We wandered along Front Street in Coupevile which looked much as it did in in the early 20th century with 50 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. That, of course, makes me happy. The street is lined with boutiques and antique shops.
Although the island is only thirty miles north of Seattle, the pastoral land is a most welcome calming relief for the urban folks. The island, 45 miles long and ten miles across, is full of the ports that were important centers between the 1850s and 1900, as ships were the primary mode of transportation.
The farmers grew wheat, oats, barley, and raised sheep, and farming is again in fashion. Farm stands here and further north are piled high with seasonal produce. The island is mostly rural with several quaint towns and communities dotting the landscape.
Oak Harbor, with 22,000 residents, is the largest city and was our home for the night at the friendly Walmart that was on the side of a hill. We visited the historic downtown area and the waterfront.
Deception Pass Bridge is on the northern part of the island. Built in 1935, it carries passengers across the tidal rapids that can flow 9.5 miles an hour. We toured the adjacent state park and then had a fun stop on the north side of the bridge. The morning fog kept our view to the west to a minimum. I was so proud that I walked a portion of the way across the bridge.
We drove off the island and thru the Seattle area traffic and turned towards the Cascades. What beautiful scenery.
Snoqalamie Pass, a popular ski area in the winter, deserved a stop.
By day's end we were having a rib dinner at the Spokane Elk's Lodge. It is quite a suitable spot with electricity. Too bad our a/c doesn't work worth a darn. This is the first warm say we have encountered - in the 80s.
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