Dark and bright, day and night, cold and warm, calm and storm. We live in a world of contrasts that make our lives richer. This week I became acutely aware as I went camping in my unheated van as temperatures dropped below freezing. I was warm in my sleeping bag, but outside, it was frigid. The days were filled with bright sunshine, followed by the cold, dark, long winter nights. A full moon rose offering its brilliance, but sadly, no warmth. The morning sun slept in (as many of us did the day after Thanksgiving) and then struggled to burn through the frozen fog. So I came home to my warm hearth and electric lights, grateful to be indoors during the longest, coldest nights of the year. Still, the days this week have been bright and inviting. I bundled up and went to Joseph Whidbey State Park with Lee. She’ll head up our Christmas Bird Count team in a few weeks and we wanted to get an idea of what to expect. Joseph Whidbey is a park of contrasts. The beach offers trails just high enough to avoid even King Tides. Trails climb the bluff into the forest and on to open meadows. It’s a diverse habitat and attracts a variety of birds. By the water we saw gulls, loons, grebes and mergansers dipping into their underwater world. Out on the horizon, Smith Island lies low, directly in the path of Pacific storms that blow in on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Its’ home to rhinoceros auklets, tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots, cormorants and enough gulls to inspire an Alfred Hitchcock movie. As I watch a research boat glide by, I remember that Smith and Minor Islands are in an Aquatic Reserve along with over 36,000 acres of water around it. The reserve protects one of the largest kelp beds in the region. Like an old growth forest, these kelp beds protect aquatic plants and animals including crabs and fish that many people rely on for food or their livelihood. We walked along the sandy shore and then stepped over driftwood to a grassy path. It was mid-day, almost warm, but in the shade, icy whiskers grew on frozen logs and plants were etched in frost. Overhead, tiny birds circled and dove, together as one, chattering and chirping. “Pine siskins,” Lee said. “How many?” “50? 60?” Called by more birds we went from sun to shade, beach to forest. We climbed the stairs to a path between towering firs and leaning alders. Listen. Chickadees, juncos, a nuthatch and wren. A dark shape glided in and all went quiet. Raven. It soon paddled off through the trees and the chatter resumed. Passing by a radiant golden willow, we entered the fields hemmed in by a blush of wild rose. Kinglets and sparrows dodged in and out of the prickly shrubs. Towhees teased us from low branches. Eagles called from the shoreline. A Harrier glided low over the field, hunting for a meal. A boardwalk, framed walkways with fresh gravel and sturdy benches showed the care of the maintenance crew and volunteers. On our return, we met one blowing leaves off the trail. He turned off the blower to chat. We thanked him and walked on to the picnic area atop a hill with views of the water. From field to forest, shadow to light. It wouldn’t be long before the sun would set over Smith and Minor Islands. By then, I’d be home, with electric lights, and supper on the stove. We have so much to be thankful for, wonderful places like this to explore, birds, kelp beds, forests, fields, beaches, bluffs, and a warm place to come home to through the long, winter night. Maribeth For more on Smith and Minor Island Aquatic Reserve click here. Directions: From Highway 20 just north of Oak Harbor, take Ault Field Road (by the jets), go straight at the round-about, pass the golf course and right at the “T” on Crosby Road. At a turn in the road you may see cars parked by a trailhead at the north end of the park. Or continue to the main entrance where a State Park Discover Pass is required for parking. Or park at the beach where no pass is required. Or take Crosby or Swantown Road from Oak Harbor west to the park entrance. Or from Coupeville, take Highway 20 north 4 miles, turn left onto Libbey Road and then right on West Beach Road to the park.
By Bike or Bus: There’s no bus service to the park but buses can carry 2 bikes. The free, weekday Route 9 bus stops at Monticello and Swantown Road (near the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church). From there it’s just 1.6 miles to the park entrance on a flat, low traffic road. Or bike from Hwy 20 (near Walmart) on Swantown Road for a 3 mile ride. Please wear bright colors and use lights when riding on the road. For the bus schedule click here. https://www.islandtransit.org/Route9WWeekday Mobility: The trails near the beach and through the forest are almost flat but there’s a steep hill between them. You can park at the beach or by the main entrance to be on either level. The main trails are well maintained but some may be muddy after a rain.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Authors
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
Categories
All
|