A is for asters, alliums, astilbe and alligators. The four of us were having a fine time on our way down Guemes Mountain. We’d overheard a family playing an alphabet game on their way up the trail. I often do that to entertain myself on a walk, kayak or a long drive. We called out flowers in alphabetical order (with the occasional non-flower variations). When we finished with flowers, we started listing birds as we rode our bikes back toward the ferry. It was a perfect day for a Northwest Sampler, a short little ferry ride, a two mile bike ride, a one mile hike to a beautiful view, and then back to the General Store for lunch. We met Jack and Kath at the Guemes Ferry and after gazing at Elsie the elephant seal on the beach, we walked our bikes onto the boat. It’s a small boat and a tight squeeze as the deck filled with cars, trucks and bikes. Guemes Channel was busy, too. We passed pleasure yachts, kayaks and a tanker with two tugs guiding it back to sea. After a pit stop at the store, we mounted our two wheelers and pedaled along the shoreline road for two miles. At the trailhead, we locked up our bikes and began our hike up Guemes Mountain. The shade of tall trees was welcoming in the heat of the day. Kath picked up a walking stick from a selection left by the trailhead. Lush sword ferns covered the hillside. The gentle grade gave us a chance to visit on our way, stopping to listen for birds, or take a sip of water. Beautiful benches offered a place to rest. Bird song filtered from the canopy softly down and all around us. We climbed steadily to the overlook where we stopped to peer out across the valley toward Cypress Island. Suddenly, a friendly mutt ran up and greeted us. Was this Toto from the Wizard of Oz? The owner caught up and introduced us. We all agreed it was a fine day for a walk. We climbed higher, and talked less as our way grew steeper near the summit. Up ahead, a coyote stepped out onto the trail. We froze, but it turned away and went undercover. As we emerged from the forest, we found a group picnicking on the summit. They reported seeing a fox. No. A coyote pup. They showed us a picture on their phone. We found a shady spot to share a snack and enjoy the view. A turkey vulture swooped low just before us. Maybe we shouldn’t sit still too long. We circled the summit taking pictures of the San Juan ferry, Cypress Island, Samish Island and Mount Baker. What a clear day! Our walk down was brisk as we named wildflowers in alphabetical order. We met other hikers on their way up and down. Kath returned her walking stick at the trailhead and we returned to our bikes for the ride back naming birds this time. A is for Avocet, Auklet, Albatross and anchovies. B is for Blackbird, bittern, bunting and babaganoush. Kath came up with the most original answers. T is for Tanager, Towhee, and tater tots! I tried to picture a flying tater tot. We couldn’t think of a bird that starts with U. Kath offered unicorn. They fly, right? We enjoyed our lunch at the General Store with a view of the water. A little bird serenaded us until the ferry began coming our way. Then we sped down the hill to meet the boat and sail our way home. Maribeth Directions: Take Hwy 20 to Anacortes. At the roundabout on Commercial turn right-north. Drive to 6th Street and turn left-west, turn right on I-Avenue to catch the ferry. Or park in the parking lot at H and 6th. Take your bike on the ferry. On Guemes, turn right and ride 2 miles to the trailhead. Lock your bike.
By Bus: Take Skagit Transit 40X from Mount Vernon, or Island Transit 411W from Oak Harbor to March Point. At March's Point Park and Ride switch to Skagit Transit 410 to Anacortes and then switch to bus 409 to the Guemes ferry. (This is a small county ferry, not the large State ferry that goes to the San Juan Islands.) There is no bus on Guemes Island. A bus can carry 2 bikes. Mobility: The bike ride is easy, nearly flat and only 2 miles. The trail is a narrow, gentle grade for 1 mile one way with rocks and roots along the trail.
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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
May 2024
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