Double your fun by walking with friends, both two legged and four legged, at Double Bluff. The entrance is busy with dog walkers and their canine companions enjoying the freedom of an off-leash dog park with sticks galore and water for splashing and sand for rolling around in. A short walk for humans makes a good run for dogs. There are restrooms, picnic tables, benches, pet poop bags and a dog watering station at the start. There are lots of materials for young architects to build forts and sandcastles any time of year. Walk farther to find a wilder less populated beach. Pick a calm day and take binoculars to spot loons, scoters, seals, sea lions and passing ships as you walk. Eagles often soar just overhead. This south facing bluff radiates warmth on a sunny day. During winter storms the bluff gets hit hard with wind and rain. Look up to see the bluff sluffing and slowly sliding toward the beach below. If the tide is out you could walk for miles out and back along this beach. On our walk the tide crept in until we could go no farther. If you want to start the New Year off right, join Stinger Anderson, WSU Beach Clean-up Coordinator, here on January 2 from 1:30-3:30. He will bring gloves and bags. You bring the energy and enthusiasm. For details visit: extension.wsu.edu/island/nrs/beachlitter/ If Double Bluff is too far away for you, check out upcoming efforts scheduled at Keystone Spit, Ebey's Landing and Joseph Whidbey State Park. Email Stinger to RSVP at: [email protected] Another great way to start the New Year is to take a First Hike at either Fort Casey State Park from 1:00-2:00 or Deception Pass State Park at 10:00 at the West Beach shelter. Knowledgeable volunteers will be leading these walks. No parking pass is required in any Washington State Park on January 1st. (Island Transit will not be operating on January 1st but you can get to both of these parks when the buses are running.) I always thought I should do on New Year's Day whatever I want to do for the rest of the year. My list is to sing, hike, write, eat well, learn something new, be kind, put some positive energy into my surroundings, appreciate the beauty around me and spend time with those I love. Here's wishing all of you a Happy New Year! Directions:
From Hwy 525 just south of Freeland, take Double Bluff Road south to the end. On nice days the small parking area may fill and cars may be parked along the road. Watch for pedestrians walking to and from their cars.
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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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