Nomad Life - Day 120

Still fighting the cold/flu when I woke up at 0430 (alarm needed) this morning.  I managed to start teleworking and, during a break, made breakfast in my room at the Navy Inn on NAS Whidbey Island.  With many of my colleagues already on leave, it was a very slow work day.  I might have taken some time off, just because I was so bored, but it was raining and windy outside.  I took some more of my medication - it seemed to be helping.  At mid day, I ate lunch (snacks) in my room and then was able to finish my work day at 1300.  By then, fortunately, the weather had improved.  As I departed the Navy Inn (1310), I got some amazing views of snow covered mountains in all directions.  On the way off the base, I stopped at the Air Terminal to check on Space A passenger opportunities during the coming week - sadly, there were none.  After that, I ended up having to try a few gates before I was able to leave (there was construction at the main gate but it was also "holiday routine".  I eventually managed to get outside of NAS Whidbey Island by following other folks.  Before leaving my room, I decided that I wanted to find out the answer to the question "what is the Southern half of Whidbey Island life?"  In all my travels to the area, I've never been south of the Coupeville Ferry Landing - today that changes!  With this goal in mind, I drove into Oak Harbor and got on WA-20, which I followed towards the south.  On the way to Coupeville, I passed the Navy OLF.  When I saw signs for the Ferry Landing, I realized I was no longer on WA-20 (I'd changed to following WA-525).  I continued all the way to the Clinton Ferry Terminal (arrived at 1355) and, after getting some photos, I used back roads to find my way to the southernmost point of Whidbey Island.  I was surprised the by number of big trees that surrounded the roads and the remoteness of the area where I was.  Along the way, I checked out a neighborhood along Cultus Bay.  After that, I drove to Possession Point, stopping first at the Possession Beach Waterfront Park.  I parked my car there at 1425 and then walked on beach.  The weather was very nice: high 40s, clear and no rain.  However, all of the walking surfaces were very muddy from the recent rains.  Along the way, I went hiking on Dorothy Cleveland Trail and was able to get some good views of the trees, waterfront and roads well below me.  Sadly,. there were also lots of "private property" signs so I had to turn back before I could see Cultus Bay clearly through the trees.  After descending down to the road again (east side of the ridge), I walked on a paved road to Possession Point State Park.  Even though the gate there was closed, I was able to access the beach (and walk some more).  During my birding in these two locations, I encountered 32 bird species (a bald eagle fishing and two huge herons, standing stock still, were the highlights).  I enjoyed the views I got of Possession Sound and Mount Baker.  It was also interesting to watch the Kingston to Edwards Ferry (visible to the south of my location).  After a wonderful hike (despite my lingering cold), I reached my car (1555) and retraced my drive (via Cultus Bay Road) back towards civilization. I was able to cross WA-525 and then drive north.  Before long, I found myself in the town of Langley and got several great views of Saratoga Passage.  Finding an interesting looking downtown area, I parked and made my way to the Double Bluff Brewing Company.  Inside, I found a seat at the bar (1610) and joined the other (older guy) patrons for their "Tasting Tuesday" event.  Apparently a weekly event, customers brought their own cans of beer for other people to sample.  One guy, named Jim, had even made several cheese, meat and nut pairing combos for his beer.  I learned all about the mug club, the good beers that are locally made (I sampled a flight) and even met one of the brew masters (Zachary).  During the evening, I talked to a realtor (Steve) and two other locals, who told me all about "South Whidbey" politics, real estate, activities and the kinds of people who live, work and visit the area.  There is, apparently, a divide (Red & Blue for politics, working man & retiree, military & hippie) at work north and south of Coupeville.  By the end of each of the conversations, I was told I was more than welcome to return for a night with the guys.  They added that I needed to make sure that, next time, I also visited a nearby pizza restaurant and a cocktail lounge with "Fifth Element" themed drinks (it all sounded like fun!).  My wonderful time in Langley ended at 1735 and I started making my way back to NAS Whidbey.  Without using my iPhone map, I followed the coastline north towards Bells Beach and then cut across the peninsula to Beverly Beach.  This route was obviously not direct but gave me more of a feeling for the area.  I eventually got back on WA-525 (in Freeland) and continued north to Oak Harbor.  Along the way, I talked to Kerith (nearly a 45 minute call) and got dinner at Arby's (1840).  I ate the food in my car and somehow managed to locate the correct gate to enter NAS Whidbey; I arrived at the Navy Inn by 1900.  Emboldened by my apparent "discovery" about the North and South Whidbey differences, I talked to the lady was was working at the Front Desk and, surprisingly, she agreed with me.  It turned out that she had been born on the Island and knew exactly the vibe I was describing.  I'm intrigued to learn more about this strange cultural divide...  Before heading back to my room, I got some more cookies and cocoa (the Lobby has been very generous this week!).  Starting at 1915, I spent the rest of the evening resting, relaxing, reading, etc.  I also watched movies until it was time for bed (2200).  Despite my foray out into the woods this afternoon (and my possibly ill-advised beer tasting), I'm till not feeling 100% myself - maybe by tomorrow this cold/flu will be gone...