There is almost always less clouds in Anacortes than in Mount Vernon, so I headed over to get my sun on. A great hike to start out my 2012 hiking season! Read all about it on my blog: http://kellbell-whywouldanyonereadthis.blogspot.com/2012/04/first-hike-of-2012.html

Got up and headed out on a hike at 0600 in the morning to see Washington Park on Fidalgo Island near Antacortes, Washington. There are some fantastic trails in the park. Among them are Green Point, Fidalgo Head Loop, Channel View, Burrows Bay, Juniper Point, Havkost and Rosario Strait. This was part of hike 23 of 50 I planned at age 50. A beautiful July 4, 2011 weekend to hike and I was not disappointed at all. The views of wildlife I saw were unmatched in most of Washington State in such a short peiod of time. Deer, Sea Lion, Sea Otter, Eagles, Squirrels, Blue Herron and Loons among some of them. There is plenty of hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, boating, sailing, photography and wildlife. This hike can be done year around. This is one of the best ocean views I have seen from trails in the Pudget Sound Area other than Deception Pass State Park which is only 20 minute drive from this park. If you come up here visit both parks and you will not be disappointed. Check out videos of this hike and others I have done in Washington State on my youtube channel at lmm3181 or just click on my direct links to this hike. They are safe to click on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR7NR79WTCo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duhEkvhTVtI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ1ra-BWlG4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I4VWFbAK4g http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL3twLr1AjA Enjoy your hiking!! Mike

Another beautiful wild flower walk on Mother's day. A peaceful, mellow spot to gawk at the flowers; the outer bluff trails were empty of people, everyone was walking the road, missing all the views out over the salt water, and the flowers blooming. The twisted junipers, and seals diving, swimming in circles, (mostly flying belly up, under water) and the rock gardens of flowers .. who needs a vase full of flowers with so many in bloom!!

Flower Peak at Fidalgo Head! This wander along the headland at Washington Park in Anacortes is one of the best lowland flower hikes available. Drive the Loop Road to any spot and start walking. Shooting star, camas, death camas, spring gold, fritillaria, sea thrift, monkeyflower, snow-in-summer, blue-eyed mary, silene douglasia, calypso orchids...I probably missed a few. Also worth mentioning are the incredible, wind sculpted juniper and madrone along these trails. Not much of an aerobic workout, but if you like flowers... Also eagles and seals along Burrows Channel.