Home Base, Sunlight Beach, WA.

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Sunlight Beach on Whidbey Island is my jumping off point for this year's travels. This little place has been my home base since childhood and provides lots of fun and relaxation.

Sunlight Beach faces south onto Useless Bay, a wide, calm and shallow bay which is perfect for rowing, sailing, swimming, waterskiing, funisland lounging and epic seaweed fights. There are seals, black fish/dolphins and even ocassional whales that use the bay to rest and snack on the salmon and other fish that live here. Twice a day the waters of Puget Sound empty out of the bay and leave up to a mile of tide flats. The eagles come out to reside on their favorite sandbar, dogs have enless fun chasing seagulls and inhabitants of the beach come out to gather clams, crab, kelp and enjoy a walk on the newly exposed sand. Photo & Info Link

As the tide rolls back in the water moves into the estuary behind the strip of sand called Sunlight Beach. As the "lagoon" fills up eagles, herons and osprey hunt for fish in the strong currents. They circle high above the surface of the water channels and then tilt their heads and crash through the surface to the meal below. An amazing assortment of seabirds, duck and geese float the still backwaters and rest in this protected little haven. Ecology Link

Double Bluff is a big sand cliff that is beautiful to look at and admire the layers of geologic history. Steep sandfalls provide enless fun and dirty games. Just ask a scumbum what they are. Double Bluff Info Link

Off the beach there are few city amenities, however, just minutes away there is a small natural grocer, a fish monger, an art shop and a cafe called the 3 cats. Bayview Market Link

The "rainbow house" is nestled inbetween the beachfront dune and the estuary. Our neighbor's horses stroll one side of the cabin while on another side the happy birds of the lagoon sing away the days. Kleo the cat can usually be found concealed in the tall grasses on the hunt for birds and bunnies. However, she spends a bit of time sprawled out in front of the fireplace too. Though, I spend much time traveling and floating rivers, Sunlight Beach is my favorite place to be. Link to arial view of Useless Bay

November 6 2006 is the next stop: Hong Kong, China to visit my brother Peter. Check out his TravelBlog

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Photos

On the Beach
Sunlight Beach, October 2006

Incoming Tide
Sunlight Beach, Fall Season

Fall Sunset
Sunset on Sunlight Beach

The Rainbow House
Oars & bike, most usefull tools on Useless Bay.

Kleo
Trouble.