A walk in the woods is inspiring. The moist mosses and ferns, the tall swaying trees, the textures and patterns of leaves, sticks, rocks on the trail, the shapes and size and color of plants and fungi, and the sound and movement of birds, deer and other animals. All of it stirs my senses, captures my heart and imagination. They say a walk outside gets the creative juices flowing. So sometimes I don’t appreciate the manmade elements we bring and leave behind that interrupt my experience on a forest walk. I say sometimes, because sometimes those manmade elements add to my natural experience. Take, for instance, a cairn on a rocky trail or a beach walk. I’ve seen cairns built as directional aids where they are sorely needed. And cairns of no practical use, but are organic works of art showing balance, patience and harmony. I can appreciate that. So, to be honest, a walk at the Price Sculpture Forest in Coupeville is mixed for me. I’m one of those dinosaurs that are slow to embrace all the technological trends currently available. I enjoy leaving them behind whenever possible. So when I arrived at Price Sculpture Forest early one Saturday morning, I was rolling my eyes at the signs at the entrance with their QR codes that link your smart phone with their website for a guided tour with videos of the artists. I didn’t link up. I turned and started walking… taking pictures with my smartphone. The first piece I saw was a sculpture called Water by an artist I’d met and seen in action in her studio. She works with a diamond bladed saw. I could picture her at work while I ran my hand over the smooth glossy stone. A figure looking like a discus thrower greeted me at the start of the trail. Soon after I came upon a wide, low, arrangement that seems to have erupted from the forest floor, like a fairy ring. I heard something moving through the salal and stood still waiting. Three deer moved closer and crossed the trail in front of me one by one. Kinglets chatted overhead. A woodpecker drilled nearby. Ravens called in the distance. I wondered what they thought of this gallery in their forest home. As I continued I found eagles soaring, horses galloping and salmon swimming through the trees. A colorful bouquet made of stop light lenses and garden tools tickled my fancy. Some large abstract metal sculptures I think would look more at home in a city square. One looks like an alien space ship that’s just landed looking… alien. I realized I generally like the pieces that are more organic, like my surroundings. My very favorite is an actual log that looks as if it fell across the trail and exploded into a burst of four inch square blocks. It’s on both sides of the trail with enough space to walk through it. Incredible! Imaginative! Inspirational! I like the T-rex, made of driftwood that waits with a toothy grin to excite the next one down the trail. It’s just the right height for kids to encounter. Once they stop screaming, they reach into that gaping maw and feel each pointy tooth, giggling all the while. Art is supposed to elicit a reaction, right? What I truly appreciate about Price Sculpture Forest is that it has something for everyone. It sounds like a cliché, but really. The trail is a figure eight and the upper loop is accessible for those with mobility challenges. Volunteers have been carefully building the trail a little wider and smoother each year. Benches provide a place to rest if you need a few minutes. Thank you. For those with little interest in “hiking” or “nature” there are the art pieces. I’d expect that every visitor finds several they like. And the QR code guided tour may be another way to pull some people in. They ask for your comments in a book at the end of the trail, or you can submit them online. Kids can leave a drawing which is another art piece for the growing forest gallery. I liked the pileated woodpecker on a post where you can leave a donation, or you can make a contribution with your digital wallet. Whatever you’re feelings toward technology, you can connect with the trail in your own way, plugged in or unplugged, however you wish. Maribeth Learn more here. Directions: From Highway 20 at the light in Coupeville, turn north on Main Street. Turn right on 9th (which changes to Parker Road) and drive or walk the pedestrian path 1.6 miles to Price Sculpture Forest.
By Bike or Bus: Take fare free Island Transit Route 1 or 6 to Coupeville. Two bikes fit on a bus bike rack. Step off the bus at 9th Street and walk or bike east. There’s a steep hill at the edge of town. A gravel path parallels the road for safe walking. If riding a bike, the speed limit is low and traffic is light on this road. Wear something bright if traveling by bike. A bike rack is provided. Mobility: The upper loop of the trail is smooth and wide enough for wheelchairs. The lower loop is more steep but well maintained.
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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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