March 14-21st ~ Whidbey Island, Washington
Flying over Northern California
We just returned from a short visit to see my little sister and brother-in-law on Whidbey Island which is in the north-west part of Washington State, not far from the Canadian Border. On the flight north, we noticed the higher than normal snow fall this year. It is a welcome relief and we remain optimistic that our current drought will be eased this spring with the melt off.
As are many of our friends, we are at the age where our parents have recently passed, or are at a stage where it is no longer safe for them to live alone. Last fall they made the decision that Mark’s mother, Ellen, would move into their home.
Even under the best of situations, the changed dynamics can by challenging at times, and all families need an occasional break. Tim and I volunteered to stay with Ellen so that they could take a mini vacation to drive up to Victoria, BC.
Ellen asked me if Tim and I were there to visit my sister, or to baby sit with her. I let her know that it was a little of both 🙂
Ellen, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with her green sweater
One of the highlights of our visit to see them is the magnificent views they have. Sitting high up on a cliff, with huge windows from the living room, dining room, kitchen, loft and master bedroom, they get to enjoy a breathtaking panorama.
View from the deck
We must have brought some California sunshine with us, as we were treated to a couple of days of lovely weather – especially being March! We did not miss the opportunity to get outside and take a nice walk at Deception Pass State Park.
An easy 1.2 mile walk
My sister, Jan, in front of a 850 year old Douglas Fir tree
Deception Pass State Park
Moss covered trees in the park
View while crossing Deception Pass Bridge
Ellen (holding Leo), Tim and Joanne
Joanne and Jan
Our final night was spent in Bellingham for a very short visit with, Alecia, a dear friend from high school, and her husband Stefan. Shame on me, no photos were taken. They recently moved into a beautiful new home that they lovingly designed and had built. Not only did they open their home to us, but even got up quite early the next morning to drive us to the airport. Much appreciated!
Ellie Mae got picked up from the RV dealership upon our return to Los Angeles. I’m still grumbling that it took a month and several items were not repaired. It is a good thing that Tim has the patience of Job and worked through most of the issues with them. We are looking forward to many miles of road trips in the near future.
But FIRST, we have our next Gate 1 tour that departs on April 4th to Copper Canyon, Mexico…
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for the special relationship and bond I have with my sister. We are probably rather unusual, as I can honestly say over the years I can only remember once having harsh words, and it was my doing. I was probably a teenager at the time, and as I recall, we had been assigned some housekeeping chores to be done by our mother. I raised my voice in a harsh manner (don’t even remember the specifics), but I think it was a criticism, and it hurt her feelings. Then of course I felt horrible, shed a few tears myself, and that is the one and only time in our 60+ years of being siblings that has ever happened.
A Note From Abroad 
I had an opportunity to visit Whidbey Island a few years ago. It is a very special place.
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We think that the Deception Pass area and Coupeville are especially beautiful.
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when are you coming to India ? you are welcome to stay in our home in Delhi
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Wow, what a generous offer. We do not have any plans in the near future to return to India, but we have certainly discussed it several times. We are especially interested in seeing the southern part of your fascinating country since we have not been to that area yet. There is a river cruise on Uniworld that caught my attention. Maybe next year – who knows at this point.
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You are the best judge for your trips and their timings. Hope you will get it right. I live in the North but I know south is fantastic for its people, food and temples, and culture.
Best of luck
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Not surprising there’s so much snow . We’ve pretty much had snow on the ground since the beginning of December. (I live in the Fraser Valley, just across the border in BC) … it’s wonderful you and your sister get along so well. 😀
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I know we are more the exception than the rule. Feeling very fortunate.
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Wonderful trip, and next Copper Canyon. Have fun.
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Thank you Terry. Did you get there on any of your travels?
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Wow, you actually went on a beautiful day, which is rare in the PNW this year 🙂
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It was a little cool for this California girl, but all around a gorgeous day.
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I love the pics.
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Thank you
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I owned a little house on the west bluff south of Coupeville for 11 years, with a view out my living room to the shipping lanes of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic mountains…sunsets and moonsets and endless sky. Thanks for reminding me it’s time for a visit! Nice post here. Have a good south.
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Sounds idyllic. Such a beautiful place. Every time we get up that way we talk about returning to spend a longer visit – especially in late spring, summer or early fall when the weather is a bit warmer. Hope you get to visit soon.
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What a lovely, heart warming post, thank you. Ellen wearing a green sweater for St.Patrick’s Day says so much without words. X
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She made sure she was wearing green as soon as we reminded her it was St. Patrick’s Day.
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Whidbey Island is quite beautiful and the view from your sister’s house is spectacular. Our RV goes in for a little work today, but then she has over 100,000 miles of travel behind her. –Curt
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Sounds like time for a tune up. Your RV has obviously been well used and loved to reach the 100,000 mile mark.
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Our second one to reach that status! 🙂
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Now THAT is what I call RVing!
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🙂
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We spent many happy years living on Whidbey, Oak Harbor. The park is such a beautiful place. I even sold real estate on north Whidbey in the early 1990’s. Your post reminds me that it’s time for us to take another trip back.
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The park was the perfect place for a nice leisurely walk. We also checked out several RV sites where we hope to stay late summer or early fall. So glad we could give you a nudge in that direction.
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We love Whidbey Island and know it well. I recognise where those photos were taken. Before we became nomadic we’d go down there 2 or 3 times per year as we have friends who have property at the south end of the island. Beautiful place.
Alison
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It’s nice to hear from someone else who has been there and recognizes just how special the area is.
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Hi, you travelers. . Happy days.. Enjoying your travels
Alice & Rod
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Hi Alice and Rod! Sending you both a big hug!
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I love Deception Pass State Park! What awesome views you sister has 😊
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I could sit and enjoy that view for hours at a time. It is really special!
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I love the Pacific Northwest. It has long been one of our favorite vacation spots. My nieces recently moved to Bellingham, so we’ll be making another trip to the area soon. Thank you for reminding me what I enjoy about the area and how lucky I am, like you, to have remained close to my two sisters.
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How wonderful that you have two sisters and that you are close with both of them. We are blessed!
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Such a lovely collection of travel photos. I think you were kind to visit and keep elderly company as we all will be in the same shoes, one day! I liked the view from your friends’ deck. Beautiful lavender and purple hues. Thank you for sharing! 🙂 Robin xo
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Thank you very much Robin. Their view is so special. And you are right, whether we like it or not, we are all aging. Hopefully if our time comes that we can not care for ourselves that there will be someone who will keep us safe and cared for.
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Thank you for taking the time to check out my site, craigfactor. I lived for a year in Port Townsend and took the ferry over to Whidbey Island. What a beautiful place. I loved your picture of the tree. I also thought it was interesting you only remember having harsh words with your sister once. When I have more time, I’ll read some of your other posts. Happy Travels, Sandy
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Welcome Sandy. That tree was so majestic. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful relationship with my sister.
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