When I lived on Whidbey Island years ago, one of my favorite places to visit was Joseph Whidbey State Park. Most people visit it using the pull out alongside West Beach Road, which is open year-round. The park is closed during the fall and winter months, so this is one reason why. During warmers months, the main entrance is open, and one can drive in. There are a couple looping trails upland, which are short (great for children), however the real beauty is the beach, though it is short.
The park sits next to the NAS Whidbey Naval Station, so on some days you can get great viewpoints of planes. However, this should also be noted that if the Sound of Freedom bothers you, you might want a different place to walk. Like on a different island. I lived under the flight path for 13+ years so it doesn’t bother me. Having said that, it was a glorious cold Fall morning and was socked in fog. Which I love to hike in.
On the beach I spotted Grindelia Integrifolia, growing in the area between high tide and driftwood. It’s a native plant, and flowers long. It’s a special treat to see it into late October. The warm days this month has helped it along. It’ll fade in the coming days.
Because. Beach time. It heals the soul. A little invigorating cold wind is good as well.
Mostly it brings back memories, of when my oldest was younger than his youngest brother. We’d go to the beach a few times a week, often after I got off work. I worked as a barista, in an espresso shop. I was free by 10 or 11 in the morning, so we’d go have fun, and this beach was one of our favorites. We would come, walk, and he’d play in the driftwood.
~Sarah