It was a beautiful warm sunny day, a great day to be on the water closing around the San Juan Islands and looking for whales. And we saw lots of them, we see three or four a few hundred yards away, and that there be some more of the other side of the boat, and then a few of them got closer, and once one right up close to the boat. What a treat it was to see the ocean mammals up close and personal. I wish I had some better pictures for your but there’s lots of pictures of whales available on the net, but I did do a little video of the trip to get a little bit of an idea of what was like. If you haven’t been out of the tour it’s a great thing to do, there is a very knowledgeable naturalist on board keeping you informed about whales and other sea life and birds and history of the islands along the way.

Just in time for the Anacortes Waterfront Festival happening 5/21/11 – 5/22/11, Seafarers’ Memorial Park had its Grand Reopening today on the shores of Fidalgo Bay.  Seafarers’ Memorial Park was the original site of Scott Paper Mill and for close to 100 years of mill operation left widespread contamination from wood waste to toxic chemicals. Under the Governors Puget Sound Initiative, starting in 2009 the Park underwent a major cleanup, decontamination and restoration. As you will see today the Park is inviting and healthy,  welcoming the community to come enjoy the island views, the cleaned up waters,  picnic and  enjoy summer concerts and of course, the maritime activities.

For more information regarding Anacortes or Skagit County Real Estate or for information on Bellingham Homes for Sale, feel free to contact Roberta Soares at 360-303-3898.

One of the many great aspects of Bellingham are the assortment of trails that one can hike.  My favorite is in Fairhaven. This is the Interurban Trail that will take you all the way to Arroyo Park(1.8 miles) and Larrabee State Park(6.6 miles).
I usually catch it at 10th and Donovan and make my way westerly down to the edge of Bellingham Bay. This path is a level cleared path, landscaped with dense brush and foliage and old trees. Along this path, Padden Creek passes through on its way to the Bay, hydrating all the vegetation.   I love the quietness of this path.  Except for the distant horn of the train, you can hear the leaves fall, the dewdrops as they hit the ground, the pitter patter of squirrels and rabbits.  Peaceful and serene.

Along the way you hit the off leash dog park, it is set down in a large bowl well protected from the streets and elements.   Usually I’ll have my Jezebelle with me and will have to sit a good while to watch her romp and play.  One can’t help but stop and watch the interaction between the pups. I’m convinced this is therapy.

Go a  little bit further and you reach the Heron Nesting Colony. From February through
summer, the colony will be alive with the Heron and their young nesting, breeding and teaching their young.

At the west end is Marine park and the Bay with its views of Lummi Island.  On this particular morning it is beautifully fogged in.

This is how I start my day each and every day.  With views like this, with sounds of nature, with the play of my dog and others.  I never tire of this route, or for that matter any of the trails around Bellingham.  They change every day, with every step.  There is always a new color to see,  a new sound or scent, a new experience.  Like I said,  I start each and every day with a hike and so tomorrow will bring a new day and a new trail.         Happy Hiking!

Residential growth has taken place throughout the neighborhood and includes apartments, multi-family housing, and single-family homes.

On Barkley Hill, several subdivisions of newer, single-family homes cover the western hillside. These homes are built near the top of the hill and enjoy stunning views of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the Canadian Cascades. These are all fairly large homes that were built from the 1990s to the present.