Plan A Weekend on Whidbey

For the readers who are admirers of the Puget Sound but not residents, it may surprise you to know that the Olympic Peninsula is host to the world's northern most rain forest.

Huge weather systems dump rain upon the Olympic Peninsula year-round. Thanks to the mountains and a natural occurrence called orographic lift, the Puget Sound is saved from most of the down pour. When the clouds have lost enough water-weight to ascend over the Olympic Mountain Range they may dwell for some time in the Seattle area (you can thank the Cascade Mountain Range for that).

As a result of this weather pattern residents suffer from an average of 200 overcast days a year. The months of January, February, March, and some of April are usually the darkest days of an everlasting winter. How do we cope? Weekend vacations, novels, and coffee.... lots and lots of coffee.

Murder Most Marvelous

Where? Langley, Whidbey Island, WA

When? February 27-28th, 2010

Cost? $5.00 per entry

Langley: a quaint seaside town accentuated by its pristine historical architecture and rolling grass hills dotted with sheep - oddly reminiscent of Sandford (think "Hot Fuzz") - is the site of an annual murder mystery. It just goes to show you that too much of a good thing might just kill you.

Double Bluff State Park, Whidbey Island

Where: Useless Bay, Whidbey Island, WA

Price: FREE minus ferry ticket and gas.

Facilities: good - 9 times out of 10 they are very clean.

Park Offers: off-leash dog park, beach front, picnic tables

Wildlife: bald eagles, live sand dollars, crabs, starfish and deer.

Clamming: WDFW has a profile webpage for the park here. I noticed the park profile mentions that clams and oysters are open all year. Harvest information is here. Don't forget any necessary permits. :-)

Whidbey Island Ferry

Where? 701 Front Street, Mukilteo, WA 98275
When? 5:00am-1:00am, every 1/2 hour.
How much? Adult Pedestrian = $3.95 Vehicle under 20' = $8.60
Travel Time? About 20 minutes.

Read a WikiHow: How to Drive Your Car on to a Ferry

Lightstation Mukilteo, Mukilteo WA

LIGHTSTATION MUKILTEO

Location: 608 Front Street, Mukilteo, WA 98275
Hours: 12:00pm-5:00pm Weekends & Holidays,
April through September
Cost: Free