In the News

December 8, 2020

Rosario textures

Rain was light this morning so I ventured out to Rosario Beach. Pictured here are the trunk of a massive tree at the entry to the park and a closeup of one side of the two-sided Maiden of Deception Pass sculpture commissioned 37 years ago by the Samish Tribe. Sculptor is Tracy Powell. If you […]

December 7, 2020

Town Crier looks to Canada in 2021

Anacortes Town Crier Richard Riddell has confirmed that in the summer of 2021 he will relocate to Nova Scotia, Canada. Richard, a familiar face — and familiar voice — has livened up many community events with his considerable talents. From Opening Day of Boating Season to 4th of July festivities, from Christmas Parade to Waterfront […]

December 6, 2020

Fidalgo’s Kukutali Preserve

Kukutali, which in the native Swinomish Tribal language means “place of cattail mats,” is a wonderful near-island managed in partnership between the tribe and state parks. Walk a narrow band of land to this place of beach and forest. Beautiful trees tower above on the forest trail, with many madrona trees growing both in forest […]

December 5, 2020

Anacortes lights up for Christmas

Undeterred by coronavirus, Anacortes business people have “lit up” the community, dressing in holiday tradition for the Christmas season. Up and down Commercial Avenue and side streets, merchants, restaurateurs, professionals and hotel/motel operators have brightened their windows and interiors with seasonal decorations. Outside, the City and Chamber of Commerce have partnered to decorate with wreaths […]

December 4, 2020

Salvation Army launches kettle campaign

It’s that time of year: Christmas cheer and more opportunities to contribute to the lives of others. Look (and listen) for Christmas Red Kettle ringers in town, representing the Salvation Army Anacortes Corps. Pictured here at Safeway is 19-year kettle ringing veteran Daniel Schenker. Look to an AnacortesToday banner ad with the Salvation Army: click […]

December 3, 2020

USS Nimitz redeployed

U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz was redeployed to the Gulf this week. Reuters reports that Commander Rebecca Rebarich, spokeswoman for the U.S. Navy’s Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet, said the redeployment was related to a U.S. drawdown in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among those deployed on the Nimitz earlier this year is VAQ-139 of NAS Whidbey. (Photo from […]

November 30, 2020

Eagles in the neighborhood

I noticed today on a Facebook post the frustration expressed by a photographer who discovered only one eagle on an Upriver Skagit outing. These four photos are all taken “in the neighborhood” over the past few days, two at sites seasonally occupied by ospreys. Two lakeside, two near saltwater shores. I can never get […]

November 28, 2020

Gallery features Saia landscapes

From Dec. 4 through Jan. 26, Scott Milo Gallery presents a show with landscapes in richly intense pastel by Teresa Saia of Whidbey Island. Saia brings her bold jewel tone palette to fill the gallery with images of the Northwest and a few from Paris. Also showing will be still life photographs by Randy Dana, […]

November 27, 2020

Northern Shovelers, lake visit

Nothing “black” about this Friday! I was pleased today to encounter Northern Shoveler ducks on Cranberry Lake in Deception Pass State Park. Beautiful birds.

November 25, 2020

Lottie Bay beach

I (and many others) spent part of my Thanksgiving Eve in the Bowman Bay neighborhood. That included a beach walk on Lottie Bay, with sightings of many ducks and a harbor seal. Beaches are littered with “sea debris” from recent winds, combined with high tide. It was nice to see a few families out with […]

November 23, 2020

North Basin, naturally

It might not classify as a physically challenging adventure, but the North Basin neighborhood at Cap Sante Marina is a wonderful place for a relaxing walk at water’s edge. My Monday visit included sightings of a loon, a chipmunk, two bucks and many tiny forest birds. Don’t forget natural flora … and there is often […]