Edie could not make the trip this time but both of my daughters, my youngest grandson and my oldest daughters boy friend Rob were all able to make the trip. I took off from Eatonville fairly early with the weather looking like rain (it is the northwest afterall) and arrived in Lynnwood just in time for us all to head out.
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| It was still dry when we headed out!! |
This was the first time I have been able to ride with both of my daughters at the same time. I have been trying for many years to get my brothers/sisters/aunts/uncles & cousins to understand why I love riding motorcycles. They just don't get it, none of them ride and none of them are interested in even thinking about riding. It was during this ride that I came to the realization that my daughters and grandkids all not only understand why I ride, but they love it too. When I get on the bike all of my problems and concerns just slough away. All of my concentration is on riding and controlling this 2 wheeled extension of my own body. I'm out in the open with nothing between me and the 360 degree view around me. I love the feel of the bike under me as we wind our way through the corners and on to the next rise in the road. The bike becomes a part of me and I a part of it. I can't wait to see what vistas presents themselves just over the next hill. My daughters and wife get it, they understand and they enjoy it as much as I do. For this I feel extremely lucky!!
Its about a 1 & 1/2 hour ride from my oldest daughters house to the park going up I-5 and then west on Highway 20 toward Whidbey Island. On the north side of the bridges there is a brass plaque detailing why this place is called Deception Pass.
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To connect Whidbey Island to the mainland they built 2 bridges over the pass, a short one from the mainland to the small island in the pass and a longer one from the island to Whidbey Island.
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| Both bridges from the tour boat just outside the pass looking back toward the east. |
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| The longer of the two from the island in the middle. |
Rosario Beach, a fantastic place for a picnic is located just to the south west of the bridges There is also a campground available in the park if you are interested in staying overnight.
We took a walk across both of the bridges, the view from there is spectacular. On both sides of the park is old growth forest and beautiful hiking trails.
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| Looking out to sea from on the bridge. |
We had just enough time after visiting the bridges to get down to the harbor to take the tour boat ride out through the pass and around the small island you see in the picture above. We bought Groupons which cut the price down to 12 dollars each instead of the 25 that it normally costs. If you get a chance to visit the park make sure you take the boat tour!!
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| Someday I'll have to get even with Nathan!! |
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| These guys were headed out as we came back in. Notice the clouds starting to build. |
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| I'm not sure what they were laughing at, but is sure was contagious. |
When we got back from the boat ride the weather was starting to turn darker so we decided to drive down and take the Mukilteo ferry back to Lynnwood. By the time we got to the ferry it was pouring down. The great thing about Washington State Ferries is they let you on first and off first. We spent the ride over setting in the restaurant section enjoying coffee and hot chocolate. By the time we docked it was starting to get dark. So after dropping my grandson off at his house I said goodbye to my daughters and headed back home. It was a bit of a wet ride back home but the enjoyment of having spent the day riding with my family kept me warm and cozy all the way there.
If you have never been to Deception Pass State Park ----- GO!!
