In the News

March 15, 2020

Mountain climber on Fidalgo trail

I thought I was alone. Then I saw a flash of movement and looked up the trail to see another hiker approaching, dropping adeptly under the low-hanging limb of a madrona tree. As it turns out, this Sunday hike at Sharpe Park afforded the opportunity to meet an extraordinary adventurer: Doug Nixon. I learned that […]

March 14, 2020

Deception Pass respite

Rather than subjecting myself to more news about the coronavirus pandemic I chose today to visit Deception Pass State Park. Fresh air, natural beauty and safe space between me and those who chose the same outdoor adventure. Not escape, but a welcome respite.

March 12, 2020

Fishing boats tie up in Anacortes

Tied up this week at the Trident Seafoods dock on the Guemes Channel were the Northwestern, the Viking and the Oregon. Northwestern is an Alaskan crab, Pacific cod, and salmon tendering fishing vessel featured in the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch.

March 11, 2020

Officials respond to coronavirus

Evidence of response to the international coronavirus pandemic is this auxiliary unit erected this week in the parking lot of Island Hospital’s emergency unit. Temporary units will be used in case local hospital emergency room capacity is maxed out. Throughout Anacortes and Skagit County, government entities and organizations are responding to the crisis with decisions […]

March 10, 2020

Marine activity picks up

With spring just around the corner, boat activity is picking up. A weekend visit to Washington Park gave me opportunity to photograph a kayaker, recreational fishermen and state Fisheries officers. It’s the water!

March 7, 2020

Papa Murphy’s hosts young guests

Touring Papa Murphy’s in Anacortes last Wednesday morning were families from the Classical Conversations (CC) homeschool network. Field trips to the 20-year-old business are memorable events for hundreds of Anacortes children. A few of the older students in this group had visited the pizza shop before “in younger years.” All have been “consumers” of Papa […]

March 6, 2020

Shell announces Anacortes refinery up for sale

Equilon Enterprises LLC d/b/a Shell Oil Products U.S. (Shell), a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, announced it is marketing two of its refineries in the United States: Puget Sound near Anacortes and Mobile, Alabama. “The decision is consistent with the company’s previously disclosed plans to reshape its refining portfolio globally to leverage Shell’s natural […]

March 5, 2020

Island named a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital

Island Hospital has been named a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This annual award honoring rural-hospital performance is determined by iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength INDEXR, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. “We are very proud of this recognition by The Chartis Center,” said Island […]

March 4, 2020

First Friday Artwalk this week

The Anacortes First Friday Artwalk will take place Friday, March 6 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. 1109 8th Street, Worden Art Studio Meet freelance artist Scott Worden, who will be showing his acrylic landscapes as well as featuring his new automotive series at his new studio, Worden Art Studio. 705 Commercial Ave, Trinity Skate […]

February 29, 2020

Outward bound whale watchers

The world’s best opportunity to see wild orcas is right here, from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands, February through November. Pictured here Saturday morning on the way to another “Island Adventure” is IE5, a unique whale watching vessel operating out of Cap Sante Marina in downtown Anacortes.https://www.island-adventures.com/whale-watch-tours/anacortes-whale-watching

February 28, 2020

Gallery features Steven Hill

Scott Milo Gallery in downtown Anacortes welcomes back Lopez Island artist, Steven Hill, with his newest collection of boldly painted Northwest scenes in pastel. His collection will be featured drom March 6-31. Also showing are oils by Karen Bakke, oil paintings and ceramics by Susan Cohen Thompson, oils by Jennifer McGill and acrylics by John […]

February 21, 2020

Two of six Navy tugs

Currently under construction at Dakota Creek Industries (DCI) are tugboats for the U.S. Navy. Two of six tugs under order are pictured here, with another photo of a pilot house that will ultimately be lifted into place. Designed by Robert Allan Ltd., these 90-foot tugs will be used by the Navy to perform ship-handling […]