I was born and raised in The area and still, after 38 years, regularly and effortlessly find new and exciting places to visit and photograph. In my first picture "Mutiny Bay Sunset - Whidbey Island" you will see just one small example of the beautiful surroundings as seen from Whidbey. At 50 miles long, Whidbey is one of the longest islands in the united states. If you plan to visit, avoid peak ferry traffic, which usually occurs during commuter hours and especially Thursday and Friday afternoons. Also, there is often a long wait leaving the island on Sunday afternoons. The ferry boat ride is pleasant and short at around 15 minutes crossing time, but a 2 hour wait can spoil the fun! You can also access the mainland via the Deception Pass Bridge, but keep in mind that the bridge is at the northern most end of the island making it a long drive to and from the Seattle area. During your visit, plan to venture off of the highway! Many of the beaches and attractions including the small cities and towns of Whidbey are located off of the beaten path! There is terrific hiking and Camping at Cranberry Lake/Deception Pass State Park. My second picture was taken during a short hike at The Grove Of The Patriarchs - Mt. Rainier. The 'Patriarchs' are the old growth trees that you will walk through on this easy hike with little or no elevation gain. The creek that you see in the picture is a tributary of the Ohanapecosh River. There is a small suspenion bridge enabling hikers to cross the river and enter the old growth forest. I have a whole album of Paradise Mt. Rainier and can't say enough great things about this area! To me it is the best hiking in Washington State, which makes it the best (in my opinon) in the world. Please note that the Park closes during the fall and winter months due to snow. I also had no cell phone reception while I was there. My third and final picture was taken at Woodland Park Zoo (thankfully not in the wild). There are always great photo opportunities right in town at the zoo! They have done an amazing job of creating simulated natural habitats for the animals. This hippo repeatedly posed for me and if you look closely at the picture he was looking right at me as if he knew he was being photographed! Getting back to the title of my story - summer in the Pacific N.W. really is the best - but way too short! Any ideas?