SKAGIT VALLEY - BIRDS AND MORE BIRDS

SCHOOL BUS WAITING SHED...SOME FOLKS TAKE GOOD CARE FOR CHILDREN SAFETY

FOUR BALD EAGLES, 2 RAVENS & LOTS OF STARLINGS IN THIS TREE

BLUEBERRY PLANTS - WINTERING OVER

FIELDS ARE FLOODED FROM RAIN

PADILLA BAY - WHITE CAPS & COLD WITH CONSTANT DRIZZLE

WINDSOCK - VERY WINDY DAY...VERY COLD DAY

BAYVIEW - NICE STROLLER - COLD AND WINDY DAY

PADILLA BAY RESERVE...SUPPORTED BY N.O.AA / O.C.R.M, AND WASHINGTON STATE DEPT OF ECOLOGY...www.padillabay.gov

BAYVIEW, WASHINGTON - ON PADILLA BAY

PADILLA BAY DIKE WATERFRONT TRAIL

HWY 20 BRIDGE OVER LA CONNER CANAL...CASINO ON LEFT

HIGHWAY 20 AT WHIDBEY ISLAND TURNOFF

ANDIE & LARRY.Thanks for the ride

DAY 5 – SKAGIT VALLEY

Spent a restful but NOISY night…It rained nearly all night, pounding on SPIA’s rooftop.

Again went to sleep early…not nearly yet in shape to take on 30 – 40 mile days…just 6 hours hoof’n it tuckers me out.

Must say, however, that having SPIA is a dream.

Keeping walks close by…usually within 5 miles or, so get to rest up, eat something, and change into dry clothes every 2 – 3 hours.

Have also discovered SPIA to have a superb system of generating electricity and producing HEAT.

Using the Inverter, we have 120 volt electricity on demand (as long as SPIA’s motor is running), which is great for charging phone and camera batteries and for the Mini Computer when going on line. On batteries, the Mini Computer is VERY slow when on line.

While generating electricity, turn SPIA”s Heater on full. Since the cab is fully open to the camper living area, the whole place is nice and warm within 5 minutes. Does consume additional gasoline...but used sparingly - wear sweaters, etc - should be manageable.

Cannot tell what a pleasure all that is over last Summer.

Started the day with Pancakes and fried eggs chased with hot tea…not bad, Huh?

At 8:30 am, started walking West and South towards the small town of BAYVIEW, WASHINGTON, located on the East Shore of Padilla Bay – not far from ANACORTES Oil Refineries.

Was planning on turning around after 1.5 hours, but felt great so kept going. Got all the way to Bayview, about 8 miles and 2 hours out. Turned around and walked back about 4 miles when a nice lady & her man passenger stopped to give me a ride. Andie and Larry dropped me off right next to SPIA…their kindness gave me an extra hour of walking.

Drove SPIA to Bayview, parked, and walked South along the Padilla Waterfront Trail which reaches within a mile or so of Highway 20…the roadway we will take to Whidbey Island tomorrow.

The Waterfront Trail is actually a massive DIKE, holding back the shallow waters of Padilla Bay, creating large tracts of recovered land which is under cultivation – mostly under rainwater at the moment.

Walked to Highway 20 and halfway back when another kind fellow, John, stopped his truck for me. John delivered me to SPIA’s doorstep. Another 45 minutes saved for later walking.

Drove SPIA to the Casino alongside the Bridge over the navigable canal from Bellingham Bay to the South Sound via LA CONNER, WASHINGTON. Many the time I sailed TICINO and JOURNEY, my two magnificent yachts, through that canal on my way to Seattle or Tacoma.

Seems everywhere I walk, I already been there.

Parked SPIA at the Casino and walked back over the Canal Bridge to the point on Highway 20 I reached an hour or so earlier…then walked back to SPIA.

Again walked from SPIA West along Highway 20 for one mile and return.

Moved SPIA again – always forward – for the last time today to where Highway 20 hangs a left to Whidbey Island. The main road goes on another 4 miles to ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, where one catches the Ferry to the San Juan Islands and VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA.

Took one last walk back along Highway 20 to where I turned around earlier…and then back to SPIA.

We are parked in a open space next to the Corner Restaurant. Have tons of food on board SPIA, but felt like being pampered, so treated myself to a nice country roast beef dinner…$11.00, including Salad.

Now, back at SPIA at 6:15 pm, writing this on the Mini Computer, using the BIG Key Board, with the Mini on Battery…Battery works just find when not on the Net.

A bit later will start up SPIA again for her electricity, put the Mini on line, Paste this into my blog and download today’s pictures.

Tons of Birds today. Bet I saw 20 Bald Eagles.

PROGRESS REPORT: WALKED 31 MILES (less 4 miles rides) COUNT 16 MILES

SEE YOUR IMPACT: 16 MILES @ $0.02 = $0.32 FOR THE DAY

Tomorrow, will walk to Deception Pass and onto Whidbey Island...try to reach OAK HARBOR, WASHINGTON.

DAY 4 - SKAGIT VALLEY DELTA

SAN JUAN ISLANDS...FROM CHUCKANUT DRIVE

OYSTER SHELLS LINING ROAD DOWN TO THE OYSTER FARM...When I was a kid (back in 1930's & 1940's), pile after pile of Oyster Shells - some over 50 feet high - line the roads along Hood Canal. Joanie, my first wife now deceased, loved to walk Hood Canal beaches, carrying a oyster knife...she would pluck up an oyster...some nearly a foot in diameter, shuck it open and swallow the critter whole...still alive...ate my first COOKED oyster only four years ago...thanks Tom.

TERRY OF TAYLOR'S SHELLFISH FARM

FALLEN ROCKS ON CHUCKANUT DRIVE

CHUCKANUT DRIVE EXITING INTO SKAGIT VALLEY

CHUCKANUT MANOR INN & B&B

CHUCKANUT DRIVE WATERFALL - MANY SUCH FALLING OFF THE MOUNTAIN

FLYING TRUMPETER SWANS

BALD EAGLE - SAW MANY TODAY

TRUMPETER SWANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY (For you, Les & Lynn)

MT. CHUCKANUT...C'NUT DRIVE GOES ALONG THOSE HILLS

THE RIVER...PARKE HERE FOR THE NIGHT...NICE

Will say this only once...

I DO NOT WANT TO BE OUT HERE WALKING ACROSS AMERICA.

I never have wanted to do this. Rejection is a strong and cruel thing. For ten years that has been with me. A few kind words...talk openly and with compassion...and a hug now and then...I would never leave again.

I love you "E"...I just wish I knew why you hate me so much.

There...you will not hear any of this from me again.

* * * * * * *

Up at 5:30 am in SPIA in Larrabee State Park...Raining Cats and Dogs and still blowing.

Whipped up some hot cereal eased down with hot tea and drove out of the Park ...still dark outside.

Stopped 4 miles South on Chuckanut Drive, parked, and walked back to Larrabee State Park - without SAM. There is no room for SAM on Chuckanut Drive...hardly room for a walker at all.

Lots of big and small rock were tumbling down off the cliffs onto the roadway. Walking back to the Park, removed a few rocks from the macadam. On the way back - not 45 minutes later, more rocks - some quite large - had fallen onto the roadway...removed them too.

Arriving back at SPIA, was not hungry, so walked on a mile or so to Taylor's Shellfish Farm at Oyster Inn. Walked half way down the mountain to the Farm, when I realized I had no $$, so turned around and walked back to SPIA.

Drove SPIA to the Oyster Inn. Parked and walked (with $$ this time) to Taylor's Farm. Met Tracy, from whom I bought a dozen small oysters - with preparation instructions - and a whole Dungeness Crab - already cooked...total + $11.00. Took them back & put them in SPIA's refrigerator. Tracy says they are good for 5 days if covered with a wet cloth in the fridge...oysters are still alive.

First sunny day, out comes the BBQ & we'll have a treat...failing Sun, will do them in SPIA's ample Propane oven...oysters must be "belly" side down...otherwise the juice all drains out, leaving them dry and chewy. OK.

Walked from Oyster Inn to the Lobster Bar...then back to SPIA. Drove SPIA out of the Mountain onto Skagit Valley Flatlands and parked at Chuckanut Manor IN...an upscale Restaurant and B & B...right on the Salish Sound.

Walked back to the Lobster Bar (still in the hills of Chuckanut Drive) and back to SPIA...continuing on another 3 miles to BOW, WASHINGTON...three stores and a crossroads...then back to SPIA. Drove SPIA thru Bow, took a right turn onto (cannot remember the name) ...NEXT DAY: "EDISON"...That is the name of the Road and the Town...road and into the tiny town (EDISON) which has the heavenly bread. Parked. Bought a loaf of bread. Then walked back to Bow and return.

Was getting on in the afternoon by this time, so decided to use the remaining hour or so of daylight by walking West...after a mile or two, came upon a small river and a good spot for parking overnight.

Walked back to SPIA; drove to the newly-found parking spot, and got settled just at dark. Three Hen Pheasants moved slowly off the parking spot as We drove up.

PROGRESS REPORT: Walked 22 miles; counting only 11 miles.

SEE YOUR IMPACT: Walked 11 miles @ $0.02 / mile = $0.22 for the day.

Met and photographed numerous birds today...hope you they are interesting.

P.S,: Oh, yes...it rained hard most of the day. Wind came up during the night and rain pounded SPIA.

Was very tired, ate a good evening meal, and slipped into the feathers at 5:30 pm. Read from my new Kindle for a bit...next thing I knew it was 12:30 am...raining and blowing like crazy.

DAY 3 - JANUARY 15, 2011

BELLINGHAM HISTORY

B'HAM-FAIRHAVEN WATERFRONT TRAIL

STRETCHING ON B'HAM-FAIRHAVEN WATERFRONT TRAIL

BICYCLES ON B'HAM-FAIRHAVEN WATERFRONT TRAIL

FAIRHAVEN MAIN STREET

JIM'S "DOS PADRES" FAIRHAVEN, WASHINGTON

INFORMATION, PLEASE

CHUCKANUT DRIVE BEGINS

CHUCKANUT BAY COMMUNITY

CHUCKANUT BAY COMMUNITY

SAD...BUT NECESSARY SOMETIMES

CHUCKANUT HIKING TRAIL

SPIA AT LARRABEE STATE PARK

SPIA'S FIRST GUESTS...SUZANNE & STEPHEN

DAY 3 – BELLINGHAM; FAIRHAVEN; CHUCKANUT

Must say sleeping in my own familiar bed last night was a pleasure…not that SPIA is not also comfy. Just sad My Significant Other no longer speaks to me…10 lost years…and I have not the slightest idea why…would gladly give up our entire walk for a few kind words and a warm hug.

It is as it is

SPIA, SAM & ME left with low spirit…not knowing when we would return.

Drove SPIA to Bellingham-Fairhaven Boulevard Park. Left SAM at rest on board SPIA. Walked North through Bellingham to yesterday’s stopping point and returned to SPIA.

Then, SAM still absent, walked to Fairhaven and return to SPIA along the Waterfront Pathway.

Made lunch aboard SPIA…sure beats trying to eat out of a tent or the Van…then drove to Larrabee State Park midway along Chuckanut Drive. Parked SPIA in Campground Space # 40. Checked in, only to discover Seniors stay FREE during Winter months.

Again leaving SAM on board SPIA, walked back to Fairhaven and returned to Larrabee State Park…was not tired, so continued walking South on Chuckanut Drive for 3 miles or so.

Stopped to take a pic of the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Mountains beyond, only to see a massive cold front moving quickly directly towards me. Turned back North, arriving at SPIA as the first drops fell.

Warm cozy SPIA…such a palace compared to previous camping out or surviving in cramped Van last Summer. Cooked up some pasta; made a ham & turkey Sub, and opened a cool bottle of Chardonnay.

Half an hour later – about 4:30 pm, welcomed Suzanne and Hubby Stephen as SPIA’s very first guests. Over glasses of Chardonnay and Burgundy Wine, we passed the next 2 hours or so.

Since returning to SPIA, it has rained pitchforks.

Lucky that early this morning, stopped at Hardware Sales, picking up a tube of “underwater” sealant. During SPIA’s first two days of intense rain – walking & rolling to the Peace Arch and back to Bellingham, a leak developed in one of SPIA’s skylights.

This morning was very pleasant…no rain… Climbed SPIA’s ladder and repaired a cracked skylight seal. Seems to have been a successful repair job as no sign of drips this evening.

Having SPIA has been another benefit…brought along a full-size keyboard for the Mini-Computer…WOW, what a pleasure not to have to hunt and peck those tiny HP keys.

PROGRESS REPORT: Walked 26 miles today, counting only 12 miles

SEE YOUR IMPACT: 12 miles @ $0.02 = $0.24 for the day.

Tomorrow, will drive SPIA to the Oyster Bay Restaurant and park. Will walk back to today’s turn-around point and back to SPIA. Plan to walk to the Oyster Bay Fishery to pick up a couple pounds of oysters which will go into SPIA'S refrigerator. When the rain lets up for a couple hours, will take out the BBQ (propane fired) and cook them up.

A feast for a King…downed with our second bottle of Chardonnay….YUM !

Tomorrow afternoon will walk South out of Chuckanut Drive into Skagit Valley. Plan to overnight in BOW, WASHINGTON, which has a bakery producing the finest Breads this side of Heaven….Which will be loaded in SPIA’s freezer for later pleasure.

This walking thing could become a real pleasure..

DAY TWO, - 01/14/11

I-5 SOUTH OF FERNDALE. (President Eisenhower is the "father" of America's Freeway System)

FERNDALE FEED PROCESSING PLANT - CARGILL

CARGILL ANIMAL FEED FACTORY IN FERNDALE

WIND DOES BLOW IN FERNDALE

RAILROAD BRIDGE IN FERNDALE

RAILROAD BRIDGE USED TO ROTATE

FERNDALE LOVES THE SEAHAWKS

FERNDALE LIKES MEXICAN

FERNDALE BRIDGE

SOME REALLY LOW OVERPASSES IN FERNDALE, WASHINGTON

FERNDALE BARBER SHOP...YES, CLIENT SAID OK TO PUBLISH

FERNDALE IN THE RAIN

Pleased not to have stiff muscles completing yesterday's walk in the slush.

One hour later, hobbling five feet was a major effort.

Decided to buy some food from the Supermarket. Struggling to the store, happened past BOB'S BURGERS & BREW. Had never been in one of Bob's new restaurants. Went on by...reached the store...turned to look at Bob's,...and what the heck...turned around and spent the next 1.5 hours enjoying a really classy Sports Bar with full Restaurant in the next room.

"A beer"..."what kind"..."something NOT sweet or with an aftertaste?"..."Will bring a sample".

Took a sip...yikes, this is good beer.

You like it?

Yes!

A glass or a mug?

A mug, please

Bob's Mug looks like a half-gallon...downed the entire thing.

And, a 6 0z Burger with fried pineapple slices and Potato Salad

Burger came. It FILLED the platter leaving little room for the two-bowl size serving of Potato Salad.

DELICIOUS...absolutely Delicious.

May I come back to watch the Dawgs Basketball Game.

Sure...hang all night if you like.

BOBS BURGERS AND BREW...a local success...a State-Wide success...and if not terribly off base, a soon-to-be National success.

Slept OK...as soon as the sleeping bag was fully unzipped forming a neat Duvet'.

Up before daylight.

WIND was howling up a storm rocking SPIA nearly bottoming out her springs.

Whipped up some rolled oats with raisins and brown sugar topped off with two cups of strong tea made up in a wide-mouth thermos last evening.

Stepped out of SPIA...nearly got blown onto the snow-covered ground.

No way SAM is going out into this.

SAM, snug on SPIA, took off North for FERNDALE, WASHINGTON, 2 miles away. Walked through town, crossed under the I-5 overpass and another 2 miles to the spot SAM & ME turned around last evening.

Then, walked back to SPIA, arriving 2.5 hours after starting out.

Rained buckets and blew stink the entire time.

Ate some of Bob's left-over potato salad together with a ham / turkey sandwich on a New York BUN.

So much more pleasant on board SPIA.

35 minutes later, was out in the hurricane again, heading South to Bellingham.

The wind was so fierce that it stood me up several times.

Reached Fred Meyers, on Bakerview Road. Turned around and let the wind push all the way back to SPIA.

Was not nearly so pooped out as yesterday.

Spent the rest of the day taking care of old business loose ends, banking details, and resting in my comfy room at home...where will spend a restful night.

In the morning, plan to walk across Bellingham and take a good chunk out of Chuckanut Bay Road - see prior blog

All things being equal and no major problems, see no reason to return to Bellingham before reaching Key West...say about November or so.

High on the list is AVOIDING INJURY...EATING LIKE A KING...SLEEPING LIKE A BABY.

Walking and Rolling, SAM & ME, can be quite successful should I behave myself.

PROGRESS REPORT: Walked 20 miles today...count only 10 miles

SEEYOURIMPACT: add 10 miles @ $0.02 / mile = $0.20 for the day...$0.44 total.

YES, E...SAM & ME ARE REALLY WALKING TO KEY WEST

BIRCH BAY MALL - SAM & ME'S STARTING POINT

SAM AT THE PEACE ARCH...IT'S RAINING HARD, FOLKS SAM AT U.S. PORT OF ENTRY

SAM & SPIA...I-5 IN THE BACKGROUND

SAM ENTERING BLAINE, WASHINGTON...PEACE ARCH 4 MILES AHEAD...

IT WAS RAINING AND VERY COLD...SAM IS SUCH A JEWEL...

SAM ON US 99...YES, SAM'S FRONT DRIVE WHEEL PULLED HER THROUGH ALL THAT SNOW !!!!! (When cars came by, SAM & ME got off the pavement).

SAM ABOUT TO ENTER PEACE ARCH PARK...It's raining folks...

SAM LEAVING THE PEACE ARCH, US - CANADA BORDER

SAM & ME AT THE PEACE ARCH, JANUARY 13, 2011

Before daybreak yesterday, Thursday, January 13, 2011, SPIA delivered SAM & ME to the Mall on Interstate 5 South of BLAINE, WASHINGTON.

SAM was off-loaded, checked out and found to be NOT wanting.

At 9:30 AM, SAM & ME Walked & Rolled up old US 99, arriving at the Peace Arch two hours later in a torrential down-pour. A kind sole, George - returning from the "Men's Room" - while waiting in line to clear US Customs from Canada, kindly offered to photograph SAM & ME standing under the Peace Arch.

SAM nearly became stuck in the rain-soaked turf. Glad she has a motor driven front wheel...she nicely pulled her buried wheels back to the Park Trail...but Oh, the Volts consumed to do so...

Last Spring, SAM & ME were sent on our way from the Peace Arch by a large group of friends, media, and video.

This time...just SAM & ME - and George. Plus, about 200 cars looking on while waiting in line to clear Customs.

Our Walk and Roll was unique for two reasons: First; US 99 has NO berm. The grass pull off area was saturated with snow and water. Not to hold up traffic, SAM moved off the concrete / macadam onto the gooey sides, becoming nearly buried. Took lots of extra battery power for SAM to pull herself along as a more-than-normal amount of traffic slowly passed by in the heavy downpour. (SAM is built to be nearly waterproof. So far, rain has NOT effected her performance...wish could say the same about ME.)

Also unique in that: KIM...a petite plus-60 bouncing bundle of woman met SAM & ME walking along US 99. Recently immigrated from INCHON, KOREA (near where I was stationed 60 years ago), Kim says she is bored and looking for something exciting. Immediately, Kim volunteered to be SPIA's driver. All well and good, but I doubt Kim could see over the steering wheel. Kim walked for 20 minutes with SAM & ME...at a snail pace. Said we must get on our way..."No problem...I catch you on your way back...then I come with you..."

Did not meet Kim on the way back, but fully expect her to catch up with SAM & ME as her parting words were..."you have not seen the last of me...I will find you..."

Oh, Me, Oh, My...

Kim did not allow a picture..."I don't want my friends in Inchon to see me..." she said.

PROGRESS REPORT: Walked & Rolled 24 miles...count only 12 miles.

SEE YOUR IMPACT: Credit 12 miles @ $0.02 / mile = $0.24 for the day.

(interested in my association with See Your Impact?...go to SeeYourImpact.org...Ask for Shari Goetsch.)