The GOFR: Whidbey Island adventure in October

What a super time Steve and I had exploring Whidbey Island, WA with Leslie! It was such a treat to see Leslie's current habitation, place of employment, house of worship, and natural surroundings! What a blessing to meet her friends, housemates, co-worker, boss, and some very friendly strangers! Whidbey Island is a unique, beautiful, friendly place, mixing farmland in the interior with miles and miles of coastline and snow-capped mountains rising up in the distance. I have never seen so many October flowers -- dahlias, especially, of various heights and colors. Small farms and farm markets offering fresh produce and products derived from their crops, artists' shops with everything from glass creations to brass sculptures to textile art and everything in between are a part of Whidbey's charm. Then there are the beaches which are narrow, driftwood-covered, and rocky and/or sandy. Not many shells to be found where we were, though I did find a very fine whole snail shell. We also saw jelly fish of various sizes, crabs, and "ginormous" kelp (seaweed that has a gas-filled bulb which floats the leaves to the top of the water for photosynthesis). The ferry ride from the mainland to the island was an interesting experience -- each car is subjected to a sniffing by a trained dog as the car waits to board the ferry. Once on the ferry, you can leave your car, go upstairs to an large enclosed waiting area to read your paper, buy some coffee or snacks, snooze, or play cards at a table. If you keep your eyes on the water, you could even spot a seal or whale! Very nice 20-30 minute trip.

Besides the natural beauty surrounding us, we enjoyed seeing Fort Casey, a light house, the Penn Cove Mussel farm (as we drove past), Deception Bridge, and various small towns.

On our whale-watching voyage we saw two or three minke whales (which we could also smell...yuck!..."stinky minke" according to our captain), a couple of sea lions, some harbor seals, a few porpoises, and many birds, including a bald eagle. We were disappointed not to see one of the big whales (such as the grays) or the beautiful black and white orcas that travel in pods. But it was a beautiful sunny day (though quite cold) and none of us got seasick! Despite some minor disappointment, we were grateful for the sun, the wildlife we saw, and the beauty of the waters. An awesome day!

Leslie's friends and housemates, Dan and Amber, joined us for whale-watching and a day in Seattle, as well as church and a trip to Lavender Winds Farm, Fort Casey, and a drive around the island. They were so gracious to give up their bedroom for us. Amber cooked for us several times, as did Leslie. Delicious! We helped celebrate Amber's birthday by baking her a pumpkin cake from fresh pumpkin that Leslie had grown in her garden. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Amber and Dan.

We got a feel for the work that Leslie has done on the property! Incredible and never-ending! She hacked, dug out, trimmed, and otherwise tried to control, remove, or kill ever-encroaching blackberry bushes. They are everywhere and so thick and tenacious that they take over open spaces they are near. Leslie has done an amazing job of taming them, reclaiming land, and planting trees, a garden, etc. We enjoyed some of the fruits of her labors for dinner.

At Lavender Winds Farm we saw the copper distiller where the lavender essential oil was processed from the dried buds for some of their products. We also saw the new field Leslie has been helping prepare, the new plants she started and is now planting, and the lavender plants that she tended and harvested from this summer. From the farm you can see mountains and water. What a beautiful place to work! But I am sure the wind blows stiffly across the flat land there much of the time!

Here are a few pictures of our trip.

A view from the ferry