Without the back story, there is nothing particularly dramatic about this photograph. The “drama” is the reality that this temporary fix to the I-5 Skagit River Bridge was accomplished so quickly after its disastrous collapse. I had the opportunity today to cross the bridge on its “debut day” after WSDOT and its contractors re-opened the freeway section for the first time since shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 23. Kudos to all — local, state and federal — who contributed to the success of this project on this vital stretch of highway.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Prompted by an afternoon stackup in traffic on Memorial Highway, I finally acted on my plan to scramble to the top of the dike and shoot this photo of the new Anacortes Water Treatment Plant on the Skagit River.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Dressed and ready for a full summer schedule is Seafarers’ Memorial Park, one of this community’s most beautiful park areas. See www.portofanacortes.com for a schedule of summer activities including live music on Wednesday and Friday nights.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Loaded and ready to go north are two of four Anacortes-made tanks bound for Alaska. The tanks were constructed by Haskell of Bellingham.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Two of my Anacortes images were published in the 2013-14 edition of the Greater Seattle InfoGuide, a 96-page glossy magazine subtitled: “Your Guide to Life in the Puget Sound Region.” A photograph of the Anacortes Spring Boat Show appeared in the “Living North” section, which included a brief article about Anacortes. The other photo appeared in the “Great Outdoors” section of the magazine. This photograph pictures Ayden Meehan (age 4 at the time) holding up a string of fish he caught at the Heart Lake Opening Day of Fishing Season. Always fun to “share” Anacortes with the rest of the world!

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

One of the speakers at Thursday’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon was Liz Merriman, president of the Deception Pass Park Foundation. In addition to making a general appeal for support of the Foundation, Merriman promoted a summer music series at the park. She also noted that Deception Pass State Park will be one of only two state parks to host a 100-year anniversary of the state parks system. That event will take place on August 3. For more information visit http://www.deceptionpassfoundation.org

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

I couldn’t help but photograph this amazing cloud formation yesterday on a trip to North Whidbey Island. Looking east on Troxell Road, just a half-mile from Highway 20.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Deep blue skies and billowy white clouds made the perfect backdrop for this “portrait” of the Burton Jeweler clock on Commercial Avenue Tuesday.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Staying ahead of the rain Tuesday morning were members of a painting crew at the Majestic Inn & Spa on Commercial Avenue. The “old” Majestic is getting a coat of paint to match that of the new Majestic structure next door.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

St. Merryfest 2013 is now in the books … and what a great weekend it was for fun at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Food, rides, entertainment and ice cream!

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Enjoying the morning sun Sunday was this bald eagle, perched on a power pole on 41st Street near Mt. Erie Elementary School.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Carnival lovers of all ages enjoyed the St. Merryfest in Anacortes this weekend. The festival, which also features food and live entertainment, runs until 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Among those honored today at an Anacortes School District “retiree tea” event were Terri Bakke-Schultz, Shirley Barrett, Linda Carol, Linda Robbins, Carol Springs, Charlotte Steinhorst and Judy Vandivert. Theirs were careers that impacted thousands of young people. Thank you for your service to the public education system!

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Among the many delights associated with summer sun is the response it draws from our rose bushes. This pink is a beauty, but I am partial to our Mr. Lincoln and its sweet aroma.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

My guess is guillemots? I couldn’t get any closer, but I couldn’t pass on the photo, either. These guys were playing around at Canoe Pass Sunday morning. I was on my way to the Waterfront Festival so I only stopped for a few minutes. Note: Thanks, Mitch and Terica. Both confirmed the birds are Black Guillemots.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

“My wake’s bigger than your wake.” Remote control tug goes one on one with a zodiac at Cap Sante Marina. Boats of all sizes filled the harbor last week

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

These are the afternoons memories are made of … little girls taking hands as they danced to the music of The Fentons at last weekend’s Waterfront Festival. Thank you, Chamber of Commerce, for this great family event.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

It was a great race, but when it came down to 1st place, the crew from Little Caesar’s took the lead early and had no trouble finishing first in the Anacortes Waterfront Festival Milk Carton boat competition. All five teams finished the race … and the crowd obviously had a great time. Speaking of great times, the Waterfront Festival at Cap Sante Marina provided thousands with a weekend to remember. Thanks, Anacortes Chamber of Commerce and Port of Anacortes!

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

There are still a few hours remaining to attend the Anacortes Waterfront Festival, teeming with options including delicious festival food (this little guy is enjoying a meal from Bangkok Bistro). Hop in your car and head to Cap Sante Marina … the action includes live music, exhibits, custom boat building, “water walking,” craft booths and more. Open until 5 p.m. Thanks, Anacortes Chamber of Commerce and festival sponsors!

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Once again this year, the “Qwik and Dirty” un-race (it’s a demonstration) drew a huge crowd at Cap Sante Marina. The event was exciting, and took place under ideal conditions. All finished, no one lost — including a vessel featuring Mayor Dean Maxwell and two contenders for his job: Laurie Gere and Brian Geer. Maybe if the boat had a third “gear” they would have claimed the trophy!

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

New to the Waterfront Festival this year is the “bubble boy (or girl)” pool … an opportunity to roll and splash without getting wet! Get on down to Cap Sante Marina and the 2013 Anacortes Waterfront Festival, open (free!) today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Crowley tug “Response” entertained a pre-banquet crowd on Pier 1 at the Port of Anacortes Friday night as part of the annual Waterfront Festival Kickoff. In addition to food and entertainment, the Port acknowledged “partners” including: Washington State Ferries; Greg Mustari, Nordic Northwest; MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design; PassageMaker Trawler Fest. Visit Cap Sante Marina Saturday and Sunday for the free, family friendly Waterfront Festival!

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Crews were hard at work early Friday morning in preparation for the 2013 Anacortes Waterfront Festival, one of the most exciting, family friendly festivals in the Northwest! Chamber crewmates included Stephanie, Mary and Cecilie, who assumes lead role for this “star” among many Chamber events. Children, fear not: the Rotary crew is also on hand, putting together the always-popular “build your own boat” booth, complete with sailing pool! Tonight is the annual kickoff dinner at the Port Event Center, and then we’re in for two great days of Waterfront Festival, Anacortes style. Come on down to Cap Sante Marina. It’s free!

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Among a collection of sunset photographs taken Tuesday night from hmy friend’s west side home was this “fiery” beauty. To see more of Del Zane’s images, visit www.delzane.com.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

I had occasion to visit Mount Vernon today, and opportunity during a traffic standstill to shoot this photo out the passenger window. Gone is the north section of this I-5 bridge, but word out of Olympia is that a temporary fix will result in re-opening of the freeway in mid-June. Thank God no one was seriously injured. Now it’s time for a few early departures, patience enroute, and a little extra time getting home…

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Among those paying their respects at Grand View Cemetery on Memorial Day was Anacortes resident Bill Thatcher, who served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He is pictured here talking to Erica Pickett and Bob Hyde (also a veteran: U.S. Navy). Thatcher, who served in the European and Pacific theaters, married Anacortes resident Frances Kimsey.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Veteran Ken Brown speaks during a Memorial Day service at Grand View Cemetery in Anacortes. The rainy day event was attended by a modest group of military veterans, family members and friends. See more photos in the Activities Journal.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

Flags are flying up and down Commercial Avenue in Anacortes as this seaside city joins countless other American communities in acknowledgement of Memorial Day 2013. Pictured here is the “Traveling Tribute” scale model of the Vietnam War Memorial. This model was on display in August 2011 in the parking lot of the Swinomish Casino. Today’s Anacortes activities include brief ceremonies at cemeteries on Guemes and Fidalgo islands. An 11 a.m. ceremony will be held at Grand View Cemetery; noon at Fern Hill Cemetery on Highway 20. Hosts include the American Legion Post 13 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

It seems that even among murals, there are more folks who choose the supervisor option than there are people who opt to work. These Bill Mitchell characters adorn the Port building that houses the Cortland Puget Sound Rope plant, one block from the Guemes Channel.

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

This dramatic photo, taken last night after the collapse of the I-5 bridge near Mount Vernon, was taken with a cell camera by Anacortes resident Shelley Stewart Wagner. Shelley was at the scene with her son Collin, who recognized accident victim Bryce Kenning as he waited on top of his car for rescue. Miraculously, none of the three people who were dropped into the frigid Skagit River suffered serious injuries. The other victims were Dan and Sally Sligh of Oak Harbor. Thank you for sharing, Shelley! For re-route information and a map, visit the state Department of Transportation website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Construction/PugetSound/detourmap.htm

ANACORTES TODAY
About Steve Berentson: A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.