Whidbey Island July 2013

In July 2013, ten days after we moved, eleven remarkable people decided to make the journey to Whidbey Island, located in the Puget Sound of the great Northwestern United States.

Two children, four teenagers and five adults (which included Grandma and Grandpa) planned and dreamed, made lists and arrangements,  packed and prepared  with excited anticipation. This was to be the trip of a lifetime.

Chad & Carol, Hannah, Josh, Spencer, Sam and Rose
JuLee & Katee
Mom & Dad (aka. Zack & Jewell or Grandma and Grandpa)

The beginnings for this vacation started back in December 2012 when MDH, Josh and their Ragnar team decided 2013 would be the year they would participate in the Northwest Passage Ragnar (a relay race that covers about 200 miles).
The race started near the Canadian border and ended on Whidbey Island. I was only too happy to tag along and spend as much time as possible at the beach combing the tide pools for treasures.




Driving to the island took two days. The first night was spent in Ontario Oregon (which I think always smells like onion).  The next day we crossed the Columbia River and stopped to throw some rocks.
Then getting to the island we took a short but fun ferry ride.

The beach house we stayed at was located near Coupeville.
Exploring the quaint town, pier and shops was one of the first things we did.

We were delighted to discover that sailboat races were happening the week we were in town.

When we discussed where we would stay and what we wanted it to be like Grandpa said he wanted to stay someplace right on the water, where he could set on the deck, read and watch sailboats.
Happily all of his wishes were met.

Our almost private beach was located out the back door and down the steps.

We loved watching how the shore changed with each coming and going of the tide.

We found all kinds of interesting creatures on our beach

Rock crabs, sea stars, goose necked clam, hermit crabs, a flounder, a sculpin, sea urchins, jelly fish, sand dollars, gobies, seals, bald eagles, cranes, raccoons, and porpoises.

Friday while the team ran the rest of us, except Grandpa, rode the ferry to Port Townsend and explored.

Early on Saturday morning we cheered Josh on as he ran.

The Northwest Passage Ragnar ended in Langley. We were able to go watch MDH and Josh run to the finish line.

At the starting line.

At the finish line.

Sunday morning we were able to attend Church in Oak Harbor and then drive to Deception Pass (a bridge that connects the island to the mainland).
The views were inspiring and the strong current and the crashing of the waves were humbling.

We were able to connect with my cousin who lives on the island. He joined us for dinner with his wife and daughter. Getting to visit with them was one of the highlights for all of us.

Monday we explored Fort Casey State Park.
The boys decided they needed their own abandoned fort and light house.

Tuesday was Spencer's birthday.
He was lucky enough to get to celebrate his birthday by taking a ferry ride to Seattle, visiting Pike's Market, walking the pier, exploring the Pacific Science Center & watching an Imax film about the Reno Air Races, dinner at a Thai restaurant and finally, cake at the beach house.
Pam was kind enough to take the time to join us in Seattle. It was so fun to get to spend time with her too.

At every turn the scenery was so magnificent that we could never come close to doing it justice with our photographs.
-Still moments with the salty sea air wrapped comfortably around us -
-The light dancing across the laughing waves-
These memories will forever be held in our hearts.

Often in the months that have passed since our vacation we've felt homesick for the perfect week we spent on Whidbey Island.

Even now, at the end of this walk down memory lane, one thought comes to mind.....
When can we go again?