A Day on Whidbey Island

On the flight from London to Raleigh in early December, I read an article in the in-flight magazine about a couple who met on a flight from Paris to Seattle and learned that they lived only a few miles apart. They went on to date and, eventually, get married. The marriage ceremony and weekend-long reception was held at Whidbey Island. The photos in the article were stunning and I made a mental note to go there.

Today was the day.

This morning, I packed a picnic lunch and we piled into the car. We were planning a full day out, but really weren't sure what we'd get into, only that we'd eat dinner out and be home by the kids' bedtime.

Whidbey Island is about 25 miles north of Seattle. You have to take the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry to get on the island. We crossed over at about 11am this morning. We spent the whole day on the island, driving as far north as we could--to the town of Anacortes. Then we drove all the way back to Clinton and took the 6pm ferry back to the mainland.

We drove from Bellevue (not on this map) north to Mukilteo (bottom right of map),
crossed over by ferry, and drove through the towns of Freeland, Greenbank. Coupville,
Oak Harbor, Deception Pass, and Anacortes. We stopped to play on the beach, hike,
and eat our picnic lunch at Libbey Beach in the the Fort Ebey State Park. (source)

On the Ferry

Boarding. It's a bit drizzly.

M&Ms!

At the front of the ferry.

Libbey Beach at Fort Ebey State Park

Merrit points the way.

We walked from the car park up and then down a steep trail to the beach.

Chilly waters.

We had the beach to ourselves.

Discovery.

Merrit found a bridge someone had built out of logs.

Peaceful.

The bay through a hole in a huge driftwood log.

Picnicker 1.

Picnicker 2.

Seaside vignette. Beautiful.

Merrit, my photographer, took this one. Thanks buddy.

Petrified wood?

Self-portrait.

The water is the Straight of Juan de Fuca and the mountains in the
distance are (I believe) the Olympic mountains.

Ollie found part of a crab shell.

Merrit found what looks to be a huge stem of seaweed.

All three boys carrying sticks. It's on the Y chromosome.

A Short Hike to Lake Pondilla

We walked about 1/4 mile to a nearby lake.

Lake Pondilla.

Ollie poking around.

Merrit skipping rocks.

Crossing Deception Pass

Two bridges connect Whidbey Island with Fidalgo Island (just north).

We were treated to stunning views from both sides of the biggest bridge.

We didn't stop to get out and walk the bridge though lots of people do.
Next time...
There is a state park here that allows camping. Maybe this summer?

Dinner in Coupville

Our plan was to eat at Toby's tavern and restaurant, which is (according to
the tourist magazine I picked up on the ferry) supposed to have the best
mussels on the island, harvested right from Penn Cove. 

As soon as we opened the door, the bartended told
us no one under 21 is allowed inside.
What is this, Scotland? 

Coupville has a sort of Old West feel to it. I believe most of the buildings
lining both sides of Front Street were originally built in the late 1800s.

Directly behind the buildings on the east side of Front Street is Penn Cove.

The town dock.

We settled for the Front Street Grill. Also good. I had
the Oyster Po' Boy (shared with Ollie) and Mike had the
cheeseburger (shared with Merrit). Glass of wine, nice
view. What a way to end the day.

My little Oyster Po' Boy.

My two cheeseburgers.

Dining without whining. (The kids were pretty good.)

After dinner we walked up the street a bit. Most of the
shops were already closed for the day.

We did duck into a place called "A Touch of Dutch."
Sort of bizarre.

Cute sign outside of "A Touch of Dutch."

After dinner, we drove to Clinton in the dark, boarded the ferry, rode across to Mukilteo, and drove back to Bellevue. Boys were pajama'ed, toothbrush'ed, and in bed by 7:30. Right on schedule! 

It's definitely off-season at Whidbey Island right now but just look at some of the fun things coming up later this year...we're so totally marking our calendars!

March 3, 4 - Mussel Fest

March, April, May - Whale Watching Tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

May 21 - Day of Wine and Rhodies at the Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens

Aug 11, 12 - Whidbey Island Highland Games

A Sudsy Treat

It's the little things...

Like sitting in the front seat, sucking on a lollipop, while the car goes through the car wash!

Rich and La Carta de Oaxaca

Did you know I have two brothers out here in Seattle? It's true. My brother Ryan lives in Seattle and works just a couple of blocks from Mike here in Bellevue and my brother Rich lives and works in Seattle. I am excited to spend time with my younger brothers now that we live here and to let the boys spend more time with their uncles. 

Last night, Rich--a self-admitted food snob--suggested we get together at an authentic Mexican restaurant. I knew that any place Rich suggested would be fantastic, and he didn't disappoint. Everything was made to order. Each dish had subtle flavors and was served with wonderful sides like with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, lime wedges, or orange slices. It was so fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented.

The restaurant is called La Carta de Oaxaca. Check out their site and be sure to click on the the "fotos" link. The food is beautiful to look at and some of the behind-the-scenes kitchen photos are really interesting. Everything is prepared like it would be in Mexico. 

One thing we really missed in England was good Mexican food. Last night, we ate like Mexican kings! 

Freshly-made tortilla chips, guacamole, and multiple salsas.

Love the Mexican wrestler-themed metalwork on the walls. Reminded us
of our artist friend, Dave Rose, and his obsession with luchadores.

Rich and Merrit in a salsa taste-off. Who can handle the spiciest one?
Turns out, they're both pretty hard core.

Halibut tacos. These were amazing! Probably my favorite dish of the meal.
We ate tapas style. Rich knew the menu and just ordered a bunch of different
dishes for us to share. 

Rich taking photos of the food. (He and I both do that!)
Foodies.

Rich took a picture of the four of us just after all the food arrived but
before we dug in!  What a night! Thanks for a fantastic night out, Rich. :)