During my 6 week stay in Oregon I took a 3 day trip to Whidbey Island in Washington to stay with one of my good girl friends. It was a much needed relaxing island getaway during a stressful 6 week training period. We hiked, crabbed, and relaxed at her family beach house. The best part, Winter was reunited with her best dog friend, naughty Nog.
Crabbing on Whidbey Island
One of the most exciting things I did during my visit was go crabbing. The first day we stopped at the store to pick up a crabbing license for the state of Washington. No one wants a ticket from the Fish and Game Department or to end up on a TV show like Lone Star Law for fishing illegally. All the rules and the season for crab fishing in Washington is available from their Fish and Game website.
Once we were legal, we loaded up the boat and headed out to the area we wanted to set our pots. We kept our eye out for Orca’s, but we did not see any. However we did see a pod of porpoises. Setting the pots felt like real life Deadliest Catch, only on a much much smaller scale. The next morning we waded through the freezing water to get to the boat and headed to pick up the pots. On such a long soak (almost 24 hours) we caught the motherload. Everyone got their limit and we headed back to clean the crab and have a good ole fashion crab boil.
Hiking Deception Pass State Park
My only “must do” on the visit to Whidbey Island was to hike at Deception Pass at sunset. Technically the hike is on Fidalgo Island, and it was about an hour from where we were staying. The hike from Deception Pass State Park parking lot to Lighthouse Point was short, about 1 mile and not too difficult, and the view did not disappoint. The sunset over the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands was picturesque and as usual, photos do not do it justice.
Whidbey Island Beach Days
The best part of my trip to Whidbey Island was hanging out at the beach. A short walk away was a beach dog park, where Winter and Nog got to play and enjoy living their best doggy lives.
As for the humans, we enjoyed the sun, views of Mt. Rainer from the house patio, and a quick paddleboard trip at high tide. Luckily, no one fell into the water on this adventure. At night we enjoyed sunsets and camp fires on the beach looking at the stars.
When Winter met a Horse
My last day in Washington we went to the horse barn where my friend keeps her horse, Tex. For the first time in probably 10 years, I got onto a horse. Luckily I did not fall off and Tex was easy going and a very forgiving horse.
After my ride, Winter and Nog joined us. Winter got to meet her very first horse. She was not too sure what to make of him at first. But after a minute she warmed right up to him.
Check out more of my Travel blogs and more, here! Visit the archives page to see what else Winter and I have been up to!
What a great article, short and very sweet! Really like the video and all the pictures. Especially appreciated your reference to my favorite show Lone Star Law… that was funny. The show at least kept you from getting a ticket… :-)) Crabbing, I really miss doing that. Looks like you really had a great trip. The PNW summertime is truly beautiful.
Haha I thought it was a funny reference. Glad you enjoyed the read and all the photos.
3exhilaration