Cool directory of Anacortes trail system

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=113048330800262859953.000470717b5267ffa5310&t=h&ll=48.499773,-122.623901&spn=0.116021,0.221786&z=11

Above photo was taken from trail on the east side of Little Cranberry Lake. Click on link above to visit a very cool directory of hiking trails in this area.

State provides Lake Washington eaglecam

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildwatch/eaglecam/video_lw.html

I read today on the Internet about an eaglecam (live video) in Iowa that has "gone viral," attracting millions of viewers across the country. I thought immediately of our own state, and the fact that the state Department of Fish and Wildlife features several webcams "starring" a variety of birds and animals. Among the sites is an eagle's nest on Lake Washington. Click on the link above to become part of this Northwest eagle family's viewing audience. (Note: photo above is an eagle roosting at March's Point)

High school talent pool runs deep

http://ahs.smugmug.com/LipDub/Lip-Dub-Video/16406225_LZVzZ#1234053185_XGez8

It's crazy, I'm tellin' ya! Check out the Anacortes High School "lip dub" entry for 2011, filmed on March 25. Click on the link above and type in the password "Seahawks."

Library celebrates 100th anniversary

http://library.cityofanacortes.org/rooms/portal/page/Sirsi_HOME The public library my generation knew is gone, but that is good news. It is, in fact, the "old" library -- and more. This month the library features a series of centennial events. My recommendation is an on-site visit, but in addition to that, I urge you to click on the link at the top of this blog entry to "visit" online. This site offers an impressive menu of resources including links to other useful internet sources.

Anacortes man nabs second place

http://www.anacortessalmonderby.com/

It was good times for Anacortes resident Pat Barton (left) last weekend as his second place fish netted him $5,000 in the 2011 Anacortes Salmon Derby. Also pictured here is Derby organizer Jay Field of the Fidalgo Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers. Click on the link above to visit the Derby website, which features derby results and some great photographs.

Anacortes Salmon Derby preparation

As Saturday approaches I grow more excited about the prospect of bringing in the top fish at the 2011 Anacortes Salmon Derby. If not me, who? If not this weekend, when? Pictured above is evidence of my commitment to the derby, operated annually out of Cap Sante Boat Haven. I would feel bad about the other derby participants who don't take home the top prize, but there are so many other prizes, ranging from cash to merchandise. Will hit the water bright and early with skipper (and brother in law) Jim, who trailers his boat from Fox Island for this most excellent derby. We'll be joined by son Mark, whose primarily job will be to keep the snacks and hot coffee coming my way. This is a great derby that brings lots of folks to town for the weekend, and raises money for college scholarships to boot! Thanks to the Fidalgo Chapter of the Puget Sound Anglers Association. Click on photo to link to derby website.

Local photos in state travel planner

http://www.experiencewa.com/
I was pleased today to receive in the mail my "Official Washington State 2011 Travel Planner," a 150-page magazine published by the state Department of Commerce. Two of my Pass Lake fly fishing photographs and a shot of the LaConner "Rainbow Bridge" were selected for the editorial section. A VisitSkagitValley.com advertisement included the same Rainbow Bridge shot and a photo I took of an amateur painter doing her thing in Skagit Valley tulip fields.