Back on solid ground

After 64 days at sea, with most of the time aboard the confines of Seaquel (27' long x 8.5' wide), it is nice to be back home on solid ground.  After catching up on yardwork, boat cleaning, and repairs, we spent much of the balance of the summer getting reacquainted with family.  And hiking.  Despite an ever-present haze in the air caused by rampant wild fires in both Washington State and British Columbia, it was nice to stretch our legs on some of our favorite hikes around Fidalgo Island near our home.

New Grandchildren!
But our first priority (within 20 minutes of reaching the dock upon our arrival from Alaska) was meeting our new grandson, James Augustine Steinbrecher who was born on June 27th while we were on our adventure.  Sarah and Andrew are proud parents, excited for a son after three daughters.  We posted newborn pictures previously, but here are a few updates on the grandkids:

Baby James is one very happy little guy!

Baby James held by Lydia, his youngest older sister!

September came, as did our latest grandchild, Nora Nicole Persha, born on September 20th.  Emily and Nick are through-the-roof excited to be first-time parents, and Baby Nora is precious!

Baby Nora hanging out with Aunt Nicole.  Nicole absolutely LOVES being an aunt!

The Leopold Crew (3rd Generation): the 1st picture of all 8 grandchildren together.  What happy kids!

But does Lydia look like the one who wanted to hold Baby Nora?  (Hint: that's why Lydia got the extra post above)

What blessings these grandkids are for Peggy and I; our 7th and 8th grandchildren (6 granddaughters and two grandsons).  We are further blessed that all eight live in the greater Seattle area, all within a 75 minute drive from where we have retired in Anacortes.  And "Aunt" Nicole is equally blessed and cherishes time with every one of them!

Back on solid ground - getting back into the hiking groove..
Fidalgo Island is not just a boater's paradise: it is also a hiker's dream and if we are not boating, rarely does a week (or a day) go by that we don't hit the trails.  Our dog Moxie has grown up thinking a "walk" means miles of mountain trails, lakes, ocean beaches, and swimming.  We are all spoiled!

The Anacortes Forest Lands (ACFL) boast 50 miles of wilderness trails among 2,800 acres of remarkably varied terrain that encompasses deep forests, two distinct mountains, and four picturesque lakes.

View from the top of Mt. Erie, a centerpiece of the ADFL trails.  At nearly 1,300 feet rising nearly vertical from sea level,

Mt. Erie towers over our home on Campbell Lake, with views extending beyond to Similk and Skagit Bays.

Additionally, Deception Pass State Park, the most popular state park in Washington is nearly adjacent to our home (the NE corner of the park actually touches Campbell Lake across from our home).  In fact, we launch Seaquel at Cornet Bay which is part of the park.  In total, Deception Pass State Park has over 4,000 acres, with nearly 15 miles of saltwater shoreline plus another 6.5 miles of freshwater shoreline on three lakes.  The varied terrain boasts rugged cliffs that afford breath-taking views, miles of beach hiking, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife.  There are nearly 50 miles of hiking trails within Deception Pass State Park in addition to the ACFL.

View of North Beach, which links to West Beach around the far point.

Combined, this portion of Deception Pass State Park affords over 4 miles round-trip of wilderness beach hiking.

Then there is Washington Park, a 220 acre peninsula jutting into Rosario and Guemes Channels, and what some consider the "crown jewel" of Fidalgo Island with additional hiking trails.  Almost incomprehensibly, there are over 100 miles of hiking trails within a 10-mile radius of our home on Campbell Lake, all accessible in less than a 10 minute drive - and without ever going through a single stoplight!  The multitude of trails encompass almost every type of hike one could wish for: bluff hikes, deep forest hikes, beach hikes, cliff scrambles, and even some paved ADA-approved paths that are accessible for Nicole's wheelchair.  A hiking paradise, indeed!

Washington Park offers numerous bluffs with fabulous opportunities for boat-watching.  Just around the corner
I have even spotted Orca Whale swimming in Rosario Strait, separating Fidalgo Island from Lopez and Decatur Islands.

The West-facing exposure provides unsurpassed sunset views with the San Juan Islands in the distance.

Last, but certainly not least, is Sharpe Park-Montgomery Dubin Headlands, which offers another 110 acres of coastal bluff wilderness and nearly 5 miles of multi-loop hiking trails and viewpoints.

View North and West from Sares Head atop the Sharpe Park-Montgomery-Dubin Headlands.  One can spend hours meandering the different loop hikes here, but this breathtaking highlight can be accessed an easy 20 minute one-way hike.  There may be no more scenic hike anywhere that is so gentle and easily accessed, and even close to town.  But if you want a more challenging work-out, hit the outer loops to include Porpoise Point and get lots of vertical to burn calories. 

So while we boat year-round, Fall is an ideal time to hit the trails, stretch our legs, and observe spectacular Fall colors.  Above I have highlighted some of our favorite hiking areas, all within 10 minutes from home.  Below, and in subsequent blogs, I will detail some of the specific hiking trails and the many stunning views that these wilderness trails offer.  Enjoy!

Rosario Beach to Bowman Bay to Reservation Head - 8/15/18
Our first hike upon returning from Alaska on August 4th was to one of our favorite destinations. Rosario Beach-Bowman Bay-Reservation Head combines all of our favorite elements into a single hike: waterfront bluffs, beach hiking, forest trails, and viewpoints to distant islands.  The multiple loops allow for doing the hike differently each time, or shortening/lengthening the hike as much or little as one wants...

Bluff trail with views to Bowman Bay

Note: look closely to see the sailboat on anchor in the middle of Bowman Bay.  We sometimes anchor Seaquel here for quickie-trips because this protected anchorage affords wonderful sunset views, sandy beaches, and extensive hiking.

Also note the hazy sky due to lingering summer wildfires in both Eastern Washington and British Columbia.

Sandy beach at the far south-end of Bowman Bay.
Every bit of visible land seen in this picture (and beyond) features hiking trails providing endless exploration!

View South and East toward historic Deception Pass Bridge.  Again, note the hazy sky due to distant wildfires.

View from Reservation Head back across Bowman Bay toward Rosario Head, the pronounced peninsula separating the Rosario Beach from Bowman Bay.  This is one of our favorite lunch spots, and Bald Eagles frequent the area too.

One of our infamous "Foot shots" documenting one our favorite views at the mid-point of our hike.

Thanks for viewing!

~Mark