Minute by minute the weather swings, from winter to spring, winter to spring. Rush of wind, splatter of rain, throw in some hail, thunder and lightning and you have March. Such a tease. But wait! Here’s a full day of sunshine! I left in the morning with frost on the windshield. By mid-day I was peeling off my hat and coat. As I walked, I shed my wool sweater and rolled up my sleeves. When the sun makes an appearance in early spring, I go outside and stick my face in it! It has been a long, dark, wet, windy, troublesome winter. What a blessing when morning comes with the promise of a full day of warmth and light. Monday, I treated myself to a walk on one of my favorite trails at Deception Pass State Park between Bowman Bay and Rosario Head. And what a day it was! The park filled with elders out for a stroll, toddlers exploring the beach, picnickers choosing a table, hikers choosing a trail, and kayakers paddling off into the blue expanse, all taking advantage of this most glorious spring day. It brought to mind an e. e. Cummings poem. I thank You God for most this amazing day For the leaping greenly spirits of trees And a blue true dream of sky And for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes! As I walked past the enormous downed trees in the picnic area I gave thanks for the trail maintainers that have gone before us. Every trail I’ve walked recently shows signs of winter storm damage that someone has cleaned up. Branches are piled high just off the trail and downed logs are fresh cut and moved to the side. Thank you for all who clear the way for the rest of us. Your work is greatly appreciated. I feel like I’ve been through some dark, stormy times, too. My doctor recommended exercise and spending time in nature. I couldn’t agree more. I who have died am alive again today And this is the sun's birthday This is the birth day of life and of love and wings And of the gay great happening illimitably earth! The trails at Bowman Bay have always been good medicine for me. I especially like this stretch of rocky trail that climbs steadily up from the campground with views of the water through the fir and madrone trees. A couple of otters frolicked below as I climbed. The south facing rock face covered in stone crop and licorice fern soaked up the sun. I stopped to watch a boat circle round the bay with a host of gulls in its wake. People were out in numbers but everyone passed respectfully pulling on a mask as we greeted each other. As I approached Rosario there was a bench in the sun. I paused to spy on a couple on the dock across the bay, and a fellow sitting alone on the far shore dwarfed by the dramatic landscape around them. I wandered across the lawn to the sturdy CCC shelter overlooking the water. A room with a view. The tide pools at Rosario Bay are popular with school groups, but this year they’re explored by families one by one. I met a mother, grandmother and some curious kids pointing and poking. A flock of Harlequin ducks bobbed into view from behind a rock. Their colorful patterns make them my favorite. Then black oyster catchers with their bright orange beaks, peeped alarmingly as they flew away. For us weary of winter, a day like this comes not a moment too soon. Tuesday, March was back to teasing with sun, cold, wind, showers and sun again. But with one healthy day of sunshine this week, I may just make it to the next one, and then to the next. Maribeth Click here for a park map. deceptionpassfoundation.org/explore-deception-pass-park/park-map/ Directions: From Highway 20 just north of Deception Pass Bridge, turn west onto Rosario Road and take an immediate left toward Bowman Bay. From the parking lot the trail is to the northwest through the picnic area and along the shore next to the campground. You will need a Discovery Pass to park here.
If you don't have a Discovery Pass, you may want to drive to the next road to the west, Cougar Gap, and start your hike from Rosario Bay where you may park outside the gate. From there you could visit the tide pools, the Maiden of Deception Pass and Rosario Head as well as turning east to hike this trail to Bowman Bay. Transit: There is no bus access to this side of the bridge, however, if you take the Island Transit 411W northbound from Oak Harbor, you may access the park at the store or the 411W southbound from March's Point stops at the park entrance at Cornet Bay Road. Both are on the south side of the bridge where it's easier to access Goose Rock and other trails. Mobility: This trail is not a good choice for those with mobility challenges. It may prove a challenge for small children. Parts are steep and rocky, so watch your step.
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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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