I wipe down my counters, knobs and handles with a bleach solution. I wash my hands frequently. And I'm taking more walks outside for the fresh air, exercise and UV rays that kill viruses. Still all the terrible news is oppressive. So when Janet, Nicole, Kelly and Tootsie invited me to join them for a walk at Admiralty Inlet Preserve, I gladly accepted. It was a gorgeous spring day. Being outside with friends on such an afternoon does great things for body, mind and spirit. We practiced social distancing, but not self isolation since none of us were sick. We stayed at least 6 feet apart (except for Tootsie). This 86 acre preserve, like most of our local trails, isn't crowded. We saw only a few other people. There's a loop trail about a mile and a half long and maps and signs along the way. The property is jointly owned by the Department of Natural Resources and the Whidbey Camano Land Trust who manage it to protect this rare remnant of native prairie and old growth forest on a high bluff waterfront. A rustic split rail fence keeps wandering feet from trampling the rare plants including the Golden Paintbrush, found in only 12 sites around the world. They bloom in May along with many other wildflowers here. Artistic, full color interpretive panels show the plants and animals that live here. This early season walk had a few muddy spots, but it was like a scavenger hunt looking for signs of spring. We found flowering Indian Plum, Salmonberry blossoms, Oregon Grape flowers and free range daffodils at the bluff overlook. We passed two bald eagles sitting together at the top of a tree. We found several birds nests and saw woodpecker holes in snags. As we walked I began to notice things that are known healers. Nettles are popping up everywhere and make a good spring tonic tea. I recommend taking long scissors to carefully cut the small stems and leaves into a large bag before steaming them. Nicole commented on a wonderful nettle lasagna a friend had made last week. Harvest them in early spring as later they become too strong. We passed a Pacific Yew tree with thin branches in the shape of a fan. The Yew produces Taxol which is used to inhibit certain types of cancer. It took years before scientists were able to replicate it in the lab and make this life-saving drug commonly available. Janet leaned against a rail fence and chugged some water reminding me to stay hydrated. We marveled at some huge 200 year old fir trees. They'd been whipped by the wind with broken branches near the top, but still stood strong, a reminder that our elders have withstood many trials and are still resilient. Stay strong! Wash your hands! Go for a walk! For more information about this preserve visit: www.wclt.org/projects/admiralty-inlet-natural-area-preserve/ unDirections:
From Highway 20 near Coupeville, follow the signs toward the Coupeville Ferry. Admiralty Inlet Preserve is 1.5 miles west of the ferry terminal on Engle Road. Look for the blue and brown houses at the top of the hill. A small unmarked parking area is near the brown house. The trails are across the street. This trail is accessible by the Route 1 Island Transit bus on Saturdays or Route 6 on weekdays with a short walk from Camp Casey Inn. Follow the split rail fence along Engle Road.
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Maribeth Crandell has been a hiking guide in the Pacific NW for over 20 years. She's lived on Whidbey and Fidalgo Island for decades. As a frequent bus rider she easily makes connections between trails and transit. Archives by date
April 2024
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