Washington Pass

Pesky barriers were in the way, so I pushed my camera through a space in the bars Sunday for this shot of Diablo Lake in the North Cascades. I was fighting the sun, too, but it was a glorious afternoon for stops along the highway at Washington Pass.

Sun damage

Only a few hundred feet from the golf course at Desert Canyon in Orondo was this sun-bleached relic, a wooden chair with caning smashed and spilling onto the hot sand. Hints of color still remain on the two exposed legs.

East side killdeer

The killdeer is named for its frequently heard call. This weekend I'm on the east side of the Cascades, where there are many such birds in the neighborhood. Spotted a coyote the other day, too, but didn't have my camera handy.

Anacortes Marina

A birdseye view of Anacortes Marina on Fidalgo Bay.

Band of blue

The Guemes Channel, which separates Fidalgo and Guemes islands, features prominantly in this aerial photo. Note the contrast between Anacortes' busy shoreline and the rural character of Guemes, referred to by many as "Dog Island."

Public facilities

In this photograph you can find Island View Elementary School, Anacortes Middle School, Island Hospital, Anacortes Police Department/Municipal Court and the National Guard Armory/Boys and Girls Club. All within walking distance of each other.

South Fidalgo

South Fidalgo Island, Deception Pass visible on the horizon.

Fidalgo jewels

Fidalgo Island "jewels" Mt. Erie, Whistle Lake and Lake Campbell are all visible in this image. Oh, and don't forget the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, public-owned property that sets our city apart from others in yet another important way. Let me know if you're interested in aerial images of this area.

Seaside city

Anacortes, as viewed looking southwest from above the Guemes Channel. Port of Anacortes facilities in the foreground, Cap Sante Boat Haven in upper left corner.

Bridges tie islands

This photograph shows Deception Pass, Whidbey Island to left, Pass Island in center and Fidalgo Island to the right.

Anacortes aerials

If it's aerial photos of the area you're looking for, I'm your guy. Spent my Tuesday morning in the air, gathering hundreds of high resolution digital images of this island paradise. This shot features Skyline with the San Juans on the horizon.

Nine letters

Just for fun, I'm going to post a periodic sign ... painted, carved or otherwise ... bearing the unique name of Anacortes. Those who enjoy a challenge can write in to guess as to each sign's whereabouts.

Pulling hard

I love Deception Pass, pull over on a regular basis to shoot a new image. It is rare, however, that I see a shot like this one, a tug pulling logs through the Pass on the way to LaConner. Just like in the old days...

Celebrating family

It was an evening to remember. We've talked about it for awhile, and we finally got it done ... a gathering of Berentson men at the Edison Inn, less than a mile from where Grandfather Marion O. Berentson was born. Pictured here (l. to r.) are Dave, Duane, Richard, Steve and Dan. Dave and Dan are Duane's sons. Rich and I are sons of the late Buehl J. Berentson, Duane's older brother. The five of us have been blessed to have spent the bulk of our lives in Skagit County, all in business at one time or another. Duane and Dan have served in the public sector, too. Duane served 18 years in the State Legislature, followed by more than a decade as Washington State Secretary of Transportation. I had the pleasure of working with Duane when he ran for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 1979. He came up just short, with rival John Spellman going on to defeat Dixy Lee Ray in the general election. I then had the opportunity to work with Dan at the Skagit Valley Herald and the Skagit Argus. Dave and Rich continue to work together periodically in the building trades, Dave as owner of a plumbing business and Rich as owner of a construction company. Duane's retired now, splitting time between Burlington and Arizona with wife Joanne. It was great to spend time over dinner in the rich farming area Grandpa loved so much. Will have to do it again soon.

Temporary evidence

I decided to break in my new running shoes Saturday morning with a walk on the beach along the Guemes Channel. No use taking the risk of blowing them out before I can break them in. P.S. Summer mornings have been sweet in this corner God's great universe.