Friday August 30, 21.3mi/34.3km
Deception Pass State Park/Quarry Campground (965.3/75ft) to Happy House (986.6/80ft) (WA)
It rained most of the night, and I packed up a wet tent at 7am. It was a nice, cool morning to hike, and for the first hour I was on trails.
Then, the paved roadwalk started. Good scenery, but hard on the feet.
No wildflowers today, just a floral shop.
Whidbey island is home to a Naval Air Station, with loud jets practicing aircraft carrier landings.
Another mile down the pavement was a cluster of food establishments, including a taco truck. Easy decision!
My feet were beginning to complain about the 4 hours of pavement walking so far, and I had another 3 hours to go. There was a short respite on a beach walk section.
The Alfred Hitchcock movie came to mind with all these avian crowds…
There was a strange abandoned stone structure in the trail thru Whidbey State Park. I think it used to be a fountain?
After two more hours on pavement, I arrived at the “Happy House”, where Rebecca and John have been helping out PNT hikers since 2012.
We had a fun night of conversation, planning the upcoming section thru the Olympic National Park, and enjoying a delicious taco salad dinner. And, dessert – homemade apple pie and ice cream! (In my world, each of these is a food group).
Thank You, Rebecca & John, for all you do for hikers!
Maybe its time to consider some Crocs. They are great for road walks. And beach walks. And around camp. And at weddings.
I’m thinking about it! They seem to be good for everything except slab, and swimming. What color?
If you’re going to hang them on the back of your pack, blaze orange should be considered.
It was great to meet you, Recon. I am enjoying reading about your adventures!
It was so fun meeting you both! And thank you, making so many hikers feel so welcome at your house!